30-Minute Before The Storm Checklist

Record a slow video walkthrough of every room.Open closets, cabinets, drawers, garage, porch, shed, and storage areas.

Photograph high-value items.Electronics, tools, jewelry, appliances, furniture, instruments, equipment.

Capture serial/model numbers where visible.Do not spend all day. Get the obvious ones now.

Photograph the outside of the property.Roofline, windows, doors, fence, AC unit, vehicles, boat, RV, and yard items.

Back up photos somewhere off the phone.Cloud drive, email to yourself, or another trusted storage option.

Put insurance policy info in one place.Home, renters, flood, auto, boat, RV, and agent/company contact info.

Gather IDs and key household documents.Driver licenses, passports, birth certificates, account records, titles, lease/mortgage info.

Save emergency contacts.Family, neighbors, doctors, pharmacy, veterinarian, utility companies, insurer.

Copy medication and medical-device details.Names, dosages, refill info, refrigeration needs, battery or power needs.

Put copies in a waterproof folder or bag.Also save digital copies where you can reach them if you leave home.

Bring in or secure loose items.Patio chairs, umbrellas, toys, tools, trash cans, decorations, planters.

Check shutters, window protection, and doors.Do not climb or do risky work in bad weather. Get help if needed.

Move vehicles if you can do so safely.Think flooding, trees, loose objects, and access after the storm.

Protect important indoor items from leaks.Lift items off the floor and move valuables away from windows if time allows.

Take one final outside video.It may help show pre-storm condition later.

Confirm where everyone will be.Home, work, school, shelter, hotel, family, or evacuation destination.

Pack pet basics.Food, leash/carrier, medicine, vaccine record, tags, photo, bowls, litter or cleanup supplies.

Check prescriptions and medical supplies.Include glasses, chargers, batteries, refrigerated medication plan, and device power plan.

Write down one out-of-area contact.Someone outside the storm zone who can relay updates.

Charge phones, battery banks, and radios.Turn on low-power mode when needed.

Set aside water, food, flashlights, batteries, and radio.Use official guidance for supply amounts and update expired items.

Make a quick go-bag.Documents, meds, chargers, clothing, cash, keys, pet supplies, comfort items for kids.

Know your evacuation trigger.If officials order evacuation for your area, follow the order.

Plan for power loss.Refrigerated meds, medical devices, phones, lights, food safety, garage door, and communication.

Start a storm log.Write down dates, calls, damage notes, photos taken, receipts, and claim communication.