Can You Really Be Ready in 72 Hours?

Protect your home and loved ones with this 3-day preparation timeline adapted from Liberty Mutual Insurance.

3 Days Before the Storm

1. Inventory your home, garage, and any out-buildings. Document all of your possessions for insurance purposes. 
2. Hire a tree service to cut down loose or weak branches from trees or plants surrounding your home. 
3. Secure loose rain gutters and downspouts. Clear any clogs and remove debris to prevent water damage.
4. Seal up holes around the home where wind, pipes, or electrical cables enter.
5. Check the roof for loose or worn shingles. Replace as needed. Consider removing satellite dishes.
6. If you have a pool, uncover it and cut power to the pool equipment. 
7. Make sure your car’s gas tank is full and the tires are properly inflated.

2 Days Before the Storm

1. Cover outdoor electrical outlets with duct tape.
2. Move patio furniture, garbage cans, recreational equipment, and loose debris indoors.
3. Stock up the car with emergency supplies, blankets, and a change of clothes for everyone in your home. View our Top 10 Emergency Supply List here.
4. Deploy your Volusia County hurricane shutters. 
5. Reinforce doors with 6-inch surface bolts and board up any sliding glass doors with storm-proof shutters.

1 Day Before the Storm

1. Fill bathtubs, buckets, and sinks with water for cleaning and flushing toilets.
2. Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting and avoid opening them too often.
3. Move vehicles into the garage or sheltered parking area.
4. Turn off propane tanks.
5. Unplug small appliances.

Less Than 24 Hours Before the Storm

1. Keep your cell phone fully charged. Get a portable USB battery pack and fully charge it just in case the power goes out.
2. Listen to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio for weather and storm updates in your area.
3. Check that all hurricane shutters are secured. Stay away from windows.
4. Prepare your backup generator – just in case.