National Hurricane Preparedness Week 2026

National Hurricane Preparedness Week is a timely reminder that the best moment to get ready is before a storm is on the map.

Each year the Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and runs through November 30. As we well know, all it takes is one storm to turn a quiet season into a devastating one. For those of us in coastal and island communities, hurricanes aren’t abstract. They are a predictable part of life that can upend routines, damage homes, and strain essential services. The good news is that preparation works. Small actions taken now can dramatically reduce harm later, especially when neighbors prepare together.

Community preparedness starts with getting clear on the risks and making a simple, shared plan. Know your sheltering plan, if you will need to stay somewhere other than your home. Identify who in your household or neighborhood may need extra support, like seniors, people with access and functional needs, families with infants, and anyone without reliable transportation. Pick a few check-in contacts, decide where you will reunite if separated, and write down key numbers in case phones or internet are unreliable.

Next, strengthen preparedness at home. Build or refresh an emergency kit with water, shelf-stable food, medications, first aid supplies, batteries, flashlights, and hygiene items to last 5 to 7 days. Secure important documents in a waterproof bag and keep a small amount of cash on hand. If you can, walk your property: trim trees, clear gutters and drains, bring in loose outdoor items, and make a plan for shutters or window protection before a storm is on the radar.

Preparedness is also collective. Check on your neighbors, share resources, and identify who has tools like generators, tarps, chainsaws, or extra fuel storage. Agree on a plan for how you’ll communicate and help each other safely after a storm. Follow trusted local updates, not rumors, and consider volunteering or training with community response efforts so support is organized when it matters most.

Hurricane season can be stressful, but preparation is a form of confidence and care. If you take one step this week, make it a short plan or a quick supply check. If you take two, add a neighbor check-in. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s readiness. When the next storm forms, we’ll be stronger if we’re prepared as individuals and as a community.