Surge first-hour survival checklist

Before you act

First-hour steps

1. Check your evacuation zone and official local orders.
2. Move inland and to higher ground before bridges, ferries, and low roads close.
3. Pack medication, IDs, cash, chargers, pet supplies, water, and waterproof document copies.
4. Tell a trusted contact your route and destination before leaving.
5. Unplug electronics and lift valuables only if you can do so without delaying evacuation.
6. Avoid elevators if water is entering a building; use stairs to move upward.
7. Do not return until officials confirm roads, utilities, and buildings are safe.

Do not do this

• Do not stay because a previous storm was survivable.
• Do not wait to evacuate until water is visible.
• Do not enter attics without a roof escape option during rising water.
• Do not walk or drive through surge water unless escape requires it.
• Do not return early to check property before officials clear the area.
• Do not assume inland areas are safe without checking the evacuation zone map.

Kit items to check

• Portable Water Filter · Floods, outages, evacuation bags, and boil-water advisories.
• Waterproof Dry Bag · Keep IDs, medicine, power banks, and cash usable in heavy rain.
• Rechargeable Headlamp · Hands-free light for sheltering, first aid, repairs, and night evacuation.
• NOAA Weather Radio · Reliable warnings when mobile networks or power are down.
• Compact First Aid Kit · Cuts, burns, sprains, and basic wound care after storms or evacuation.