Things to Stock Up On Before a Hurricane
While we should be prepared for when a disaster hits, we rarely are. I wrote this a few years ago when Hurricane Dorian hit the Bahamas at a category 5 before scaling the Florida coast and causing quite a mess there.
Many people are not prepared for a hurricane, let alone a category 5 hurricane. When it comes to a hurricane, you need to make sure you are stocked to bunker down, as well as stocked to get out of town.
You never know when a category 1 could turn into a life-threatening category 5 hurricane. Below, you will find things to stock up on before a hurricane that will get you through the mild or severe!
Why Should You Be Prepared for a Hurricane?
Hurricanes and tropical storms pose three different hazards: wind, rain, and storm surge. Depending on the category of the hurricane, you could have minimal damage to less common catastrophic damage.
When you live in an area that often has the threat of a hurricane, you should have enough of everything listed to last you for 7-10 days at the least. Here is why you should be prepared for a hurricane based on each hurricane category:
Category 1
A category 1 hurricane is minimal; however, it can affect you for several days. It can cause some damage to houses, especially mobile homes, tree branches can be thrown or topple on your property, and powerlines can be damaged. Although these damages are minimal, here’s what could happen:
- Power Lines are damaged which means you may not be able to use debit or credit cards at your local stores. You will need cash. You may lose the ability to communicate, cool your home, have lights, TV or other electrical appliances, etc.
- Trees branches could cause severe damage to your home. You would need supplies ready during this time.
- Stores, restaurants, and shops may be shut down due to power outages or property damage.
Category 2
During a category 2 hurricane, you’ll have stronger winds which can cause more damage than the category 1 hurricane. Here are some things that could happen:
- Power outages that last more than a few days. You won’t have power in your home.
- Power outages can cause stores, restaurants, banks, and shops to shut down for a few days.
- You may not be able to pay for things like fuel, food, and water with anything but cash for a few days.
Category 3
Once a hurricane gets to a category 3, you are looking at substantial damage to trees and houses. Here are some reasons why you would want to be prepared for a category 3 hurricane:
- It will take roofs off of well-constructed homes.
- Knocks out electric and water systems for days or even weeks.
- The roads will be blocked by fallen trees and poles.
Category 4
A category 4 hurricane is catastrophic to those who are in its path. You will be looking at more damage than with any of the other hurricanes. Here is why anyone should be prepared for this type of hurricane:
- Affected areas may be uninhabitable for days or weeks afterward.
- Most trees will have fallen and caused damage.
- Most electric poles will have been damaged and fallen.
- You will see catastrophic damage to most homes, even those that are well-constructed.
Category 5
A category 5 hurricane will need to be prepared for in a whole new way. Most people can not hunker down during a category 5 hurricane. In fact, you’ll want to be prepared to get out of Dodge. Recovery from this can take months.
Because hurricanes can be so destructive, it is important to be prepared. Below, you will find things you need to stock up on before a hurricane strikes.
Things to Stock Up on Before a Hurricane
Because hurricanes can go from category 1 to higher categories, it is important to be prepared. You can be prepared by stocking up on the right things in your home. Here are some things to stock up on in case of a hurricane:
#1 Food
Even in a category 1 hurricane, machines at local grocery stores may be down. Buying food may be a challenge for a few days and the stores themselves may have difficulty getting inventory. I would recommend having at least 2 weeks’ worth of food, but at the very least, you need 3 days per person. If you aren’t sure what food to stock up on, here are some good options that include many non-perishable foods:
- Cereal: a kid’s favorite in any situation
- Dried fruit: like apricots, mango, peaches, and raisins
- Soup in a can: I especially like creamed chicken and mushroom soups, but all are appropriate and inexpensive if purchased before the hurricane season. Look for canned goods case lot sales.
- Canned vegetables: all provide some nutrients we all need. Look for items you can use in some of your favorite recipes, like green beans, corn, peas, and carrots.
- Fruit in a can: just like veggies, you can get most of your favorite fruits in a can, like peaches, various berries, pineapple, mandarin oranges, and more.
- Powdered or canned milk: many milk options are shelf-stable. If you have family members who are lactose intolerant, consider almond milk, soy milk, rice milk, coconut milk, Brazil nut milk, and cashew nut milk.
- Peanut butter: like cereal, a favorite with the kids, but also adults. A versatile product with many uses.
- Granola bars, energy bars, and other snacks
- Saltine crackers
- Trail mix
- Canned meat like tuna, salmon, beef, sardines, and chicken
- Pet food
#2 Water
Even though a hurricane is sure to dump a bunch of water everywhere, it is not drinkable. Water pipes and lines may be broken. This means you could be looking for another water source in place of running water. The CDC recommends storing 1 gallon of water per day per person for a 3-day supply.
However, I would recommend storing 4 gallons per person per day instead to cover hydration, cooking, some personal hygiene, and limited laundry. Don’t forget to include water for your pets. You will want to store enough water for at least 3-7 days.
Related: How to Store Water for Drinking and Cooking
#3 A First Aid Kit
Whether there is category 1 or a category 3 hurricane, you will want to always have your First Aid kit stocked. This could quite literally save your life in any situation, not just a hurricane. If you don’t have a First Aid kit, you can learn how to fully stock one in my First Aid for Kit for Survival post. There is more to a quality first aid kit than just bandages.
#4 Health Supplies
Usually, you know a hurricane is coming at least a week before it gets here. So, it may be easier to get your medications filled before it hits. However, there are other health supplies you will want to make sure you have such as:
- Vitamins
- Pain relief such as Ibuprofen
- Anti-diarrhea medications
- Your prescription medications (2 week supply if possible)
- Insurance cards
#5 Toiletries
Most people think about stocking up on toilet paper, paper towels, and baby wipes, but there are a few other things you really need to keep stocked as well. These include:
- Shampoo
- Soap
- Toothbrushes
- Toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Feminine hygiene products
- Baby wipes
- Diapers
- Toilet paper
- Sun screen
#6 Important Documents
When SHTF, you want to make sure you stored your important documents where you can easily access them. You’ll need copies of the following important documents:
- Driver’s license
- Social Security cards
- Birth certificates
- Insurance cards
- Home and property insurance policies
Use my Important Documents Emergency Grab and Go Binder to make sure you have everything you need in one place.
#7 Other Important Things to Stock Up On Before a Hurricane
Additionally, you will want to make sure you are stocked up on some life-saving supplies. Here are some other items you should have stocked in your home:
- Flashlights: One for each person along with extra batteries. I like my solar flashlights and keep them charged by storing them on window sills.
- Battery-powered radio with extra batteries
- Solar-powered chargers and equipment
- Plastic grocery bags
- Butane lighters and matches: store them in plastic bags to protect them
- Portable cooler/ice chest
- Portable barbecue grill or camp stove
- Utility knife
- Handheld can opener and eating utensils
- Extra blankets and pillows in waterproof pouches
- Bleach: you can use this as your cleaning agent for everything
- Clothing: at least one extra set in a waterproof container
- Sturdy gloves
- Propane canisters or charcoal for BBQ’s using waterproof matches or a lighter
- Fire extinguisher(s)
Things to Stock Up On in Your Car Before a Hurricane
Just as hurricane Dorian started at category 1 and reached a category 5 by the time it hit the Bahamas, you never know what could happen. Just in case, you should have your car stocked for a hurricane as well. This will help you if you need to evacuate as directed. Here is a list of items you will want to have in your car:
- Extra blankets
- 1-set of extra clothes for each person
- Water-3 days worth per person
- Food-3 days worth per person as an emergency food supply
- Paper maps
- Full gas jug
- Car charger
- Important documents binder
- Smaller first aid kit
- An emergency car kit
Final Word
When it comes to a natural disaster, a hurricane generally gives you quite a bit of time to prepare. However, when it comes to getting things stocked, hurricane proofing your home, or needing to evacuate, you’ll want to be prepared before you even know a hurricane is coming. Not only are these things to stock up on before a hurricane, but they can be useful anytime you’re faced with an emergency situation.
Thanks again for being prepared for the unexpected. May God bless this world, Linda
Copyright Images: Hurricane with Man And Umbrella Depositphotos_11142502_S By Lucidwaters, Hurricane Irma Depositphotos_166696460_S By Felixtm
Linda,
As I read this, I have been through more than my share of hurricanes and tropical storms. And, right now, my daughter and her husband are in the middle of the remnants of Tropical Storm Imelda. And, there are two more tropical things dancing around farther out in the Atlantic. From my own experience, I can’t stress to folks enough that, if they are in hurricane prone areas, they need to strongly heed your list and don’t wait until the last minute to TRY to stock up. Good job on your part as usual. We are sitting here in the extremely dry Texas Hill Country wishing we could get some rain from the remnants of Imelda, but it looks like it is heading north and missing our area.
Hi Harry, you are so right, do not wait until the last minute to stock up! I sure hope your daughter and husband will be okay after that storm settles out. It’s been a couple of years of crazy weather. I don’t see it changing anytime soon. It was great to hear from you. Praying for some rain in your area! Linda
Linda ~ I know that this sounds harsh and unsympathetic to those who live in hurricane areas: but, they have advance notifications that the storm is headed their way and if they don’t start preparing as soon as they hear about it, they are fools. This is especially for those who have been experiencing those kinds of storms periodically over the years.
I am fortunate in that here in the PNW we don’t have such severe weather. That being said, when we do have issues such as snow storms that cut us off during the winter or heavy windstorms from the Pacific Ocean that could cut out our power, we have advance notice and I don’t feel sorry for those here who do not prepare!
I am, in general, a pretty sympathetic person but…my sympathy bone is broken when people don’t heed the warnings! And, even people who are on limited budgets can prepare – it just might take them longer and should start yesterday!
Leanne
Hi Leanne, you took the words right out of my mouth! I totally agree. We are all aware of the weather our city and state will experience. It may be today or next week. We must be prepared for the worst EVERY DAY! Linda
I have a question. Do you store your food and everything in another location? I see to many places totally destroyed after a hurricane or tornado. It appears nothing is left. How do you prepare for that?
Hi Donna, no I store everything that is food-related inside my home. All my emergency preps are stored outside in the garage. My propane is stored outside of the garage. Here’s the deal, I do not live where tornadoes or hurricanes are common. I would try to dig an airtight bunker in the ground or hopefully would have a basement in those locations. My area is subject to fires and flooding. I would have to say, we can only plan for the worst when looking for a home or apartment to reside in. But even with that being said, stuff happens, I could lose everything. I am prepared to rebuild if I need to do that. But until then, I am totally prepared for anything. Linda
Thank you Linda, I have been working on prepping and using your list. When I saw the devistation in the Bahamas I became overwhelmed. I live in a tornado area. You know I could story non food related items in the storm shelter. Dah. Then grab food items when we are under a tornado warning. Again thank you Linda
Hi Donna, oh my gosh, you have a storm shelter!!! You are rocking with preparedness! We are preparing for the worst and hope for the best. You are on the right track, trust me so many are not prepared at all. We can do this, I promise. Linda
Donna, I lived in Tennessee till 2007 and moved to Ky.
I was in a county that had a tornado in April years 1969, 1970, 1971.
One crossed over my grandma’s farm and missed the barn…most in the house watched; I just ducked in the bedroom…didn’t want to see it…..then.
Hi JayJay, three years straight. Wow, I have only seen one tornado, it took a roof off the house across the street when i lived in Illinois. Luckily your barn was saved. Linda
in regard to those propane tanks – you should prep with the possibility of them being stolen as well as the safety aspect >> be able to hide them adequately if not stored in some small yard building – and chain/cable them together and then anchored down
Linda,
I Have mentioned before that I work at a convenience store. Last week we had a
power outage. I wasn’t working that day. I called to see if things were fine, unable to get
through ALL phones are powered through electric power plugged into the wall. ALL gas pumps
were down, I’m sure the store had to close. When I finally got through after the power came
back on I could hear my boss telling customers…….CASH only. So I hope people can learn from
all this. I live in the middle of the U.S. so we don’t get hit my hurricanes but we do get tornadoes,
snow storms and ice storms so need to be prepared for everything!!!!!!
Hi June, thank you so much for sharing this experience. We all need to have our gas tanks at 3/4 full and have small bills at our home stored in a safe place. It’s amazing how many things we take for granted when we have electricity! Thank you so much, Linda
I was at a dollar tree years ago and the power was out or the store had problems…no cash accepted, since I only use cash shopping anywhere….they couldn’t figure out to count $1 and add .06 with a calculator…duh!!
Inventory is really THAT important?? For an hour or two?? really?
HI JayJay, oh my, cash and a calculator. Everything is so automated we need to go back to the basics. Hopefully you were able to purchase what you needed! Good one! Linda
As a child, I can vividly remember watching the water come across an open stretch of land covered in salt grass. We were located about 3 miles from the Intercoastal Canal along the Texas coast, and the water rolled in just like waves at the beach. We opened the front door and let the water roll on in. Luckily we were built up off of the ground and it leveled out at about 18 inches. In those days, there were only limited warning systems, and many of the “old timers” usually chose to ride out the storm. I also remember my brother standing on the front porch, shooting the huge rattlesnakes as they floated by after being flushed out of the salt grass. All exciting for me, but very scary for my older and wiser family members. Everything turned out fine for us, but many others were not so lucky. My family does not stay today if the storm may possibly come this way. However, we have many friends and family who have run into problems in the area they evacuated to. Sometimes there is just no way of estimating it’s exact path.
We did not go far for Harvey, and the effects were really felt afterwards. Most of the flooding in the Houston area was over and clean up had begun while we were still waiting for the water to travel down the river, and eventually into our home. All’s well now, but you just never know.
But all the suggestions you gave are great and necessary even if you leave. Have supplies to take with you, and have supplies you can leave at home.
The reason I commented, was to try to get help figuring out how to store the food supplies I have. I have invested in freeze dried foods I have tried and liked, plus a regular food storage plan. A basement or root cellar will not work here, too close to the water table. I need a place that will keep the stored food in a cool, dry area. Did I mention the humidity? What do other people do who live in this type of situation? I would love to live in the hill country, but sorry, not leaving the kids and grandkids. I’ve thought about building a cinder block room, but don’t know if that would help.
I would appreciate any tips or suggestions. Keep up the wonderful articles. Luvya
Hi Billie, I’m so glad you posted this question today. I live in a desert and the air is extremely dry. We need to ask others what they are doing. This is what I know right now. Because of your humidity, I have been you must store food in airtight containers. Let’s see what others post tomorrow.
Linda,
Billie should build a storm shelter room (an above ground tornado shelter) and install a dehumidifier in it for her preps. Oh, and according to the link you gave her readers can’t post on the site because you’ve archived the group.
I’ll give another nod to self-heating MRE’s as an emergency food prep. And having a water purifier/filter will handle making drinking water safe in flooded areas. But you are right about everything on your list and the need to evacuate when the hurricane warning is severe enough.
Here in AZ we are fortunate in that hurricanes usually only cause flash flooding.
HI Ray, thanks for the heads up I removed that link on her comment. That FB group took up too much time and I felt I had more spam readers than real ones. This groups works for me. We all want the same thing. To share ideas with one another. Oh the flash floods are horrific, there is no stopping the rush of water. Linda
Re-reading this post.
Hurricanes are categorized on a scale of one through five using the Saffir-Simpson scale, which is based on sustained wind speed1. The categories are as follows:
Category 1: 74-95 mph
Category 2: 96-110 mph
Category 3: 111-129 mph
Category 4: 130-156 mph
Category 5: 157+ mph
I looked up the wind speeds because we get some pretty high-speed winds here in Wyoming!! Sometimes high enough to close the freeways! We don’t get hurricanes, but we can get tornadoes which I am not familiar with either. It is not unusual to have winds gusting up to 70 mph. That is pretty close to a category 1 hurricane! We don’t always have advanced warning of high wind speeds though. So, I try to stay prepped all the time! In fact, as I write this, we are expecting wind gusts up to 60 mph today.
For people who are not prepped year-round, I suggest starting NOW! Don’t wait for the weather report. AND STAY PREPARED all the time!
Hi Leanne, I think I have those numbers in another post, but these are great for everyone to see!!! Thank you! We have always had our barbecue strapped down after the first wind when we lived in Southern Utah. It was totally blown over. We had a table umbrella whip through the air like an airplane on takeoff. Here again, we never leave those umbrellas without bungie cords now. Live and Learn! Linda
Linda,
Good reminder as we near hurricane season again. Having been through my share of hurricanes and tropical storms here in Texas, I hope the newcomers heed your information. I could relate a number of stories about my escapades with such storms, but it would take hours. LOL!! BTW, the old story about VW Beetles floating are true. I floated mine for a short distance in the flooding from Hurricane Beulah in 1967. Luckily, I had enough momentum to get to shallower water where I hit bottom again and could head for higher ground. HEH!
Hi Harry, oh my gosh, the VW Beetle, I had one of those cars!! I loved it. Luckily you floated to safety! WOW! I had never heard they floated, great story! Thanks for sharing, Linda