How To Prepare for Hurricane Season 2025, According to Experts

On Thursday, Tropical Storm Alvin formed in the eastern Pacific, becoming the first named storm system of 2025.

With the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration anticipating an above-normal hurricane season this year, Newsweek spoke with experts to find out the best ways to prepare.

What are the most important steps to take to prepare property for a hurricane?

“There are a lot of proactive ways to make your home more storm resilient. Every homeowner has a different set of circumstances—and many factors to consider,” Fox Weather meteorologist Ian Oliver told Newsweek ahead of the outlet’s “Hurricane HQ: Eye on the Season” special, which airs Sunday June 1, 12-3 p.m. ET.

“Some improvements can be inexpensive and some are costly. Impact-resistant windows and storm shutters are common with new construction in the hurricane zone. Roof (hurricane straps) and garage door reinforcements are a good way to keep the wind out. Having backup power via generator or battery can be crucial during power outages.

“A little landscaping can go a long way in protecting your home too. Any dead or vulnerable trees or branches near your home may need to go,” Oliver said.

What essential items should be included in a hurricane emergency supply kit?

“When a hurricane warning is called and it’s time to get going, one of the most important things to do is to have an emergency preparedness kit all ready to go,” the team at AccuWeather advises.

“It is crucial to have a hurricane plan ready before the season starts and have a box of supplies ready to go so you don’t have to worry about getting the essentials at the last minute.

“Several jugs of water, flashlights, food, blankets, batteries and first aid kits should all be packed and ready to go when a hurricane warning is put in place.

“It is important to make sure your car has a full tank of gas and is in good condition, as the trip to a safe zone could be hundreds of miles long in some cases. The same goes for making sure EVs are fully charged and ready for evacuation, if necessary.”

How should families update or review evacuation plans?

“Plans are personal! They are unique to every family and home—which is why it’s important to have your ducks in a row before a storm approaches,” Oliver says.

“Is my home in a flood zone? What is my evacuation route? Do any of my family members, pets, friends and neighbors have mobility issues or any special considerations? Where should we evacuate to? (oftentimes you don’t need to travel very far) Do we have the necessary transportation to get there? These are all questions that need answers.”

As for pets, many of the necessary steps for evacuating with your pet involve arrangements made ahead of time, AccuWeather says.

“You should already know of a place at least 100 miles inland of your location that you can go to with your pets. A friend or relative’s house, a pet-friendly hotel, or a kennel that can house your pets while you stay somewhere else are all suitable options for taking an animal with you during an evacuation.

“Know what the animal services are in your town. Local animal emergency contacts can tell you where to look if you get separated from your pet during a storm. This information can and should be gathered before the storm, as they will be incredibly busy after the storm hits.

“To ensure a safe and comfortable time away from home for your pet, you should bring its crate or carrier, and three to five days of food in an airtight container and water. It’s also important to have its medical records and proof of vaccines in case it needs to see a vet while you are out of town or is staying in a kennel.”

AccuWeather’s team also highly recommended keeping your pet microchipped, or having a tag with your information on its collar.

What can communities do to stay resilient and informed during a long hurricane season?

“You need a good forecast to make smart plans! Nothing is more important during hurricane season than protecting life and property,” Oliver said.

“Have a reliable go-to source for tropical weather information, tune out any craziness on social media and just keep an eye on things!”

AccuWeather adds: “Use caution when reading or sharing posts on social media. AI-generated photos, videos, and posts can be misleading, alarming, and inaccurate. Don’t spread misinformation.” It also advised staying connected with both local and state government leaders.

How can individuals mentally prepare for the uncertainty of an active hurricane season?

“I lived and worked in the hurricane zone forecasting tropical systems down in Tampa Bay for several years. I’d be in the weather studio or out in the field tracking approaching storms thinking about whether my family and friends will need to leave or if the hurricane shutters sitting in my garage will need to go up,” Oliver told Newsweek.

“There are SO many amazing things about life on the coast—but being mentally and physically prepared for tropical impacts is part of that deal. The only way to knock out a bunch of the stress is to prepare well in advance—long before the season or even now as it’s just getting started.

“The last place you want to be for your mental health is the pre-storm rush at Publix or Home Depot or wherever—once tropical alerts are issued—if you’ve done it once, you know what I’m talking about. Get some supplies, be ready to implement your plan, then relax and hope for a quiet season!”

Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1 to and runs to November 30.

Meanwhile, the Eastern Pacific hurricane season began on May 15, also lasting through November 30.