When does hurricane season start? Do these things before June 1

The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1. Will you be ready?

Forecasters aren't sure what the future holds. In April, an influential hurricane forecast brought a mixed bag of news, as forecasters grappled with unruly climate patterns. The forecast warned of "high levels of uncertainty," as it predicted a less-than-average number of storms.

But experts say people across the East Coast (especially those who live on the coast) should prepare for the worst.

Being ready for hurricane season means more than buying a pack of batteries. Here's a list of 10 less-obvious things you can do before a hurricane hits – the kind of details that really matter in a disaster.

Here's something you can do right now: The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends that you take some photos and/or video of your house, roof, windows, appliances and valuables before the storm hits. FEMA and insurance companies suggest doing this so you have proof of pre‑storm conditions if you need to file claims after the storm.