Hurricane Prep Checklist for Puerto Rico Homeowners

Puerto Rico’s hurricane risk is well documented, and so is the practical reality after a major storm: extended power and water outages that can run weeks, not days. Puerto Rico’s own emergency management agency, NMEAD (Negociado de Manejo de Emergencias y Administración de Desastres), works from the same federal framework as FEMA and NOAA — the guidance below combines all three.

Before hurricane season (June 1 – November 30)

• Know your evacuation zone and at least one inland route — don’t wait for a watch to figure this out.
• Build or refresh your 72-hour emergency kit, and plan for a longer water supply than the 3-day minimum — PR’s post-storm utility restoration has historically taken much longer than 3 days.
• Trim trees and loose branches near the house; check storm shutters or get impact glass if you don’t have it; review your homeowner’s and, separately, flood insurance — NOAA explicitly notes flood damage is not covered by standard homeowner’s policies.
• Photograph your home and belongings for insurance records, and store copies of ID, deed/lease, and insurance documents in a waterproof bag.

When a Hurricane Watch is issued (NOAA: roughly 48 hours out)

• Fuel your vehicle and charge every device and power bank.
• Fill clean containers (including a bathtub) with drinking water.
• Check batteries for your NOAA weather radio and flashlights.
• Secure or bring in anything loose outdoors — furniture, plants, tools.
• Check supplies of medications; refill anything close to running out.

When a Hurricane Warning is issued

• Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio or local news for official updates — don’t rely on social media for timing.
• If sheltering in place, stay away from windows, in an interior room on the lowest safe floor.
• If instructed to evacuate, grab your go-bag and leave early, in daylight, following official routes — don’t wait and don’t “wait out” a mandatory evacuation order.
• Turn your refrigerator to maximum cold and avoid opening it once power is likely to go out.

After the storm

• Don’t go sightseeing — flooded roads and downed lines are a real risk even after the storm passes.
• Don’t drink tap water until local authorities confirm it’s safe; see our water treatment basics.
• Report downed lines and damaged water/sewer infrastructure rather than approaching them yourself.
• Check in with your family communication plan — cell networks are often the last utility restored; a plan made in advance (an out-of-island contact, a set meeting point) matters more after the storm than during it.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance does Puerto Rico typically get hurricane warning?

Per Puerto Rico’s Departamento de Salud emergency planning documents, initial notice of a hurricane threat typically arrives at least 72 hours out via the National Weather Service and National Hurricane Center, with a hurricane watch around 36 hours before expected landfall and a warning around 24 hours before.

Is flood damage covered by regular homeowner’s insurance in Puerto Rico?

No — NOAA’s guidance is explicit that flood damage is not covered under normal homeowner’s insurance policies anywhere in the US, including Puerto Rico. A separate flood policy is required; check this well before hurricane season, not after a watch is issued.