Prepare for a hurricane | Hurricane Lowell

Start with official instructions

If local officials tell you to evacuate, follow their instructions promptly. Do not wait for a particular category, for the centre to get closer, or for this website to update.

Local alerts & emergency authorities →

Before the storm: a practical checklist

Tick items as you go. Ticks reset when you reload; print a copy to keep your progress.

Have more than one way to get alerts. Sign up with your local authority and keep a battery-powered radio and spare batteries available. Agree on a household plan. Decide where you would go, how to get there, and how to contact each other if phones or power fail. Plan for people who need extra help. Arrange transport, accessible accommodation, communication support and a backup plan for powered medical equipment. Prepare water, food and essentials. Include a manual can opener, hygiene supplies, first-aid supplies and items for infants. Follow local guidance on quantities. Check medicines and power. Ask your pharmacist or healthcare team about refills, storage and equipment needs. Charge phones and power banks. Pack a go bag. Include essential documents, contact details, medicines and supplies you can carry. Check your destination’s requirements. Include pets. Plan food, water, carriers, medicines and somewhere that can accept them. Do not assume every shelter accepts pets. Prepare your home while it is safe. Secure loose outdoor items and use suitable window protection. Do not begin outdoor work after conditions become dangerous.

Sources: NWS · Before a hurricane ↗ · HI-EMA · Preparation and response ↗

In Hawaiʻi: prepare for two weeks

HI-EMA recommends two weeks of emergency supplies because a disaster can disrupt ports and deliveries. Its water guideline is one US gallon per person per day (about 3.8 litres), plus provision for pets and individual needs.

Build supplies gradually when you can. Keep a portable go bag as well as supplies at home.

HI-EMA’s full two-week supply guide ↗

Watch or warning?

Watch: conditions are possible

Review your plans and be ready to act.

Warning: conditions are expected

Complete preparations and follow official instructions.

How much notice will I get?

NWS hurricane watches are usually issued 48 hours before tropical-storm-force winds could begin; hurricane warnings are generally issued 36 hours before those winds are expected.

These are NWS hurricane definitions—not a countdown or a universal rule for every country. Read the specific notice and affected area. Do not wait if officials tell you to act.

NWS · Watches and warnings explained ↗

During the storm—and after it passes

Stay away from windows while sheltering. Do not go outside during a calm eye passage.
Avoid floodwater, flooded roads, downed power lines and damaged buildings.
Never run a generator inside a home or garage. Follow the manufacturer’s outdoor siting and exhaust-safety instructions.
Return after evacuation only when officials say it is safe. Keep listening for water, road and utility notices.

Source: NWS · After a hurricane ↗

Sources checked September 4, 2026. General guidance; follow local emergency instructions.