How to prepare for a hurricane like Irma — which could soon hit the US and Caribbean

CIRA/RAMMB; NOAA

This year’s hurricane season is shaping up to be unusually active. The fourth hurricane of 2017, Irma, is now a Category 5 storm, and is heading towards the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic.

Although it’s not yet known whether Irma will make landfall in the continental US, officials in the Florida Keys are already issuing evacuation recommendations and closing schools. The storm comes on the heels of Hurricane Harvey, which devastated parts of Texas, including Houston.

Several forecasting groups — including the Weather Company, which is behind the Weather Channel and Weather Underground — predicted a busier-than-normal hurricane season for 2017. Irma is already the fourth hurricane of 2017.

The peak of the season is around September 10, which means more hurricanes are likely. On Tuesday, a tropical storm named Jose formed in the Atlantic east of Irma, though it’s too early to say where it will go.

The prevalence and severity of storms so far this year caught many people by surprise, however, and has left many others scrambling to prepare. If you’re wondering what to do in the face of hurricane threats, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have resources to help people get ready. Here are some of their recommendations.

Gather supplies in advance.

Eric Gay/AP

FEMA recommends keeping an emergency supply kit on hand at all times — especially when the threat of a severe weather event arises. The kit should include:

- At least one gallon of water per person in the household per day for three days 

- A three-day supply of non-perishable food, and a can opener if necessary (including for your pet)

- Any important family documents (insurance policy statements, bank account information, passports, birth certificates, etc.)

- A battery-powered or hand-crank radio

- A flashlight with extra batteries

- A first-aid kit

- A week’s supply of any prescription medications, and an extra pair of glasses

- Cash

- A complete change of clothing

- Local maps

- A whistle in case you need to signal for help

- A dust mask

- Duct tape

- Moist towelettes

- Garbage bags

- A wrench or pair of pliers

- Infant formula and diapers if you have young children

The most essential items on this list — whatever can be carried — should be packed in advance in a go-bag that can be grabbed quickly if an evacuation becomes necessary. Since grocery stores empty out and prices get gouged in an emergency situation, stocking up ahead of time is best. 

Here are FEMA's full emergency supply list guidelines.

Create an emergency plan for your family.

Eric Gay/AP

FEMA and the DHS say it’s essential to come up with an emergency plan for your family long before a disaster arrives. This plan should include packing your emergency supply kit and go-bag. It should also cover what you’ll do in the event of a mandatory evacuation — which routes are safest in hurricanes, where all members of a household should try to go, etc.

Additionally, you should pick an out-of-state contact that everyone will get in touch with in the event that your family gets separated. Each person should carry a sheet in their wallet with that person's contact information, as well as other important numbers and information. (Phones can always die, and most of us no longer memorize phone numbers or addresses the way we used to.)

In an ideal scenario, families should practice these plans ahead of time to work out any kinks and gain comfort with them before encountering stressful conditions.

To keep track of a developing storm, you can also sign up for alerts from the National Weather Service (NWS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Evacuate only if it's recommended or mandatory.

Eric Gay/AP

The most common reason for mandatory evacuation orders is a storm surge warning — that’s the crest of water that forms from a storm’s powerful winds. If you live in an area that could face such a threat, make an evacuation plan with your family that includes which roads you’ll take and where you’ll go. Generally, emergency shelters are set up in the days ahead of a storm, so you can consult FEMA or your local city government to determine where those will be.

However, some cities have good reason to avoid issuing evacuation orders. When Harvey hit Houston, officials didn't tell residents to leave in order to avoid clogging highways and other roads. Those drivers could have found themselves getting into accidents or stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic as waters overtook roadways. When Hurricane Rita barreled toward Texas in 2005, an exodus of about 3 million people contributed to at least 73 deaths before the storm arrived.

So if there’s no voluntary or mandatory evacuation in place for your area, stay put and keep your car in good working condition with a full gas tank in case a late evacuation order does come. Once a mandatory evacuation is put in place, however, you should leave immediately. That’s why it’s important to have a go-bag prepared.

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