Before the storm: the short list
Before a hurricane, look up your evacuation zone and follow your county's orders, gather water, food, medicine and important documents, charge phones and batteries, photograph your home for insurance, and bring in or tie down anything that can blow away. Leave early if officials tell you to, and know where you'll go.
Information may be delayed or incomplete. Always verify with official sources and follow local officials.
Know your zone
“The greatest threat to life from a hurricane is storm surge flooding. If you are in an ordered evacuation zone, low-lying flood area or in a mobile home, you should follow all evacuation orders.”Florida Division of Emergency Management, Know Your Zone, Know Your Home
Florida residents can look up their zone at floridadisaster.org/knowyourzone. In Alabama and Mississippi, use your county EMA.
Finish before the wind
“Emergency managers plan on having their evacuations complete and their personnel sheltered before the onset of tropical storm-force winds, not hurricane-force winds.”National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Hazards
Take the baseline photos
Walk every room with your phone video running. Open closets and cabinets. Get the roof and all four sides of the house. It takes ten minutes and it's the strongest evidence you'll have later.