It is officially hurricane season, and being prepared is a must. There are many things you will need to have on hand in the case of power and water outages. Here is a compiled list of everything you will need, from food and drink, to equipment, toiletries, and important gadgets, as well as things you need to know in order to be fully prepared.
Food & Drinks
1. Water
Thad Zajdowicz on Flickr
Your most important resource: water. The National Hurricane Survival Initiative suggests that you keep at least 1/2 a gallon of water per person for 3 days. For a household of four, that means a total of 6 gallons total for the 3 days. Try to buy water bottles and water gallons in stores. For even more water preparation, fill reusable water bottles and containers that you already have at home with water from your tap. And don't forget about your pets! Make sure you keep enough water for them, too.
2. Non-Perishable Food
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Non-perishable food items are your best bet for hurricane preparation when it comes to food. Canned foods, such as beans, tuna, salmon, chicken, beans, baked beans, refried beans, vegetables, and fruits in juice, are excellent options to stock up on. Opt for low-sodium options for a healthier choice and to prevent dehydration. Also, consider purchasing whole grain cereals and quick cook oats for a quick, healthy meal.
3. Semi-Perishable and Perishable Food
USDAgov on Flickr
Semi-perishable items that you might consider stocking up on are nuts, seeds, dried fruits, protein bars, instant rice, peanut butter, almond butter, whole wheat bread and tortillas, and olive and avocado oils.
Perishable items that you can purchase are: apples, oranges, tangerines, personal watermelons, pineapple, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, and bananas. These fruits last longer than most other fruits, so they are great healthy and nutritious options. However, for larger fruits like watermelon, pineapple, cantaloupe, and honeydew melon, aim for smaller sizes as there is a chance that refrigeration will not be an option.
4. Pet Food
Again, don't forget about your furry friends! Make sure you stock up on your pet's food, too. A two-week supply of pet food is recommended.
5. Baby Food/Formula
The same goes for babies. If you have a baby or young child, make sure you have the necessary formulas and gear, like diapers and wipes that your child will need.
Kitchen Equipment & Toiletries
1. Kitchen Equipment
Keeping in mind that there may not be any running water for an extended number of days, for your kitchen you will need: paper plates and bowls, plastic silverware, paper towels, aluminum foil, containers to hold additional water, a manual can opener, sharp knives, and aluminum containers to be used for cooking food on grills.
2. Toiletries
Toiletries that you will need include: toilet paper, a first aid kit, rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer, and cleansing wipes as again, there is a chance running water will not be available for some time.
3. Medications
Don't forget to pick up your prescription medications or any over-the-counter medications that you'd like to have at home. This goes for your pets, too.
Gadgets
1. Light Sources
Flashlights, batteries, candles, lighters, matches, oh my! It's best to have them all on hand just in case the power does go out.
2. Generator
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It is absolutely worth investing in a generator. A portable generator can be used to bring back some electricity into your home for a short time. This will be essential for the household necessities after a hurricane such as bringing power back to your refrigerator. Just make sure you also have additional gasoline on hand to fuel your generator.
3. Grill & Propane Gas
Another important investment is a grill and propane gas to fuel your grill. Of course, this is not absolutely necessary, but it is a great way to cook up a hot meal when your stove and oven just won't work.
Things to do before:
1. Do anything that required the use of water such as the dishes, your laundry, etc.
2. Fill your car's gas tank and any additional gasoline tanks you have. On that note, also park in a safe location, preferably away from any large trees.
3. Place all patio furniture and potted plants indoors, or in your garage if you have one.
4. Fill your bathtubs with water. This way you can use this water for bathing, flushing your toilets, and anything else you will need.
5. Create an emergency bag. Place food, water bottles, medications, and legal documents in water-proof plastic bags, just in case you need to evacuate your home at any time.
5 Tips for Hurricane Season Success
1. Remember to relax. It's easy to get worked up when your anxious and stressed, but try your best to cope with your anxieties in healthy ways.
2. Be kind to people. This is a stressful time for everyone. Remember to show kindness and love to others, especially when shopping. As long as you are taking the necessary steps to be prepared, you're going to be okay and there is absolutely no need to be unkind to others
3. Get up early to get your supplies and don't wait until the last minute to get prepared.
4. On a lighter note, prepare some fun and entertaining games such as cards or board games. They'll come in handy when the power goes out.
5. Pray. Remember to have peace and trust that everything is going to be okay. Because it will be.
I hope this helps and that you and your family have a safe and damage-free hurricane season!