Do not go outside until you get the all-clear

The storm has passed — but official all-clear from local emergency management hasn't been issued yet. Stay inside. There are things outside right now that can kill you quietly: downed power lines that look dead but are still live, unstable trees and structures, contaminated standing water, and gas leaks.

Wait for your county emergency management or local news to issue an official all-clear before going outside to inspect your property.

🔌 Downed power lines are the #1 post-storm killer. A downed line in standing water can electrify an entire street. A line draped over a fence, a car, or a bush looks inert but may be fully energized. Never touch, approach, or drive over a downed line. Call your utility company immediately if you see one.

First 30 minutes after all-clear — safety sweep

Walk the perimeter of your home — look for structural damage, gas smell, fire hazards
If you smell gas — leave immediately, do not turn any switch on or off, call the gas company from outside
Check for water intrusion — wet carpets, water stains, standing water in lowest areas
Check your electrical panel — if there's water near it, don't touch it until an electrician clears it
Note every visible piece of damage — you'll need it for insurance

Document everything before you touch anything

This is the step most people skip — and it costs them tens of thousands of dollars on their insurance claim. Before you move debris, before you put a tarp on the roof, before you sweep out water — document every single piece of damage with photos and video.

Video walkthrough of entire home — exterior and interior
Close-up photos of every visible damage point
Photograph serial numbers on damaged appliances, electronics, and equipment
Date-stamp all photos (your phone does this automatically)
Document damage to vehicles, outdoor structures, fences, and landscaping

Call your insurance company first — before any contractor. Emergency repairs to prevent further damage are covered, but you need to document everything first and notify your insurer before doing anything beyond emergency protection. Unauthorized work can give your insurer grounds to reduce your claim.

Generator safety — ongoing

☠️ CO poisoning from generators peaks in the 72 hours AFTER a storm. During the storm, people follow safety warnings. Afterward, when the danger "feels over," they get careless. They move the generator into the garage because it's raining. They leave it running near an open window overnight. CO poisoning killed more Floridians in the week after Hurricane Ian than the storm itself.

Generator stays outdoors, 20+ feet from windows and doors — always, every time
Check CO detector batteries and verify they're working
Never refuel a running generator — turn it off, let it cool for 15 minutes
If CO alarm sounds — get outside immediately, call 911 from outdoors

Food safety timeline

This is when food poisoning hospitalizations spike after every major storm. The rules are simple and non-negotiable:

Refrigerator food is safe for 4 hours after power loss (with the door kept closed). After 4 hours — when in doubt, throw it out.
Full freezer stays frozen for 24–48 hours. Half-full freezer: 12–24 hours. Never refreeze thawed meat.
Any food that had contact with floodwater — throw it out, regardless of packaging. Floodwater contains sewage, chemicals, and pathogens that packaging does not protect against.
Canned goods with dents, swelling, or damage — discard them.

✅ The cooler strategy: A quality cooler packed with block ice (not cubed — block ice lasts 3–4x longer) can keep food safe for 4–5 days. Transfer refrigerator contents to a cooler as soon as power goes out, if you have block ice available.

Water safety

Assume your tap water is unsafe until your water utility issues an official "all clear." After major storms, water systems are frequently contaminated by flooding, pressure loss, and pipe damage. Boil water notices are common and may last days to weeks.

Do not drink tap water until utility issues official all-clear
Use your stored water or Berkey/LifeStraw filter for drinking and cooking
Bathtub water (stored pre-storm) is safe for toilet flushing but not drinking
Check your utility's website or local emergency management for boil water status

Home insurance policy documents for storm claim

Protect yourself from contractor scams

After every major storm, unlicensed contractors descend on affected areas within 24–48 hours. These "storm chasers" are one of the most significant financial hazards of the post-storm period. They target homeowners who are stressed, in a hurry, and don't know what they should be paying.

Never pay more than 10% down to any contractor before work begins
Never pay cash in full before work is complete
Verify contractor's license at your state licensing board website before hiring
Get at least two quotes before committing to major work
Do not sign over your insurance benefits to a contractor (Assignment of Benefits scam)
If a contractor shows up unsolicited offering emergency repairs — be very cautious

⚠️ Price gouging is illegal during a declared state of emergency. If a contractor quotes you a price that seems outrageous — it may be illegal. Every state we cover has a price gouging hotline. See your state's hotline →

The realistic recovery timeline

Based on the last decade of major U.S. hurricanes, here's what to expect after a direct hit:

Days 1–3: Power out, roads blocked, emergency response deploying. You're fully on your own.
Days 4–7: Some roads open, fuel available with waits, limited store resupply. Basic services beginning in less-affected areas.
Days 7–14: Power restored to 50–70% of customers. Supply chains recovering. Insurance adjusters beginning to reach affected areas.
Days 14–30: Most utilities restored except in most severely damaged areas. Contractor work underway. Some families still in temporary housing.
Weeks 4–12: The long tail. Rural areas, barrier islands, and severely damaged neighborhoods may still be recovering. Insurance claims processing. Life not yet "normal."

FEMA says you need 72 hours of supplies. The reality is weeks. Read our full breakdown of why the 72-hour standard is dangerously outdated — and what the last decade of disasters actually shows. Read: Why 72 hours isn't enough →

Neighbors helping with cleanup after hurricane

Take care of each other

In the hours and days after a storm, check on your neighbors — especially the elderly, disabled, or those living alone. The community resources that emerge after every major disaster are one of the most powerful things about the American character: neighbors helping neighbors, long before FEMA or the National Guard arrives.

Share what you have. Check who needs help. Keep your generator, your water, and your chainsaw in service for more than just your household. The person who has the most to give after a disaster is the person who prepared before it.