Why does flood insurance need a 30-day wait?

National Flood Insurance Program policies typically take up to 30 days to go into effect, and standard homeowner or renter policies do not cover flooding at all. The time to decide is a calm season, not a forecast.

What is the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke?

Heat exhaustion shows as heavy sweating, weakness, cool clammy skin, nausea, and dizziness, and responds to a cool place and sips of water. Heat stroke shows as a body temperature above 103°F, hot dry skin, confusion, or loss of consciousness, and requires calling 911 immediately.

Is a battery-powered fan enough to stay cool during a power outage?

Only up to a point. CDC guidance says a fan helps below roughly 90°F, but in hotter rooms a fan can raise body temperature rather than lower it. Treat it as comfort equipment, not primary cooling.

How much water should a household store?

At least one gallon per person per day for drinking, basic hygiene, and cooking, covering a minimum of 72 hours. Households with pets should add roughly half a gallon per animal per day.

Seasonal Checklist

Summer Seasonal Checklist. Decide in a calm season, not a forecast.

Summer brings hurricane season on the coasts, heat risk almost everywhere, and the tightest water supply of the year in many regions. This checklist covers deciding on storm protection before a forecast forces the decision, knowing the signs of heat illness before the first heat wave, and building the water habits and reserve that carry a household through both.

30 days

NFIP flood insurance waiting period

103°F

body temperature threshold for heat stroke

90°F

room temperature above which a fan stops helping

1 gal

water per person per day, minimum

Task 1

Hurricane Season Prep.

Storm shutters, flood coverage, and a full tank of fuel are decisions best made in a calm season.

Windows

Install storm shutters, or pre cut plywood for your windows

Coverage

Confirm flood coverage, and remember the 30 day wait

Fuel

Check your vehicle fuel level right now

Task 2

Heat Wave Readiness.

Knowing the coolest room in the house and the signs of heat illness matters more than any single piece of gear.

The Home

Cover sun facing windows with drapes, shades, or reflectors
Identify your coolest room and your nearest public cooling place

Cooling

Keep a battery powered fan, and know its limits

Know the Signs

Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke

Task 3

Water Conservation and Storage.

Conservation habits stretch the everyday supply. Stored water covers the days the supply fails entirely.

Water

Build water-saving habits into daily routines
Store at least 0 gallons of water

Gear

Essentials. Start here.

A short list of items covers the hurricane, heat, and water gaps summer brings.

Browse all gear reviews →

My Readiness

Save this checklist to your dashboard

Free account. Access your saved checklists from any device. No spam.

Personalize

Get a checklist built for your household

Answer 21 questions about your home, location, and situation. We'll tailor this checklist and every other one to match.

Take the Assessment

Keep Going

Browse all checklists