How to Prepare for a Hurricane
A hurricane can happen at anytime between May20th and November 30th. The warmer the waters are, the more prone that a hurricane can form. In order to prepare for a hurricane, you should have several supplies on hand. It’s important to have the following in your possession at least a month before hurricane season begins.
What Supplies Are Needed For A Hurricane?
Water
Water for at least 7 days for every member of your family. Most states will tell you to prepare for at least 3 days. However, hurricanes that are powerful often bring unexpected problems.
If power is out in your county for more than 3 days, you won’t have any running water, electric and access to supermarkets. There is also no guarantee that power will turn back anytime soon.
In many of Florida’s hurricanes, being without power for a couple of weeks was not uncommon. People would often have to bath themselves with bottled water. Water is important because you can’t live without it beyond 3 days.
If you wait for the last minute for a hurricane to be announced, most people will be running to the store to buy water. Most shelves are empty and getting water will be hard.
The good news about bottled water is that it usually lasts for around 2 years if its bottled. You may want to check with the water bottling company to see how long your water will last.
I usually have extra water on hand for my neighbors as well. You might be shocked to find out how many people around you are not prepared for the hurricane.
Have at least eight home depot buckets laying around your house. I fill these up completely to use to flush the toilet and to wash my body with as well. You will need to fill up your washer machine as well and bathtub hours before the hurricane is set to hit.
Food
Food for 3 Weeks
Remember, if you lose power (which you probably will), you will lose refrigeration. This means that all the food in your fridge will go bad. Therefore, you need to have plenty of canned and packed food products to eat from.
I personally use MRE (meal ready to eat). When I was in the military, soldiers were each given an MRE for their meal while in the field. This means that this had everything in it for a meal.
What I liked about the MRE was that it had different meal selections and included coffee, powdered fruit punch, desert and more. The MRE averages around $7.95 each. Amazingly, MRE’s usually last for more than 5 years. This means that you purchase will be good for years to come.
You will need around 3 MRE’s per day for each person. The MRE is easy to open. You don’t need can openers or propane stoves. Each MRE comes with a heat pack that heats your food. This is perfect if you don’t have matches. You simply add water to the MRE heat bag and stick your meal in there. It’s that easy.
If you are on a budget, canned goods are often cheapest to buy at Aldi, Walmart and Cosco. However, once a hurricane is announced, these stores became extremely crowded and you may not be able to get everything that you had hoped for. Plan early and stock your supplies.
As you can see, you don’t have to worry about these items going back since they often last for years to come. However, not having them on hand could put you and your family into trouble.
Never wait for the last minute to store your supplies. If you don’t have room to put these items in your home, you can rent a small storage space for them for under $50.00 a month. If you can’t afford it on your own, get a family member or friend to split the costs with you.
Don’t forget to buy a few cases of fresh fruits and vegetables as well. You want to avoid constipation as much as you can.
Flashlights
When your power goes out, you will get scared. Having around 5 flashlights on hand is the best for you. You want to have a few laying around for every room in your house. I usually put at least one flashlight in every room of my house. When you are in the dark, its hard to locate a flashlight if it gets lost. It’s also good to have at least one flashlight for every person in the house.
Make sure that your flashlight is battery operated. Please make sure to check it before the hurricane comes. You would be shocked if you knew how many people thought that they had purchased a battery-operated flashlight and, its powered by electric.
Don’t by any lights that require lighting it with a match. Candles are not good to use during a hurricane because if the wind from the hurricane cracks a window in your home, it can blow the flame around and cause a fire.
Batteries
Batteries are important to have on hand before a hurricane hits your area. You will need to buy at least 10 packs of D batteries and 10 packs of C batteries. You will find that during a hurricane, you can usually get AA and AAA batteries, but not C and D. The reason is because people buy C and D batteries for flashlights, portable television sets, radios and more. These electronics require C and D batteries. They don’t usually take AA and AAA.
Electronics
Make sure that you have a portable radio and television set that is battery operated. These will often be the best resource to find out when the hurricane has passed your area of what is happening outside. During a hurricane, you won’t be able to see much of what is happening outside.
You will see palm trees swaying in the wind and debris smashing against houses. It will be scary and know that everyone is feeling fear. The stronger the hurricane, the more scared you will feel. Radios and televisions help you to remain calmer because the news will inform you what is happening in your area.
Gasoline
It’s important to have proper gasoline cans and storage areas. It’s important to store at least 30 gallons of gasoline during hurricane season. You can usually rent storage space for this if you don’t have your own garage. After the hurricane leaves your area, gasoline trucks may not be able to get through highways and often no gasoline can be found for several days. Sometimes, it can take weeks due to long lines at the gas station.
Some people choose to leave their state or country of power is going to be out for longer than 5 days. You may have to drive to another state and on your way to another state, mostly all the gas stations will say no gas or that gasoline will take hours to get because of long lines.
If you have a generator, remember that they are often powered by diesel gasoline. Make sure to check what kind of gasoline your generator and vehicle takes.
Books, Magazines and Games
People often forget that without power, there is no internet. You will get extremely board if you don’t have books, magazines and games to occupy your time. It’s important to have plenty of these on hand for you and your family.
Battery Operated Fans
It’s important to have battery operated fans on hand. Its best to have at least one fan for each room in your home. It will be hot. Opening your patio door will only make your home hotter. Yes, it is tough. However, having fans makes things a lot easier.
Baby Wipes
Baby wipes will help you to feel refreshed and it also helps you to keep clean. I usually keep around 20 packs of baby wipes because they go fast. You won’t have any running water to wipe your hands and so you should try to conserve your water for bathing and drinking purposes.
Propane Stoves
Its best to have a propane stove if you plan on cooking pasta and canned goods. If you are not using an MRE, then you will need something to heat your food up with.
You can also use your barbecue grill in the backyard if you can. By doing this, you can at least enjoy a hot meal.
First Aid Kits
You will need a first aid kit. If someone gets hurt, you want to make sure that you have bandages on hand.
Personal Hygiene
Make sure that you have enough soap, toilet paper, garbage bags, paper towels, dishwasher soap on hand.
If you have pets, don’t forget about the pet food.
Additional Household Supplies
You will also need plenty of garbage bags, saran wrap, aluminum foil, paper plates and cups, bugspray, duct tape, rope.
Money
ATM machines will be down, and banks will be closed. Make sure that you have enough cash to last you for 3 weeks. If you find a store open, they will usually only accept cash for purchase.
Kid Supplies
If you have a baby, remember that you will need baby food, diapers, formula and kid friendly soap.
Remember to check with your state’s government website for any supplies that they recommend as well. You will find that most states now warm people many days in advance before a hurricane hits and offers recommendations.
Hurricane Preparedness – What Should I Stockpile For Hurricane Season?
During hurricane season, you should have at least three days’ worth of nonperishable food and bottled water stored in your home. Avoid items that need refrigeration or cooking, as these items will spoil quickly. Be sure to also stock up on disposable utensils. These items can make an important difference if you need to prepare meals during a storm. In addition to these necessities, you should also stock up on food that will keep you warm.
A hurricane food kit should include at least three days’ worth of food for each person in your home. To begin preparing your hurricane food kit, check your pantry and refrigerator for expired items. Create a list of foods to purchase to fill your kit. Try to buy nonperishable, nutritious foods that require little preparation. Choose items that don’t spoil easily or will be easily preserved. When putting together your hurricane food kit, remember to store it in a dry, cool place and to seal it after use.
If you are worried about the food that you’ll need, buy only the nonperishable types. The best foods are those that don’t require refrigeration. They won’t spoil or need cooking and will keep you comfortable throughout the storm. Additionally, you should stock up on batteries and other battery powered devices, as power outages are common during hurricane season. A water bottle for each person is sufficient for a week.
You can buy canned goods and fresh produce. Fresh produce will last at least a week if not longer. Then, you can start preparing your food supply for a hurricane. For example, if you live in a tropical country, make sure to buy plenty of fruits and vegetables. If you don’t have fresh produce, consider buying them from a farmers’ market instead of the grocery store. You can also buy fresh produce from a local farmer’s market to extend the shelf life of your prepared food.
As a hurricane approaches, you’ll want to ensure you’re ready with food and supplies. Your family will need plenty of water during the hurricane, and you don’t want to run out of it during this time. In addition, your food should be nonperishable, since it may become contaminated during a storm. It’s best to buy extras of these items so that you can enjoy the food you have stored.
As you prepare for a hurricane, you’ll need food for the entire family. You should stock up on food that doesn’t need refrigeration. This will allow you to prepare meals for up to a week during a disaster. While preparing for a hurricane, you can buy a few perishable items to last a few weeks. One good option is to buy a couple of days’ worth of fresh produce.
You should also stock up on nonperishable food, especially in case of a natural disaster. The food you should stockpile should be shelf-stable, which means it will last for weeks in the event of a storm. In addition to this, you should stock up on fresh fruit and vegetables. While this may not be a good idea for everyone, it is better than not having enough of them.
As a hurricane approaches, you’ll need to stock up on nonperishable food. The FDA recommends that you stock up on nonperishable food, which means it won’t need refrigeration or cooking, so you can enjoy it in a hurricane. If you can’t cook, you should stock up on items that don’t require refrigeration, like canned goods and dried vegetables. Those that don’t require refrigeration will last for weeks, so they can be added to your hurricane food supplies.
Other items that should be in your hurricane food stock should be nonperishable foods. This includes fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as items with a shorter shelf-life. It’s also a good idea to have plenty of batteries and tools in your emergency kit. This will enable you to make repairs, which will be essential if your electricity goes out. You should also buy battery-powered candles. When you stock up on these supplies, you’ll be able to use them as a source of light, even if your power is out for a few hours.
Hurricane Supplies – What Supplies Are Needed Before a Hurricane Hits?
Gas for your vehicle. Many gas stations run out of fuel right before a hurricane, so be sure to fill up your tank with gasoline. Make sure your portable generator is fully charged. Also, be sure to charge up your mobile device so you’ll have access to essential information during a hurricane. Battery-powered portable chargers and power banks are a great idea. If you don’t own a generator, buy one and store it somewhere safe.
Non-perishable food and bottled water. You’ll need these for a week or three days. Then, you’ll need to replenish them every day. If you’re unsure, buy more supplies and store them in an emergency kit if necessary. You’ll need more than three days’ worth of supplies if you plan to ride out the storm. If you’re planning on storing your hurricane supply yourself, you’ll need a few extra supplies for the first few days.
If you’re planning on riding out the hurricane on your own, you’ll need plenty of bottled water and non-perishable food. Remember, power outages are a frequent part of a hurricane, and you’ll need these supplies to survive. You’ll also need tools, batteries, and other battery-powered devices for emergency repairs. Depending on the hurricane, you may need a few days or even weeks’ worth of food.
If you decide to evacuate, it’s a good idea to prepare for power outages. You may not be able to get to a store, but if you’re lucky, you can ride out the hurricane with a portable charger and bottled water. Don’t forget to pack some personal hygiene items and medications for the entire family. And remember to make sure that your car is fully charged.
Despite the fact that the hurricane’s power is likely to be out for days, your family should have a few extra batteries on hand. Besides bottled water, you should also have water for your pets. Additionally, you should make sure you have a portable charger for your cell phone. If you don’t own a car, you can always get a ride. When you’re stranded, be sure to keep a cell phone charged and plugged in.
If you’re unable to get out of the area, be sure to contact neighbors and vendors before the storm hits. In case you have to evacuate, you’ll need to be prepared for power outages. If you’re planning on riding out the hurricane, be sure to have enough non-perishable food. In addition, you should have a three-day to a week’s worth of water.
If you plan on staying home during a hurricane, you’ll need to stock up on water and food. In the worst cases, power will be out for days or weeks. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to prepare for the disaster. For example, you should have a stocked refrigerator, bottled water, and non-perishable food. If you can’t wait for the storm to pass, stay in a shelter.
In the event that you have to evacuate, make sure you’ve got plenty of water. Clean up the gutters and divert rain away from your home. If you’re unable to use a vehicle, make sure you have a portable charger for your cell phone. For the rest of your family, keep important documents and prescription medications with you. A battery-powered radio and flashlight are essential in times of emergency.
Be sure to have bottled water and non-perishable food in your car. In the worst case scenario, power may not be available for days or even weeks. If you’re planning on staying in your home, it’s best to stock up on these supplies before the storm even starts. If you’re not prepared, you may end up stranded in a hotel with no water, electricity, and no food.