A several years ago when we first moved here we put together a list of tips to prepare for hurricanes. We have another hurricane among us and now that we have lived here a little while, we wanted to update the tips to include new tips we have picked up. We may have removed a tip or two that just don't make sense. As with before, many of these tips aren’t just for hurricanes—they can be useful for floods, tornados, and other emergencies, no matter where you live.
Preparing in Advance/Start of Storm Season
Build Your Emergency Kit Gradually: Each week, add a few items to your kit to avoid a big expense all at once.
Stock Up on Water: Keep at least three gallons of water per person in your home (*two weeks’ worth is even better).
Non-Perishable Food Supplies: Have at least *three days’ worth of meals per person, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Healthier options include canned meats, beans, sauces, nuts, nut butters, dried fruit, jerky, apples, and oranges.
Create an Emergency Contact List: Write down important numbers, such as the non-emergency police line, your utility companies (electric, water), family members whose numbers you may not have memorized, hospitals, doctors, and insurance companies.
Keep Car Full of Gas: Don't let your vehicle ever get below 1/2 full during storm season. That way when a storm arrives you don't have to worry about finding gas during any type of shortage.
Invest in a Generator: A generator and extension cords can keep essential electronics running. We also highly recommend a portable AC unit—it was a lifesaver when we lost power for a week. We've used it multiple times in Florida when our AC wasn’t working properly.
Pre-Cut and Label Plywood: If you plan to use plywood for your windows, have them cut and labeled before hurricane season. This saves time and helps you avoid the long lines during storm preparation. We love clips like these on our plywood.
Keep Some Cash on Hand: In case of power outages, ATMs and card readers may not work.
A Few Days Before a Specific Storm
Freeze Water in Ziploc Bags: Fill as many as your freezer can hold. These frozen bags can be used in coolers or fridges to keep perishables cool, and they provide drinking water as they melt.
Make Your Own Ice Bags: Similar to the previous tip, in the days leading up to the storm put all the ice in your ice maker in zip loc bags and add them to your freezer. That way you can have extra ice available if you loose water or power.
Gas and Propane: Keep gas cans filled and have an extra propane tank on hand. Don’t forget to fill up your vehicles as well.
Identify Your Safe Room: Choose a secure location in your home where you can shelter during the storm. We have two safe rooms. One is for our important things like instruments and photo albums. The other one is for our family.
Gather Essential Supplies for the Safe Room: Flashlights, a battery-operated radio or TV, and extra batteries should all be stored here. We also put blankets and pillows, games, water, and snacks. Our purses, wallets, and keys will come in there too. Pro tip: shine a flashlight through a gallon of water to create a makeshift lantern.
Record Video of Property: Take a video of the house inside and outside. Include the contents of drawers and closets. Take pictures of any important or valuable items. Hopefully you don't need them, but having them will help any insurance claims.
Make Room for Cars in Garage: If at all possible prepare to have your vehicles parked in the garage. This will save them from potential damage from flying objects or paint scratches from sand and dirt flying at high speeds. If you can't park it in the garage, consider using this type of car cover.
Bring Outside In: The windows in Florida are built for strong winds. What they aren't always built for are flying objects. So don't be the person to contribute to the mess and bring all your outdoor furniture inside.
Day of Storm
Fill Bathtubs and Buckets with Water: This water can be used for flushing toilets and cleaning if your water supply is disrupted. This is especially helpful if you are on a well. Only during a major storm do city water folks need to do this as in our experience most of the time the city water doesn't shut off.
Use Your Washer as a Cooler: If you have a top load washer, fill your washing machine with ice and use it as a cooler for drinks.
Store Valuables in the Dishwasher: If you can’t take valuables with you or need extra protection, put them in the dishwasher. It’s designed to keep water in—and it can keep water out too!
Don’t Forget to Charge Your Devices: Make sure all phones, tablets, and portable battery packs are fully charged in case of power loss.
Make it Fun and Special: If you have kids make it fun. One of the things we do is have sleepovers with our girls on storm days. This is also helpful if the storm is peaking overnight and we have to rush into a safe room quickly.
We once lost power for a week after a powerful thunderstorm tore through Virginia. These tips would have made a world of difference while we were “camping out” with our four-year-old and one-year-old in a house that reached 95°F inside—yikes! We hope these suggestions help you stay safe and prepared, wherever you are.
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