PREPARE EARLY. STAY READY.
Hurricane Resource Hub
Practical tools and trusted information to help you prepare for hurricanes and tropical storms.
Durham is far from the coast, but tropical storms still bring flooding, high winds, tornadoes, and power outages inland. In July 2025, Tropical Depression Chantal brought heavy rain and widespread flood damage to Durham.
Preparing before hurricane season helps your household stay safe and recover faster.
Because you matter.
Four Things You Can Do Today
Hurricane season runs every summer and fall. Get ready now.
Get alerts
Register for Alert Durham to get free calls, texts, or emails about emergencies at your address.
Store water
Keep 1 gallon of water per person per day for 3 to 7 days.
Refill medicines
Pharmacies and doctors' offices may be closed for days after a storm.
Check CO alarms
Make sure your carbon monoxide detector works in case you use a generator.
MAKE YOUR PLAN
Create Your Household Hurricane Plan
What would your household do if a tropical storm brought flooding and power outages to Durham this week?
Which room in your home is safest in high winds? Do you have water, food, and medicine for several days? Who would check on you?
Planning Ahead's Household Hurricane Plan helps you answer those questions before an emergency.
Use the plan to:
✓ Sign up for alerts
✓ Store water and food for 3 to 7 days
✓ Refill medicines early
✓ Gather flashlights, batteries, and a radio
✓ Choose a safe room for high winds
✓ Know where your home and roads flood
✓ Plan for powered medical equipment
✓ Save your utility outage number
✓ Protect important papers and cash
✓ Make a neighbor check-in list
Download your printable plan (PDF) and keep it with your emergency supplies.
Watch or Warning?
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Watch: tropical storm or hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours. Get ready.
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Warning: tropical storm or hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours. Finish preparing and follow official instructions.
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Rain causes flooding far inland, no matter how strong the storm is.
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Tropical storms often spin up tornadoes with little warning. Know your safe room.
What To Do
During the storm
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Stay inside and away from windows until officials say the storm is over.
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For high winds or a tornado warning, go to an inside room on the lowest floor.
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Never walk, swim, or drive through flood water. Turn around, don't drown.
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Leave right away if told to evacuate, and take your emergency kit.
After the storm
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Keep generators and grills outside, at least 20 feet from windows, doors, and vents.
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Stay away from downed power lines and report them to Duke Energy at 800-769-3766.
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Throw out food that touched flood water or sat without power too long.
Check on others
After a storm, check on older neighbors and anyone who lives alone or uses medical equipment that needs power. If someone is struggling emotionally, the free Disaster Distress Helpline is available 24/7 at 1-800-985-5990 by call or text.
Trusted Resources
Official sources for alerts, safety tips, and local help. Links open in a new tab.