Key National Preparation Tools

Ready.gov Hurricane Portal: Comprehensive guides for making a Family Emergency Plan and understanding individual risk from storm surge and wind.NOAA Hurricane Preparedness Week: Scheduled for May 3–9, 2026, this campaign offers daily themes—such as "Know Your Risk" and "Understand Forecast Information"—to help communities prepare before the season starts.FEMA Mobile App: Provides real-time weather alerts from the National Weather Service and helps users locate open emergency shelters by texting "SHELTER" and their ZIP code to 43362. 

Essential Supply Checklists

Resources from the American Red Cross and Ready.gov recommend two distinct kits: 

• Go-Kit (3 Days): Portable supplies for evacuation, including water (1 gallon/person/day), non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, extra batteries, and a hand-crank radio.

• Stay-at-Home Kit (2 Weeks): For sheltering in place without power or water. Should include at least a two-week supply of medication and critical hygiene items.

• Document Protection: Store digital copies of insurance policies, IDs, and medical records in waterproof containers or secure cloud storage. 

2026 Forecast & Technology Updates 

• New Experimental Forecast Cone: Starting in 2026, the National Hurricane Center is transitioning to an experimental cone that uses ellipses instead of circles. This new graphic aims to better capture forecast track errors and will include inland watches and warnings.

• Hurricane Awareness Tour: On May 5, 2026, hurricane experts will visit Mobile, AL, aboard "Hurricane Hunter" aircraft to educate the public on tropical cyclone impacts. 

Property & Financial Readiness

• Insurance Review: Flood insurance typically has a 30-day waiting period before taking effect; experts advise purchasing or renewing policies well before June.

• Home Mitigation: Trim trees, clear clogged rain gutters, and reinforce garage doors. Use plywood or permanent storm shutters to protect windows rather than tape, which is ineffective.