This list is for leaving by car ahead of a hurricane and staying away for up to a month. That could be a family evacuating or a responder heading into a storm area. Pack it before the season starts, keep it where everyone in the house knows to find it, and check it every year. When local officials tell you to evacuate, go.
On you & documents. Bring ID, insurance policies and other key papers, with copies in a waterproof bag and a digital copy saved somewhere secure that you can reach from your phone. Cash in small bills helps when power is out and card readers don’t work. Keep your phone charged and a power bank ready.
Clothing & layers. Pack clothes for about a week and plan to wash them. Add rain gear, sturdy shoes, extra socks and work gloves for cleanup. Storm weather can be hot and wet at the same time, so quick-dry clothing and sun cover earn their space.
Water, food & health. Plan on at least one gallon of water per person per day for several days, for drinking and washing, plus 72 hours of food that doesn’t need cooking. A cooler and extra water jugs stretch that once you’re settled. Pack your prescriptions and a list of them, a first-aid kit, a hygiene kit and hand sanitizer. You may not be able to refill medicine or buy supplies for days or weeks after a storm. If you have pets, add their food, water and papers.
Gear & tools. A headlamp and a lantern cover the dark. A jump starter keeps you moving if the car battery dies. Dry bags and zip bags keep papers and electronics dry.
Safety & conditions. Bring a battery or hand-crank radio so you can get alerts when cell service is down. A whistle can signal for help. Check the spare tire and jack before you leave, and carry paper road maps in case detours take you off your phone’s map. N95 masks help during cleanup, when dust and mold are in the air. Never walk or drive through flood water. Six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and a foot of moving water can sweep a car away.
Comfort & extras. A camp chair, a notebook and offline downloads help with long waits in shelters, motels or a relative’s living room. A cooling towel helps when the power is out in the heat.
Know your evacuation zone and route before the storm, and follow local officials. Then mark what’s optional for you, add your own items and print the list.