Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. Raleigh is a few hours from the coast, but storms that make landfall in the Carolinas can still bring strong winds, flooding rain, fallen trees and long power outages to Wake County.
Start with a plan
Know whether your home is in a flood-prone area, decide where you would go if you needed to leave and share the plan with everyone in the house. Sign up for Wake County emergency alerts so you get updates on your phone.
Protect the house
Clear gutters, trim weak branches and bring in patio furniture before a storm arrives. Inside, make sure smoke alarms work and that everyone knows how to get out of each bedroom, including upstairs rooms.
Prepare the car
Fill the tank before the storm, check tire pressure and keep an emergency kit in the trunk. Gas stations often close when the power is out.
Your hurricane season checklist
- Water and food for at least three days
- Flashlights, batteries and a power bank
- Car emergency kit and a full tank
- Smoke alarms tested on every floor
- Escape ladder for upstairs bedrooms
- Copies of important documents in a waterproof bag
- Medicines and pet supplies for a week
Products from this list
Everlit Survival Car Emergency Kit
Jumper cables, a tow strap, first aid supplies and roadside basics, packed in a zip bag that fits in any trunk.
Kidde Fire Escape Ladder
A folding escape ladder that hooks over most window sills and opens in seconds. The rungs are anti-slip.
First Alert Hardwire Smoke Alarm
A hardwired smoke alarm with battery backup that can link to the other alarms in your home. One button tests and silences it.