Hurricane Coming

Our hurricane supply list has changed and continues to be updated, as we do our best to provide the best hurricane tips possible. Some of the changes are due to the length of time the power was out after the hurricanes of the past few years. It is a good idea to start gathering your supplies before the start of the season in June, especially drinking water (the one gallon per person per day, for 5 days is still a good rule). Water is one of the first commodities to disappear from store shelves when a hurricane is approaching and it can take a while for the store to restock.

Here’s my new checklist for preparations:

1. If you don’t have a generator for your refrigerator, you should have a cooler or two (or three!). Purchase an extra cooler just for ice, which will be scarce after the storm. There are “max cold” or ultra insulated coolers (like the Coleman 100-Quart Xtreme Wheeled Cooler (Blue)) for long term cold retention that can help keep your ice longer than lesser quality or Styrofoam coolers.

2. Have a manual can opener (Oxo Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener) and plenty of canned food; perishable food items will spoil quickly if electricity is lost and refrigerators are inoperable.

3. Stock plenty of non-perishables like peanut butter, cereal, instant drink mixes, juice boxes, crackers, nuts, dried fruits, Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bars, Variety Pack of Oats ‘n Honey, Peanut Butter, and Maple Brown Sugar, 24-Count Boxes (Pack of 6) [Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging], etc.

4. If you have a baby, stock up on extra diapers, food, formula etc.

5. Have extra pet food and treats on hand.

6. Keep an extra supply of paper goods: paper plates, paper towels, napkins, plastic utensils, paper or plastic cups, wet wipes and garbage bags.

7. Store bottled drinking water before the rush, allowing at least one gallon per person per day for 2 weeks and don’t forget to include your pets! Rinse and reuse empty 2-liter soda bottles - a great way to recycle them during storm season.

8. Have several battery-powered flashlights (Universal Power Group 86070 Flashlight Set), lanterns, radio and extra batteries. Small battery-powered televisions are useful too. We’ve also purchased several of the new flashlights that don’t require batteries, just a few shakes (and another large wind-up powered flashlight that has been through two seasons). Solar powered radios are great too, if you are without power for a long time after the storm passes.

9. If you don’t have an extra cell phone battery, try to get one and keep it charged, or at the very least, have a car charger on hand to plug your phone into, in case of emergency.

10. Check your first aid supplies to make sure you have enough bandages, antibiotic ointment, peroxide, alcohol, etc. and over-the-counter medications that have not expired.

11. Make sure you have plenty of any necessary prescription medications - enough to last at least one week after the storm.

12. Inspect your hurricane shutters and replace any panels that are missing or damaged. If you use plywood to cover windows and doors, make certain it is still usable.

13. Remove damaged limbs from trees and prune branches so winds can blow through. Dispose of trimmings as soon as possible. Never leave trimmings where winds can turn them into projectiles.

14. If you don’t have a gas stove or grill, consider purchasing a Weber 386002 Q 100 Portable Gas Grill. When electricity is lost, this may be the only way to cook. Make sure that you only use these items outdoors.

15. If you have a chain saw, make sure it’s filled with gas, oiled and ready for use.

16. If you’ve been considering the purchase of a generator, buy it well before a storm approaches when there are plenty in stock and you have the time to learn to use the unit properly.

17. Have cash on hand - ATMs will probably not work for days/weeks after storm passes.

18. Keep your car’s gas tank filled - a last minute rush to the gas station (along with all of the other unprepared people) may leave you without fuel.