What to Pack in Your Car Before a Hurricane Evacuation
Pack your car the night before evacuation, not when the order comes
A hurricane evacuation checklist is a list of items and documents you should have in your vehicle before you leave. The difference between packing ahead and packing in a rush is the difference between leaving with your medications and leaving without them. Most people who evacuate do so within a few hours of an order, and roads fill fast. If you wait until the evacuation order arrives, you will be packing while your neighbors are already on the highway.
This guide walks you through what to bring, where to store it, and how to organize it so you can load your car in minutes rather than hours. The items fall into three categories: documents you cannot replace, supplies you cannot buy on the road, and comfort items that make a long drive bearable.
Key Takeaways
- Pack a go-bag with documents, medications, and irreplaceable items in your car or by the door weeks before hurricane season, not the day of evacuation.
- Keep copies of insurance policies, deeds, medical records, and financial documents in a waterproof container separate from originals.
- Store enough water, non-perishable food, and medications for at least three days, plus a full tank of gas before the evacuation order comes.
- Include a paper map, phone chargers, cash, and a list of out-of-state contacts because cell networks often fail during evacuations.
- Leave as soon as an evacuation order is issued for your zone, even if you think the storm will miss you — roads become impassable within hours.
Documents and records to bring
Bring originals or certified copies of documents you cannot replace and will need to prove who you are, what you own, or what you owe. These include your driver's license, vehicle registration, insurance cards (home, auto, health, and life), and mortgage or rental agreement. If you have a safe deposit box, keep copies of your deed, title, and financial account numbers at home in a waterproof container.
Medical records matter more than most people realize. Bring a list of current medications with dosages, a summary of recent surgeries or diagnoses, and the names and phone numbers of your doctors. If you have a child, bring their immunization records and any school documents you might need to enroll them elsewhere. Bring photos or video of your home's interior and exterior taken before the storm — these are proof of what you owned if you need to file an insurance claim later.
Store all of these in a waterproof bag or container. A plastic storage box with a tight-fitting lid works. Label it clearly and keep it in an easy-to-reach spot, not in the attic or a locked cabinet you will forget about during an evacuation.
Medications, medical supplies, and pet items
Pack a three-day supply of all prescription medications in their original labeled bottles. Do not rely on refilling them on the road — pharmacies in evacuation zones close, and pharmacies in receiving areas are often overwhelmed. If you use medical equipment like a CPAP machine, glucose monitor, or inhaler, bring it and its power cord or batteries. Bring a copy of each prescription in case you need an emergency refill.
Include a basic first-aid kit: bandages, pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antihistamines, and any over-the-counter medications you use regularly. Bring glasses or contact lenses and solution if you wear them. If you have a pet, pack their medications, food for three days, a carrier or crate, a leash, and medical records showing current vaccinations — many shelters and hotels require proof that pets are up to date on rabies shots.
Food, water, and fuel
Pack one gallon of water per person per day for three days, plus extra for pets. Store it in food-grade containers in a cool place in your car or garage. Do not wait until an evacuation order to buy water — stores run out within hours. Pack non-perishable food that does not require cooking or refrigeration: crackers, peanut butter, canned fruit, granola bars, nuts, and dried fruit. Include a manual can opener if you bring canned food.
Fill your gas tank the day before hurricane season officially begins and keep it at least half full during the season. Gas stations close or run out of fuel during evacuations. If you have a second vehicle, fill both. Bring a phone charger that works in your car — a USB charger or a car charger for your phone model. Bring a portable battery pack as a backup.
Cash, communication, and navigation
Bring at least $200 in cash, in small bills. Credit card networks and ATMs often fail during and after hurricanes. Bring a list of important phone numbers written on paper — your insurance agent, your bank, your doctor, and at least one out-of-state contact person. Cell networks become unreliable during evacuations, and you may not be able to look up numbers online.
Bring a paper map of South Carolina and the states you might drive to. GPS relies on cell service and satellites, both of which can fail. A physical map lets you navigate if your phone dies or loses signal. Bring a flashlight with extra batteries, a first-aid kit, and a change of clothes for each person in the car.
How to organize your go-bag
Use a large plastic storage container or a sturdy bag that you can grab and load into your car in under a minute. Label it clearly on the outside: "Hurricane Go-Bag." Organize the contents into smaller bags or sections: one for documents, one for medications, one for food and water, one for cash and cards. Keep the container in a closet or by the door, not in the garage where you might forget it.
Check your go-bag twice a year — once before hurricane season in June and once in September. Replace expired medications, update insurance policy numbers if they change, and refresh food and water. If you evacuate, restock the bag as soon as you return home. Do not wait until the next storm.
What to do the day an evacuation order is issued
When your county issues an evacuation order for your zone, load your go-bag into your car immediately. Fill your gas tank if you have not already. Lock your home, leave lights on so you can see when you return, and leave a note on the door with your out-of-state contact information in case someone needs to reach you. Do not wait to see if the storm will actually hit your area — evacuation orders are issued because roads will become impassable, not because the storm is certain to hit your exact location.
Drive to your destination during daylight if possible. Bring your go-bag, your pets, and any irreplaceable items that fit in your car. Do not try to board up your home or move outdoor furniture — that takes time you do not have. Leave as soon as the order is issued, even if you think you have time. The difference between leaving early and leaving late is often the difference between a four-hour drive and being stuck in traffic for twelve hours or longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I do not have a safe place to evacuate to?
Contact your county emergency management office or call 211 to find out where public shelters are opening. Shelters accept people with and without pets, though pet-friendly shelters fill faster. Register in advance if your county offers pre-registration — it speeds up check-in on the day you arrive.
Can I bring my pet to a hotel if I evacuate?
Many hotels allow pets during evacuations, but policies vary. Call ahead and ask. Bring proof of current rabies vaccination and keep your pet in a carrier or crate in the room. Some hotels waive pet fees during declared emergencies.
Should I evacuate if I live in a mobile home?
Yes. Mobile homes are not safe in hurricane-force winds, even if you think your location is protected. Evacuate to a sturdy building or a public shelter. Do not stay in a mobile home during a hurricane warning.
What if I cannot fit everything in my car?
Prioritize in this order: people, pets, documents, medications, then everything else. Your go-bag should fit in the trunk or back seat. Leave furniture, electronics, and decorations behind — they can be replaced. You cannot.
Do I need to board up my windows before I leave?
Only if you can do it in under an hour and it does not delay your evacuation. If an evacuation order is issued, leaving immediately is more important than boarding up. Your safety matters more than your windows.