Don’t Panic! Prepare: Hurricane Season Check List

Hurricane Season in Puerto Rico: What to Expect in 2025 and How to Get Ready

June marks the start of hurricane season in Puerto Rico, and while we’ve all become more resilient in recent years, early preparation is still key. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a recent arrival, here’s what to expect and how to get ready.

What’s the Forecast for 2025?

According to NOAA, this year’s hurricane season is expected to be above average, with:

• 13 to 19 named storms
  
• 6 to 10 hurricanes
  
• 3 to 5 major hurricanes (Category 3 or stronger)
  

That’s largely due to record-warm Atlantic ocean temperatures, favorable wind patterns, and a shift away from El Niño conditions — all of which support more storm activity.

Read the full NOAA outlook here:  https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/outlooks/hurricane2005/May/hurricane.html

Your Hurricane Prep Checklist

Now’s the time to stock up, before there’s a storm on the radar. Here’s what to have on hand:

• Water: At least 1 gallon per person per day for 7 days — but in Puerto Rico, it’s not if the power goes out, it’s when. That means no electricity and possibly no running water for much longer. Store more if you can and fill tubs or large containers in advance.
  Bonus: Have water purification tablets, a portable filter, or unscented bleach (8 drops per gallon). Boil when possible.
  
• Toilet Backup: Keep a bucket of water for manual flushing. Prepare an emergency toilet with trash bags, kitty litter, and a lidded bucket
  
• Shelf-stable food and snacks (don’t forget a manual can opener)
  
• Batteries, flashlights, and headlamps
  
• Medications and first aid kit
  
• Power banks and/or solar chargers
  
• Waterproof pouch with ID, insurance, and important documents
  
• Cash (ATMs and card readers may go down)
  
• Hygiene essentials: toilet paper, wipes, sanitizer
  
• Pet food and supplies
  
• Baby formula, diapers, wipes
  
• Gasoline or propane for generators and cooking stoves. Get it early; long lines and shortages are common after a storm.
  

Safety Tips: Generators, Candles, and More

Hurricane prep isn’t just about stocking up. It’s also about using your gear safely. Every year, injuries and even deaths happen due to carbon monoxide poisoning, house fires, or electrocution. Please take these precautions seriously:

Generator Safety

• Never run a generator indoors or in enclosed spaces (garages, balconies, etc.)
  
• Keep it at least 20 feet from your home, with the exhaust pointed away
  
• Use heavy-duty extension cords rated for outdoor use
  
• Turn it off and cool before refueling
  
• Make sure you have enough fuel safely stored in approved containers and neve refill while the generator is running or hot
  

 Candle Safety

• Place candles on stable, non-flammable surfaces
  
• Never leave them unattended
  
• Use flashlights instead whenever possible. They’re safer and last longer.
  

Bonus: Battery-operated fans can be a lifesaver in the tropical heat. Stock up on batteries early, and store extras in plastic bags to avoid corrosion.

Know Your Zone + Emergency Contacts

• Check if you live in a flood-prone or evacuation zone
  
• Identify your closest shelter ahead of time
  
• Sign up for alerts from PREMA, and weather apps
  
• Keep a battery-powered AM/FM radio for updates (WAPA 680 AM, NotiUno 630, etc.)
  
• And most importantly, have a list of emergency numbers saved offline or printed
  

We’ve made it easy for you:
Download or print a list of key emergency contacts from our website:

Puerto Ricans are no strangers to hurricanes. We know what it means to prepare, to wait, to rebuild, and most importantly, to help one another. Hurricane season is part of life here and so is our incredible ability to adapt, stay calm, and take care of our communities. Let’s channel that resilience now by getting ready before the first storm even forms.

Prep early. Stay safe. Share this with a neighbor.