A Guide to Protecting Your Mental Health (and Your Home) During a Hurricane

Watching the tracking cone of an approaching storm can feel incredibly overwhelming. With the current system forecast to strengthen into at least a Category 1 hurricane—and possibly stronger—it is completely normal to feel a spike in anxiety.

First and foremost: Do not take this lightly. Your and your families' well-being is what matters most.

While we cannot control the weather, we can control how we prepare our homes and our minds. In fact, taking practical steps to prepare is one of the most effective ways to manage pre-storm anxiety, giving you a tangible sense of control in an unpredictable situation.

Here is a comprehensive guide to keeping your physical surroundings safe and your mental health grounded as we move through this together.

1. Action as an Antidote to Anxiety: Physical Preparation

Checking items off a list can significantly reduce feelings of helplessness. Start by securing your environment and gathering essentials:

• Secure the Perimeter: Bring all outside objects indoors to prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles. Trim loose trees or branches, secure pool-related items (it may be advised to drain your pool slightly), ensure vehicles are locked on stable ground, and double-check that all doors and windows are securely locked.

• Document Everything: Before the storm hits, take clear pictures of your vehicles and the outside (and inside) of your home. If damage does occur, having these photos readily available will significantly reduce the stress of filing insurance claims later.

• Stock the Essentials: Take inventory of your supplies. Useful items include: batteries, flashlights, bottled water, electronic device chargers, first aid supplies, prescription medications, important documentation (SS card, ID, birth certificate, titles to possessions, kept in a waterproof bag), sandbags (if advised), non-perishable foods, manual can openers, battery-powered radios, candles, lighters/matches, pet food and medicines, spare cash, and basic hardware tools.

  
  

2. Guard Your "Information Diet"

Doomscrolling will only heighten your panic. To stay safe without spiraling, note the best places to receive updates on the storm from accredited professionals. Rely on local news stations, the National Hurricane Center (NHC), and county/state officials. Turn off notifications from unreliable social media accounts.

Key Safety Protocols to Keep in Mind:

• Storm Surge & Flooding: Storm surge is one of our biggest concerns and is very serious. Do NOT attempt to enter a moving body of water if at all possible. If you are in an area closer to the coast, it is highly likely you will be required to evacuate. Listen to local officials and leave if told to do so.

• Tornado Risks: During a tropical system, there is an increased chance of tornadoes forming. Keep your wits about you. Should the winds pick up violently or a warning is issued, take immediate shelter in a windowless, closed part of your home (a bathroom or laundry room is usually best).

• Generator Safety: If the power goes out, be incredibly careful when operating generators. Carbon monoxide is odorless and has the capacity to injure or kill quickly if not properly ventilated. Only power on a generator outside in a safe, well-ventilated area.

• Post-Storm Hazards: If power lines are downed, assume they are live and avoid them at all costs.

  
  

3. Your Psychological Hurricane Kit

Physical safety is paramount, but psychological safety is what will help you endure the hours stuck inside. Be deeply mindful of your mental health during the storm:

• Curate Coping Skills: Keep easy-to-use, low-energy coping mechanisms available. Coloring books, engaging reading material, fidget toys, stress balls, or puzzles are excellent ways to distract the anxious mind when the power goes out.

• Maintain the Basics: Stress burns energy. Be sure to keep up with your appetite and try to maintain a sleep schedule as best you can. Your body needs fuel and rest to handle high-adrenaline situations.

• Secure Your Medications: Ensure you have enough of your psychiatric and physical medications available throughout the storm. Pro tip: Many pharmacies will provide emergency supplies of prescription medications without a full re-up from a physician for the duration of a declared storm emergency. Do not wait until the last minute to check your pill bottles.

• Stay Connected: Check in with your loved ones frequently while you have cell service. A simple text can ease their anxiety and yours.

  
  

Hurricanes are frightening, but they also have a way of bringing out the incredible resilience of a community. Help each other out when possible. Check on your neighbors, share your supplies if you have extra, and offer a listening ear.

Stay safe, breathe deep, and remember: We are all in this together.