Do you live in an area prone to hurricanes? It is essential to be prepared before locals rush to the grocery stores and before a storm hits. Preparing a hurricane kit will ensure that you have all the essentials needed to stay hydrated, safe, and entertained during a storm!
Lanterns
Lanterns are essential during a power outage. Even though flashlights are small and convenient for moving from room to room, lanterns can be placed throughout the home and stay on all day and/or night. Unlike flashlights, they do not have to be held by hand or have their batteries changed as regularly.
Water barrier bags
Strong rain and wind can lead to a rise in water. Purchasing water barriers and placing them on the bottom of doors will keep water out of your homes, whether is your front door or your garage.
Radio
Having a radio to hear about weather updates will keep you in the know of what to expect. Some have charger ports in them so you can charge your devices, even when the power is out.
Battery-powered fan
On the note of staying cool, battery-powered fans will help combat the heat and get some airflow in your home. Make sure to keep extra batteries in your hurricane kit to keep your fan running during the entire storm, as long as any other devices that require batteries.
First aid kit
Although fairly obvious, keeping a first aid kit with all the staples is crucial. In intense weather situations or accidents, transportation and accessibility to emergency care are more complicated. Keeping these items on hand may not be the exact fix to a major injury, but it will help.
Water purification tablets
If your water source is not reliable during a storm, water purification tablets will kill off any bacteria that may be harmful to your body. Make sure to read the labels on the tablets to us correctly.
Electrolytes
Even when you have bottled water stashed, the intense heat of the Southern states without air conditioning can be brutal. Keeping packs of electrolytes will give you that extra hydration boost to combat the heat during a storm. Plus, they come in a variety of delicious flavors!
Food and Toiletries
Instead of running to the grocery store with everyone else in your town right before a storm, keep perishable items in your hurricane kit. Check-in before every hurricane season to check the expiration dates of these items. Here is what you should always have in stock:
- Toilet paper
- Hand sanitizer
- Bottled water
- Canned foods or non-perishable meal kit
- Toothbrushes/toothpaste
- Garbage bags
- Feminine products
Entertainment
If the power is out, it’s time to whip out the old cards and board games to play with your family! Keeping different forms of entertainment on hand is a great distraction from the storm and can provide bonding time with your friends and family. Here are some forms of entertainment to put in your kit:
- Deck of cards
- Boardgames
- Books
- Madlibs
- Sudoku
- Crossword puzzles
- Coloring books
- Bracelet kit
These are only the basics of preparing for a hurricane. Make sure to find out more information about the potential storm that could be headed near you to find out the safest actions to take.
