Preparations When a Hurricane is Within 36 Hours from Arriving

When a hurricane is less than 2 days away, it’s go-time for protecting your home and family. A hurricane warning may be issued when conditions are expected to impact your area within 36 hours, meaning the storm’s path is now more certain – and getting closer.

If you're wondering what to do before a hurricane hits, this is not the moment to start major storm prep from scratch. By the time you're 36 hours out, the focus should shift to last-minute steps, safety checks, and getting yourself – and your household – into storm mode.

Here’s what to prioritize as the clock ticks down.

What Should Already Be Done by the 36-Hour Mark

By the time a hurricane is this close, most major tasks should be completed. Here's what should already be off your checklist:

• Your homeowners and flood insurance policies have been reviewed with your agent.

• You’ve taken a home inventory and saved it digitally or to the cloud.

• Emergency supplies are stocked—water, shelf-stable food, pet supplies, first-aid kit, flashlights, batteries, and yes, cash.

• A go-bag is packed for each household member, including essentials like ID, medications, chargers, and clothes – in case you're forced to leave your home suddenly due to unsafe conditions.

• Storm shutters or panels have been tested, installed, or prepared.

• Loose branches are trimmed, and gutters are cleared.

• Electrical devices and backup batteries have been charged.

• Important documents are secured in a waterproof container or uploaded digitally.

• Vehicles have full gas tanks, and any propane tanks are safely stored.

• You’ve made ice or filled containers with water in the freezer to help preserve food if the power goes out.

• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are tested and working.

• Your family disaster plan is in place and reviewed with everyone in your household.

Completing these tasks ahead of time is essential. Once you’re within the 36-hour window, it may be too dangerous – or simply too late – for major structural preparation. That’s why it’s so important to understand what to do before a hurricane hits and get ahead of the storm.

What to Do Within 36 Hours of a Hurricane

With the essentials done, now it’s time to double-check, lock down, and prep for potential power outages and dangerous winds. Focus on these key areas:

Home Safety

Once you're within the 36-hour window, shift your focus to final home safety steps likely to have the greatest impact. If you're still checking off your list of what to do before a hurricane hits, the following final home safety steps deserve your attention.

• Close your storm shutters if you have accordion or roll-down models. Don’t wait until winds pick up.

• Check your yard: Secure or bring in anything still outside, such as potted plants, furniture, garden tools, decorations, garbage bins.

• Drain 1–2 feet of water from your pool to make room for rain. Turn off the pump and motor, and cover with plastic to protect against water damage.

• Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings, and don’t open unless absolutely necessary once the power goes out.

• Place a thermometer inside your fridge and freezer to track temperature if there’s an outage.

• Fill bathtubs or large containers with water for washing or flushing. If possible, line the tub with a tarp or plastic sheet to prevent slow leaks.

• Close all interior doors, as this can help compartmentalize wind pressure if a window or door fails.

• Close blinds and curtains to minimize flying glass risk if windows break.

• Unplug appliances you don’t plan to use, and be sure the stove and oven are off.

Electronics & Emergency Lighting

Here’s how to make sure your lighting and electronics are ready if the power goes out during the storm:

• Charge any devices you didn’t get to earlier.

• Switch to airplane mode while charging to speed up the process – but remember to turn it off afterward so you continue receiving emergency alerts.

• Bring in solar-powered lights from outside to use indoors at night.

• Gather battery-operated flashlights, headlamps, and lanterns and place them where they’re easy to find.

Create Your Safe Room

Choose and prepare your safe room now, while conditions are still calm:

• Choose an interior room without windows, such as a bathroom or closet.

‍

• Stock it with water, snacks, flashlight, backup charger, first-aid kit, and any medications you might need for several hours.

Do These Tasks Before Nightfall

If the storm is expected to hit overnight or early morning, make sure these light-dependent tasks are done while it's still safe outside:

• Install storm shutters or window protection panels, if not already done.

• Move outdoor items to storage or secure them.

• Double-check gutters and drains to ensure they’re clear.

• Photograph your home’s condition inside and out for potential insurance claims.

These are things people forget when scrambling through what to do before a hurricane hits – especially if the storm is due to arrive overnight. Why daylight? Visibility is better, and you’re less likely to injure yourself or miss something important.

Where to Store Your Vehicle – Especially If You Drive Electric

When deciding where to park your vehicle, consider these tips to reduce storm-related damage:

• Inside your garage is safest – unless you’re in a flood zone and drive an electric or hybrid vehicle.

• EVs and hybrids are at risk of fire if their lithium-ion batteries are exposed to saltwater – even if it happens days or weeks earlier. If you expect flooding, move your electric vehicle to higher ground, like a multi-level public garage.

• Park all vehicles away from trees, power lines, or light poles, and use the parking brake.

Stay Informed & Connected

Staying connected is a critical part of what to do before a hurricane hits. Even if the power goes out, you can still receive important updates. Here’s how:

• Download emergency apps now:
  • FEMA App
  • Red Cross Emergency App
  • The Weather Channel App (iPhone) (Android)

• Sign up for emergency alerts from your local government at Alert Florida.

‍

• Follow your county’s emergency management accounts on social media for real-time updates.

Wrap Up Your Hurricane Prep With Confidence

Knowing what to do before a hurricane hits can help you protect your home, your family, and your peace of mind. For more in-depth preparation tips, download the latest edition of Edison Insurance Company’s Hurricane Preparedness Guide – designed to walk you through hurricane season from start to finish.

Stay safe, stay alert, and reach out to your agent with any questions about your policy or coverage needs.

Not yet insured by Edison Insurance Company? Visit our website now to get a quote.