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Create a Hurricane Go-Bag & Last-Minute Preparations to Get Done Today
Living in Bay County, we know hurricanes aren’t a “maybe” — they’re a “when.” Whether it’s a tropical disturbance or a named hurricane, preparation can make all the difference in keeping your family safe and stress levels manageable.
One of the best ways to stay ready? Have a hurricane go-bag packed and know your last-minute to-dos before a storm hits.
Here’s your quick guide to both.
Step 1: What to Pack in Your Hurricane Go-Bag
Think of your go-bag as your “72-hour survival kit.” It should be easy to grab and go in case you need to evacuate quickly or you’re hunkering down at home.
- Water: 1 gallon per person, per day (3 days minimum)
- Non-perishable food: Canned goods, protein bars, dried fruit, peanut butter
- Manual can opener
- Medications: At least a week’s supply + copies of prescriptions
- First-aid kit
- Pet food, leashes, and crates
- Driver’s licenses & IDs
- Passports
- Insurance policies (home, flood, car)
- Lease Documents
- Medical information
- Emergency contact list
Pro-Tip: Keep your documents in waterproof bags!
- Flashlights + extra batteries
- Portable phone charger (fully charged)
- Change of clothes & sturdy shoes
- Toiletries & personal hygiene items
- Cash (small bills — ATMs may be down)
- Toys, blankets, and other comfort items if you have children or pets
Step 2: Last-Minute Preparations Around the House
If a storm is on the way and you've got less than 24-48 hours, here are the top tasks to knock out:
Secure Outdoor Items
Bring in patio furniture, trampoline, grills, and yard décor. Anything loose can become dangerous debris in high winds.
Clean Gutters and Overgrown Landscaping
Clean gutters to ensure adequate water drainage along with cutting back any overgrown landscaping to prevent possible property damage.
Check and Fuel Your Car
Fill your gas tank now. Stations often run out quickly once evacuation orders are in place. If you have a generator, ensure you have enough gas on hand to last a couple days.
Service Your Generator
Test your generator to ensure it runs and produces power.
Charge All Devices
Phones, laptops, and backup chargers should be at 100%.
Install Surge Protectors
If you plan on leaving things plugged in, surge protectors can help prevent damage to any electronic devices.
Set Freezers and Fridges to Coldest Settings
If power goes out, your food will last longer.
Get Sandbags and Clear Storm Drains
Pick up sandbags to prevent water intrusion (many Bay County municipalities distribute them before storms) and clear storm drains near your home.
Photograph Your Property
Take quick photos of your home, car, and belongings. This helps tremendously with insurance claims later.
Backup Important Documents
It is important to backup any important physical documents to ensure you do not lose any valuable information.
Step 3: Know Your Local Resources
- Bay County Emergency Management posts real-time updates and shelter info.
- Follow their Facebook page for updates.
- Download the Bay County Disaster Preparedness Guide
- Sign up for AlertBay to get text alerts about evacuation orders, shelter openings, and road closures.
- Keep an old-school paper map handy in case GPS or cell service goes down.
Final Thoughts
Hurricanes are stressful, but preparation buys peace of mind. A well-stocked go-bag and a checklist of last-minute tasks mean you won’t be scrambling when the wind picks up.
Take one evening this week to get your bag packed and your plan in place. Future-you will thank you.
And if you’re thinking about buying or selling in Bay County, having a storm-prepared home is a major asset. Buyers notice — and sellers benefit — when a home is secure and well-cared for.
At Secure Real Estate, we don’t just help you buy or sell — we help you feel safe at home.