Hurricane Preparedness Week
Published on May 01, 2026
May 3–9 is National Hurricane Preparedness Week. While Southern California rarely sees hurricanes because of cooler ocean waters and typical wind patterns, storms like Hurricane Hilary in 2023 remind us that tropical weather can still bring serious rain, wind and flooding impacts.
The Eastern Pacific hurricane season (which includes Southern California) runs from May 15 to Nov. 30. Hurricanes and tropical storms are not just coastal concerns; their impacts can reach far inland.
Now is a good time to review your emergency plan, check your supplies and make sure your household is ready before severe weather is in the forecast.
Get prepared -- here's how
Develop an evacuation plan
If you are at risk from hurricane impacts, you need an evacuation plan. Now is the time to begin planning where you would go and how you would get there. You do not need to travel hundreds of miles. Your destination could be a friend or relative who lives in a well built home outside flood prone areas. Plan several routes. Be sure to account for your pets.
If you don’t have a vehicle, check with local officials to see what transportation options they may have available.
Assemble disaster supplies
Whether you’re evacuating or sheltering-in-place, you’re going to need supplies not just to get through the storm but for the potentially lengthy and unpleasant aftermath. Have enough non-perishable food, water and medicine to last each person in your family a minimum of 3 days (store a longer than 3-day supply of water, if possible).
Electricity and water could be out for weeks. You’ll need extra cash, a battery-powered radio and flashlights. You may need a portable crank or solar-powered USB charger for your cell phones.
And lastly, don’t forget your pets!
Get an insurance checkup and document your possessions
Call your insurance company or agent and ask for an insurance check-up to make sure you have enough insurance to repair or even replace your home and/or belongings. Remember, home and renters insurance doesn’t cover flooding, so you’ll need a separate policy for it. Flood insurance is available through your company, agent, or the National Flood Insurance Program at floodsmart.gov.
Act now, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period.
Take the time before hurricane season begins to document your possessions: photos, serial numbers, or anything else that you may need to provide your insurance company when filing a claim.
Create a communication plan
Take the time now to write down your hurricane plan, and share it with your family. Determine family meeting places, and make sure to include an out-of-town location in case of evacuation.
Write down on paper a list of emergency contacts, and make sure to include utilities and other critical services. Keep in mind the internet may not be accessible during or after a storm.
Strengthen your home
Now is the time to improve your home’s ability to withstand hurricane impacts:
- Trim trees.
- Install storm shutters, accordion shutters, and/or impact glass.
- Seal outside wall openings.
Remember, the garage door is the most vulnerable part of the home, so it must be able to withstand hurricane-force winds. Many retrofits are not as costly or time consuming as you may think. If you’re a renter, work with your landlord now to prepare for a storm.
And remember - now is the time to purchase the proper plywood, steel or aluminum panels to have on hand if you need to board up the windows and doors ahead of an approaching storm.