Experts Share the 10 Essential Items for Hurricane Season
Whenever a hurricane comes, it's always better to be safe than sorry. Preparing for a storm includes ensuring you have all the right items packed. If you’ve never experienced a hurricane before, you want to make sure you have these essentials.Â
1. Emergency KitÂ
Create a well-stocked emergency kit with essential supplies, including non-perishable food, water, medications, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, a multi-tool, and a battery-powered radio.
2. Bottled Water
It's important to have plenty of bottled water on hand during an emergency. You should have at least one gallon of water per person daily for a minimum of three days for drinking and sanitation. For example, if you have a family of four, you'll need at least twelve gallons of water for a three-day supply.
3. Food
Stock up on non-perishable, easy-to-prepare foods that can sustain you and your family for a few days. Access to heat and electricity to prepare meals may be limited in an emergency. Having simple meals available will make food prep much easier.
4. MedicationsÂ
During a hurricane, access to a pharmacy could be difficult. Ensure you have enough medication and special medical equipment for all family members. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines and a first aid kit.Â
5. CashÂ
ATMs and credit card machines might not work during power outages. So, it's always a good idea to have cash on hand if you need to purchase anything during an emergency.Â
6. Pet SuppliesÂ
If you have pets, ensure you have enough food, water, medications, and carriers for them during a hurricane. Pets are also considered members of your family and should be looked after during a storm.
7. Battery-powered DevicesÂ
Power outages are common during hurricanes, so having flashlights, radios, and other battery-powered devices is essential. A battery-powered radio will give you access to news updates if your phone has lost power or signal. Also, ensure you have extra batteries for all your devices.
8. Charging Accessories
There must be a way of knowing how long a storm will affect electricity. Have portable chargers and power banks for your devices to ensure you can stay connected even if the power goes out. A dead phone battery can be dangerous during an emergency.
9. Whistle
A strong storm could destroy property and infrastructure. During a hurricane, a whistle can help you signal for help if you're trapped or in distress. Every family member should have one hung around their neck during and immediately after a storm in case of an emergency.
10. Dust Masks
Hurricane aftermath can be dusty and debris-filled. Remember to pack some dust masks or respirators. These are especially important if you have any respiratory issues. Hurricane preparedness could be the difference between life and death in an emergency.Â
She started her blog, The Money Dreamer, when she realized the 9-5 job was not the lifestyle she wanted anymore. After designing for a while, she wanted a more meaningful life, which was freedom, so she decided to venture out. She took action so that she can live her dream life and decided to help people to live theirs by helping them how to save, budget, and invest.
