Storm or cyclone
A tropical cyclone, hurricane, typhoon or severe windstorm is forecast to hit your area.
Warning signs
- Cyclone watch (possible within 36 hours) or warning (expected within 24 hours)
- Evacuation zone notice
- Rapidly rising wind and sea
Stay or go
Evacuate early if told to, or if you live on the coast, a floodplain or in a lightweight building. Otherwise shelter in a small interior room away from windows.
Do now
- Bring in loose outdoor objects that could become missiles and close or board up windows.
- Fill bottles and containers with water and keep vehicle fuel above half full.
- If ordered to evacuate, leave at once by official routes with supplies and documents. (safety-22)
- If staying, go to a small windowless interior room on the lowest floor floodwater will not reach. (secure-1)
- Keep a radio on for warnings. (comms-5)
Then
- Stay put in the calm eye of the storm; the winds will return.
- Never walk or drive through floodwater.
- Run generators, grills and camp stoves only outdoors, 6 m (20 ft) from openings. (continuity-9)
- Return only when authorities say it is safe and stay out of damaged buildings.
- Text instead of calling to keep phone lines free for emergencies.
- Check on neighbours and give first aid where appropriate. (medical-6)
Related steps
Sources
- Hurricanes information sheet. Ready.gov (FEMA), accessed 2026-11
- Public awareness and education key messages: tropical cyclones. IFRC, accessed 2026-11