Prepare for the 2025 Hurricane Season

Hurricane season in the Atlantic basin begins in June and lasts through the end of November. Peak storms typically occur between August and October. If you live in an area that gets yearly hurricanes, it’s important to know what to expect and what safety precautions to put in place.

Our Choose Energy experts put together this guide to help you know what to do in case a storm affects your community.

Before we dive into this year’s hurricane outlook, let’s define some hurricane terminology. This information will help you understand the status of a storm in the event that one forms near you.

• Hurricane watch: Hurricane conditions may arise in the next 48 hours in a specific area.
• Hurricane warning: Sustained winds of 74 mph or higher are expected in the next 36 hours.
• Named storm: A storm that causes winds of 39 mph or higher.
• Hurricane: A named storm escalates to a hurricane when winds are 74 mph or higher.
• Major hurricane: A major hurricane is a category 3–5 on the wind scale, which starts at 111 mph.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) expects a 60% chance of above-average hurricane activity in the Atlantic basin this year. The Atlantic basin includes the U.S. East Coast and coastal cities in Europe and Africa.

The NOAA’s 2025 forecast includes 13–19 named storms, with the potential for some of those storms to progress to hurricanes or major hurricanes. NOAA attributes this year’s above-average level of hurricane activity to high ocean temperatures and variations in wind speed and direction.

With such a high chance of hurricane activity this year, it’s more important than ever to be prepared. Start preparing before a storm arrives to ensure you can safely and comfortably weather the storm. Use these tips to brace for a storm so you aren’t scrambling for supplies at the last minute.

Designate a safe spot.

Choose a safe room away from windows to take shelter when a storm hits. These can be rooms in the basement, bathrooms, or a room as far from windows as you can get. It’s also important to research shelter locations in your area in case of damage to your home. Research ahead of time to see if your nearby shelter allows pets, as many shelters do not.

Anticipate power outages.

Charge your phone and other electronics before the storm. You might lose power during a hurricane, so it helps to have a fully charged phone before a storm lands near you. Gather flashlights, batteries, and any other necessary electronics in case you lose power. It can also be helpful to keep candles available in case of battery failure.

Install hurricane-proof windows.

Hurricane-proof windows and shutters can prevent major damage to your home when a storm hits. While this does entail a large upfront cost, it is essential for homeowners in hurricane-prone areas.

Prepare an emergency kit.

Your emergency kit should always stay in your designated safe room. Here are some essential items to keep in your kit:

• Clean water: One gallon of water per person daily for up to a week.
• Non-perishable food: Canned goods, dried fruits, and other long-lasting items.
• Medicine: Store medications in a dry, sealed container.
• Backup power: Have extra batteries and chargers for your phones and flashlights available. If you have a generator, you can use this for your appliances.
• First aid kit: Make sure you have gauze, bandages, tweezers, and alcohol wipes.
• Sleeping bags and pillows: Seal bedding in a waterproof bag.
• Clean clothes: Set aside at least one outfit per person.
• Cash: Have cash handy in case ATMs and card readers are down.
• Whistle or flare: These could help you get someone’s attention in an emergency.

Stay informed. If a hurricane watch has begun, your area could experience hurricane conditions within the next 48 hours. Listen to local broadcasts to anticipate storm conditions.

Secure outdoor furniture. If you have time before conditions worsen, either secure outdoor furniture or bring it inside. This could prevent damage to your home and keep your belongings from flying away.

Turn off surge protectors. Once the storm hits, you should turn off and unplug your surge protectors. This will prevent your electronics from being destroyed during a power outage.

Unplug large appliances. A power outage can damage large appliances, such as your refrigerator and stove. When the electricity returns, there may be a power surge, causing damage to electronics left plugged in.

Gather in your safe room. Get everyone into the safe room and bring any materials you’ll need that aren’t already there. Once in the safe room, tune into local weather channels and only leave once your area has been cleared by emergency officials.

Don’t leave your safe room. Wait for officials to confirm your area is safe before leaving your safe room and going outside.

Avoid bodies of water and large puddles. Be careful around downed power lines or electrical equipment due to a risk of electric shock.

Don’t drink tap water. Water sources can become damaged during storms. Wait to hear from officials that it’s safe before drinking from the tap. If you need water, use bottled, filtered, or boiled water that’s been cooled down.

The best way to protect yourself and your home from a hurricane is to stay prepared and informed. Use this guide to educate yourself before a storm arrives and regularly reference trusted sources like the National Hurricane Center from NOAA and your local weather channel for timely updates on active storms.