As you may already know, I was born and raised in Central Florida. I’ve been through more than a few hurricanes, and have been one of those that have been left without power. It’s a good idea to plan early and get a hurricane kit prepared before the storms come calling. Here are a few of the basics you’ll need in your kit.
Basic Hurricane Supply Kit
- Food. Have at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food.
- Water. Have one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. Used for both drinking and sanitation.
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and an NOAA Weather Radio
- Garbage bags, plastic ties, and moist towelettes for personal sanitation
- Manual can opener for opening non-perishable food
- Cell phone with chargers and backup battery
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust mask to help filter contaminated air
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape if you need to shelter in place
- Local maps
I always err on the side of caution. More is better and hopefully, you won’t need it and can use it after the storm passes or for the next storm. I’d rather have too many non-perishables than not enough just in case.
Something else to think about if you have kids that like their tablets. Make sure that you have games and books for them to use since there may not be any electricity to charge those tablets back up. We keep a deck of cards on hand for just such times. I’ve faced no power with kids and without, and can tell you that it’s a great idea to plan for snacks and games when the kids are both hot and bored.
Additional Supplies to Add to Emergency Hurricane Supply Kit
- Deck of cards, board games, books
- Sleeping bag or blanket for each person.
- Cash or traveler’s checks
- Important documents: copies of insurance policies, IDs, bank records in a waterproof, portable container.
- Prescription and non-prescription medications (i.e. pain relievers, antacids, etc.)
- Glasses and contacts, contact lens solution
- Change of clothing for each person and sturdy shoes
- Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, and anything needed for babies
- Fire extinguisher
- Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper to disinfect the water
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
- Personal hygiene items
- Paper and pencil
- Phone number of Electric Company (my Electric Company texted me with power updates during the last storm)
- Cooler for perishable foods
From personal experience, if the power is going to be out for an extended amount of time, I keep a bag of ice in my freezer and a cooler on hand so that I can move any perishables out of the fridge and into the cooler so that they don’t spoil. That is my personal preference after going through these hurricanes and has kept more than one gallon of milk from going bad (or my frozen Thin Mints).
Also, if you have a house with someplace to store a generator, they are a good addition to your Hurrican prep. Bonus, if you have battery-operated personal fans. Those are heaven when there is no air circulation inside or outside of the house.
Is there anything I missed that I should add? Let me know!
