Hurricane season 2026: How to protect your home + family in the Mobile Bay area

Living on the Alabama Gulf Coast means living with the reality that we bear the brunt of hurricanes. This year, hurricane season starts June 1 and runs until the end of November.

Preparation on the coast is about more than just stocking the pantry. Now is the perfect time to form a plan with your family that accounts for everything from rising storm surges to the logistics of I-65 traffic. Sourced from the latest NOAA guidelines, here is how to protect your home, your family and your peace of mind this season.

Know your risk and your zone

Preparing for a hurricane starts with understanding the specific hazards your area faces. Whether you are in Mobile or Baldwin county, you need to know your evacuation zone before the first tropical warning is issued.

• Check flood maps: Identify if your home, school or work is in a flood-prone area.
• Identify your shelter: Know where the strongest part of your home is — it’s usually an interior room on the lowest floor without windows.
• Stay informed: Familiarize yourself with National Hurricane Center tracking maps so you can better understand them in the face of a disaster.
• Plan your route: If an evacuation is called, traffic will be heavy, so it is helpful to have an idea of where you need to go. Identify a destination for evacuation — whether it’s a friend or family member’s home or a hotel.

Baldwin and Mobile counties are divided into specific evacuation zones based on surge risk. Check the maps from each county’s emergency services department:

• Baldwin County
• Mobile County

Build an essential supply kit

If a storm hits, you may be without power or water for several days. NOAA recommends having enough supplies to last at least three days, though a seven-day supply is safer for major events.

Key items to include:

• Water: One gallon per person, per day
• Food: Non-perishable items + a manual can opener
• Power: A battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA Weather Radio + extra batteries
• Health: A 14-day supply of medications + a basic first-aid kit
• Documents: Physical copies of insurance policies + IDs kept in a waterproof bag

For a more detailed list of what you may want in your emergency preparedness kit, read more on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website.

Fortify your home and finances

Preparation isn’t only about what’s in your pantry. You and your family should also be prepared to protecting your assets in the event any of your property is damaged.

1. Review insurance: Most standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Check your policy now since there is often a 30-day waiting period for new flood insurance.
2. Document your belongings: Take a video walkthrough of your home today. This digital inventory is very helpful if you need to file a claim later.
3. Clean up the yard: Trim weak branches and identify outdoor items (like patio furniture or bird feeders) that need to be brought inside if a watch is issued.

Secure your home for high winds and surge

Coastal homes face the unique threat of storm surge (an abnormal water level rise generated by a storm over and above the predicted astronomical tide) and sustained hurricane-force winds. Here are some tips to keep your home safe:

• Window protection: If you use plywood, ensure it is pre-cut and labeled for each specific window so you aren’t measuring in the rain.
• Garage doors: These are often the weakest point of a home during high winds. Consider a bracing kit to prevent the door from buckling, which can lead to total roof failure.
• Seal your home: Wind-driven rain can force its way into tiny gaps. Re-caulk windows and doors, and ensure soffits (arches, balconies, etc.) are securely fastened to prevent water from entering your attic and collapsing your ceilings.
• Install hurricane straps: High winds create an “uplift” effect that can pull a roof off its walls. Use metal straps or clips to bolt rafters securely to the wall studs and provide a continuous load path to the foundation.