The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season began June 1, and early outlooks point toward an active stretch for the Southeast coast, including both North and South Carolina. While no seasonal forecast can predict exactly where storms will form or make landfall, warm ocean waters and persistent climate patterns that have fueled recent busy seasons suggest residents should be prepared for heightened risk once again this year.
For communities along the Carolina coast — and even well inland — the impact of a single storm can be significant. From heavy rainfall and flooding to prolonged power outages and wind damage, weather events of recent hurricane seasons have shown how quickly conditions can change and how far-reaching the effects can be.
That uncertainty is why preparation remains the most reliable forecast. Whether it’s reviewing evacuation routes, updating emergency kits, or checking in on insurance coverage and family plans, early action before storms develop is the strongest defense heading into the 2026 season.
Good health starts with a visit to a primary care physician.
5 steps to prepare for hurricane season
1. Put together a hurricane preparedness kit.
Assemble supplies to cover at least three days’ worth of essentials per person in your family.
Think about the items you and your family depend on every day, then go a bit wider. Following a hurricane, you may be without electricity, running water and internet access. While not an exhaustive list, some significant items include:
- New first-aid kit containing bandages and antibiotic ointments
- 1 gallon of water per person
- Medications and a power source for medical devices
- Nonperishables including protein bars and pull-top canned foods
- Baby formula, bottles and diapers
- Pet needs, including food, medication and leashes
- Hand sanitizer
- Dental and eye-care products
- Flashlights and batteries
Keep these supplies in a familiar place, like the closet or pantry. Remember to triple the amount of items in order to create a three-day supply for each person. Also set aside blankets, sleeping bags, a flashlight and a battery-powered radio. Secure cash and sensitive tax and health insurance documents in waterproof Ziploc bags or storage containers.
2. Prepare to evacuate.
When a hurricane is approaching, it is important to pay attention to whether your region has received an evacuation order. There are two types of evacuations: mandatory and voluntary. A mandatory evacuation before a hurricane is a legal order that requires residents to leave. Ignoring this order can have legal implications. A voluntary evacuation is a recommendation. This means you are advised to leave for your safety, but it's not legally enforceable. In either case, you may only receive a few days’ warning of the evacuation, so plan ahead to leave if you have to.
What is your local evacuation route? Most of us have no idea. Once you find out, download the Federal Emergency Management Agency app and sign up for your community’s wireless emergency alerts, which detail evacuation orders. Keep your phone charged and bring along portable chargers.
If you do evacuate, where will you stay? Are there relatives or friends outside of the emergency area you can rely on? Seniors, in particular, should know they are not a burden, and that it’s OK to ask for help.
If you have pets and typically rely on a boarding service when you travel, make sure to plan to safely transport your pets with you, as most pet boarding facilities close under threat of a hurricane.
Best doctors. Amazing nurses. Remarkable care.
3. Prioritize vulnerable family members with special health needs.
One of the most important parts of emergency planning is knowing how to adequately accommodate seniors, disabled people and patients with chronic health conditions.
More than 131 million people – 66% of all adults in the U.S. – use prescription drugs. But finding a pharmacy to refill them can prove an impossible task during an emergency. For this reason, it’s best to pack a month’s worth of medication before evacuating your home. Novant Health specialty pharmacists can help work with your insurance company to get you a medication refill in advance and notify you of the shelf life of your medication.
Caregivers should identify potential barriers ahead of time. These can include an assisted-living facility’s policy of requiring a relative to be collected before an evacuation. Does that person require a cane or walker to get around?
Evaluate your family’s oxygen and insulin needs. This might mean having a backup oxygen tank or a portable concentrator ready in case of power outages. Also make sure to keep insulin cool and out of direct sunlight, but never freeze it. Ask your doctor if it’s OK to switch insulin types in a pinch.
People with mobility issues should consider registering with their community’s emergency management department. This makes it much easier for first responders to find someone and know their specific medical needs without delay.
4. Assess and manage mental and behavioral health needs.
Stress and anxiety affect so many of us, and an emergency situation can almost certainly exacerbate those symptoms. Social media and constant news alerts can also fuel this discomfort.
One way to practice self-care before a storm? Talk through your needs with your family and your health care clinician and get ahead of stress by researching what goes into forecasting and tracking a hurricane.
During a storm it’s best to avoid alcohol, drugs and other stimulants known to affect your mood. Under stress, emotions can run high. But having a detailed hurricane plan ready to go can help you cope and keep vulnerable family members calm.
Throughout a hurricane, take frequent breaks and monitor for worsening symptoms. You can also call or text the federal Disaster Distress Helpline (1-800-985-5990) for support.
5. Refresh yourself on using telehealth resources in an emergency.
Video visits are often a lifeline to medical support during natural disasters, especially when one disrupts access to in-person care. Telehealth does not require an appointment, and on-demand consultations are available around the clock from your phone or computer.
Novant Health patients can visit MyChart to schedule a virtual visit regarding something that is not life-threatening, like flu symptoms or back pain. Depending on the diagnosis, the clinician may refer the patient to primary or urgent care.
Printable hurricane season readiness checklist
1. Build your hurricane preparedness kit
Gather enough supplies for at least three days per person.
Water and food
□ 1 gallon of water per person per day
□ Nonperishable foods (protein bars, canned goods, snacks)
□ Manual can opener (if needed)
□ Baby formula, bottles and diapers (if applicable)
□ Pet food and supplies
Health and safety
□ First-aid kit with bandages and antibiotic ointment
□ Prescription medications (at least a 30-day supply if possible)
□ Backup power source for medical devices
□ Hand sanitizer and hygiene products
□ Dental care supplies
□ Eyeglasses, contacts and contact solution
Emergency supplies
□ Flashlights
□ Extra batteries
□ Battery-powered radio
□ Portable phone chargers/power banks
□ Blankets or sleeping bags
□ Cash in small bills
Important documents
□ Copies of health insurance cards
□ Medication lists
□ Identification documents
□ Tax and financial records
□ Store documents in waterproof bags or containers
2. Create your evacuation plan
Know where to go
□ Learn your local evacuation route
□ Identify friends or relatives outside the evacuation zone
□ Research nearby emergency shelters
Stay informed
□ Download the FEMA app
□ Sign up for local emergency alerts
□ Fully charge phones during hurricane threat
□ Keep portable chargers ready
□ Save the Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990
Prepare for family and pets
□ Make transportation plan for all household members
□ Arrange pet-friendly accommodations
□ Pack pet medications, leashes and carriers
3. Plan for family members with special health needs
Medical needs
□ Write and maintain an updated medication list
□ Pack at least a month's supply of medications if possible
□ Confirm refill options with your pharmacy
Equipment and mobility
□ Prepare backup oxygen tanks or portable concentrators (if needed)
□ Review insulin storage requirements
□ Pack mobility aids such as canes, walkers or wheelchairs
□ Charge medical equipment and backup batteries
Caregiving plans
□ Review assisted-living or care facility evacuation policies
□ Identify who will assist vulnerable family members during an evacuation
□ Register with local emergency management services if mobility assistance may be needed
5. Review Your Telehealth Options
□ Confirm access to your MyChart account, verify username and password
□ Download any necessary health care apps
□ Save important provider phone numbers
□ Test video visit capabilities on your phone, tablet or computer
Final hurricane season check
□ Emergency kit is stocked and accessible
□ Family evacuation plan is complete
□ Medications and medical supplies are ready
□ Important documents are protected
□ Emergency alerts are enabled
□ Telehealth access is confirmed
□ Everyone in the household knows the plan
Date Reviewed: ___________________________
Next Review Date: ________________________
