Power Out? No Problem! Your Complete Hurricane Prep Supply List

Sarah in Health & Wellness Oct 11 • 24 min read

Hurricanes are a force of nature that demands respect and careful planning. With high winds, flooding, and potential devastation to infrastructure, it’s crucial to be well-prepared ahead of time.

Whether you live in a coastal area prone to hurricanes or simply want to be ready for extreme weather, assembling a hurricane preparedness kit is an essential step to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property. Being prepared can mean the difference between life and death, and it's vital to recognize that power and water supplies may be cut off for days, even weeks, after a hurricane.

This blog provides a comprehensive list of essential supplies needed to stay safe and comfortable during a hurricane. Divided into key sections for easy reference, it covers everything from food and water to medical supplies, tools, and comfort items. Whether you’re sheltering in place or planning to evacuate, this guide will ensure you're equipped to handle the aftermath of a storm.

Why Preparation is Essential?

When a hurricane is on the horizon, time becomes a luxury. Rushing to gather supplies once the storm is imminent can lead to panic buying, scarcity of goods, and limited access to essential items. Stores may run out of bottled water, non-perishable food, batteries, and other critical supplies. Furthermore, after the storm passes, it may take days or even weeks for local infrastructure to recover. Power lines can be down, roads blocked, and basic services like water, electricity, and gas unavailable.

By preparing in advance, you minimize stress and maximize safety. Ensuring you have the right supplies to last through the aftermath of a hurricane can make a huge difference in your comfort and survival.

Let’s dive into the essential categories of items you should have on hand.

Water and Food – The Basics of Sustenance

Water: A Top Priority

Water is your most important resource during and after a hurricane. You’ll need enough clean drinking water for every member of your household for at least three days, though a week’s worth of water is strongly recommended.

How much water should you store? The rule of thumb is to have at least one gallon of water per person per day. This covers drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene.
For a family of four, for a week: You’ll need at least 28 gallons of water.

In addition to bottled water, consider filling your bathtubs and sinks with water before the storm hits. This water can be used for washing and flushing toilets if necessary.

Non-Perishable Foods: Stay Fed Without Refrigeration

Electricity can be knocked out by hurricanes, which means refrigerators and freezers may be out of commission. Therefore, stocking up on non-perishable food items is essential. These should be foods that are easy to prepare and don’t require heating or much preparation.

Recommended food items include:

Canned goods (fruits, vegetables, soups, beans, and meats)
Dry goods (rice, pasta, crackers, cereals, and nuts)
Peanut butter and other nut butter
Granola bars and protein bars
Dried fruit and jerky
Shelf-stable milk or milk alternatives
Baby food, if applicable
Pet food, for your furry companions

Also, don’t forget the manual can openers. Many canned goods come in easy-to-open lids, but some may require a manual opener, and relying on an electric one won’t be feasible.

Extra Tip: Consider storing some comfort foods—chocolate, snacks, or favorite beverages—as they can boost morale in stressful situations.

Staying Powered and Connected

Power Outages: Flashlights, Batteries, and Radios

Without electricity, staying safe in the dark and keeping informed about the storm’s progress can be challenging. Here are the key items to help you stay powered and connected:

Flashlights: Have several battery-powered or hand-crank flashlights available. Avoid using candles, as they can pose a fire hazard.
Batteries: Stock up on extra batteries of all sizes, ensuring you have enough to power flashlights, radios, and other small electronics.
Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Radios: A NOAA Weather Radio is highly recommended as it provides up-to-date information on weather conditions, evacuation orders, and emergency broadcasts.
Portable Chargers: Keep multiple portable power banks fully charged before the storm to ensure you can recharge your phone and small devices when the power goes out.

Tools and Equipment for Emergency Repairs

When a hurricane hits, having the right tools can be a lifesaver. Even if the storm doesn’t directly damage your home, strong winds can blow debris, and you may need to make temporary repairs.

Essential tools include:

Duct tape: Ideal for patching leaks, securing windows, or holding things together.
Plastic tarps: Use them to cover damaged parts of your roof or windows to keep water out.
Multi-tool or basic tool kit: A hammer, screwdriver, pliers, and other tools can be helpful for repairs or securing your home.
Heavy-duty garbage bags: These can serve many purposes, from waterproofing to debris cleanup.
Work gloves: Protect your hands when cleaning up debris or making repairs.

Health, Hygiene, and First Aid

First Aid Kit: Be Ready for Minor Injuries

In the aftermath of a hurricane, emergency services may be delayed in reaching affected areas, so it's essential to have a well-stocked first aid kit on hand. This kit should be large enough to support your family for at least seven days and stored in a waterproof container.

Here are the must-have items for your first aid kit:

Bandages, gauze, and adhesive tape
Antiseptic wipes and antibiotic ointment
Over-the-counter pain relievers (ibuprofen, aspirin, etc.)
Prescription medications (Ensure you have at least a week’s worth of medications for anyone in the household who needs them)
Sanitation items like soap, hand sanitizer, and wet wipes to maintain hygiene
Tweezers and scissors for removing splinters or cutting bandages
Thermometer
Insect repellent: Hurricanes often bring a surge in mosquitoes due to standing water, so be prepared with bug spray.

Hygiene Items: Staying Clean When Water is Scarce

Staying clean after a hurricane can be challenging if running water is disrupted. Stock up on hygiene supplies to ensure that you can maintain basic cleanliness and reduce the risk of illness.

Items to include:

Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes
Toilet paper and paper towels
Personal hygiene items, such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, and feminine products
Diapers and wipes, if you have small children
Trash bags for waste disposal, which may be difficult if garbage services are delayed
Bleach or water purification tablets, in case your water supply becomes contaminated

Evacuation and Safety Tips

Fuel and Generators: Be Ready for Power Outages

After a hurricane, it’s common for gas stations to run out of fuel or remain closed due to power outages. To avoid getting stranded or left without power, take these steps:

Fill your vehicle’s gas tank in advance of the storm.
Secure extra fuel for generators or other gasoline-powered equipment.
Use generators safely by keeping them outside in well-ventilated areas to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Never use a generator inside your home, garage, or near windows.

Evacuate When Ordered

If authorities issue an evacuation order, it is vital to leave your home and move to a safer area. While the thought of staying to protect your property may be tempting, your life is more important than any material possessions. Hurricane conditions can worsen quickly, and once the storm hits, emergency services may not be able to reach you if you need assistance.

Pack an evacuation kit with:

Important documents, such as insurance papers, identification, and medical records (stored in waterproof containers)
Cash, as ATMs and credit card systems may be down after the storm
Clothes and toiletries for several days
Extra phone chargers
A map and local emergency contact numbers in case cell service is interrupted

Remember, your home can be repaired, but your life cannot be replaced.

Additional Safety Considerations and Scams

After the storm passes, there are additional precautions to take to ensure your safety and security. The days following a hurricane can be stressful, and it’s important to be aware of scams and fraud.

Beware of post-hurricane scams: Fraudsters often take advantage of disaster situations. Be cautious of unsolicited offers for home repairs, especially from people who ask for large down payments or pressure you to sign a contract immediately.
Reach out for assistance: Local, state, and federal assistance programs, such as FEMA, may be available to help with disaster relief. Keep track of official updates and look out for any relief funds or services you may be eligible for.

Comprehensive Hurricane Preparedness List

Hurricane preparedness requires foresight and careful planning, but the peace of mind you gain is priceless. To summarize, here are the essential supplies to have on hand to weather the storm safely:

Water and Food: At least one gallon of water per person per day and a week’s supply of non-perishable food.
Power and Tools: Flashlights, batteries, radios, duct tape, tarps, and basic tools.
First Aid and Hygiene: A well-stocked first aid kit, medications, and hygiene supplies.
Fuel and Generators: Extra gasoline, a full gas tank, and proper generator safety.
Evacuation Plan: Important documents, cash, and evacuation essentials ready to go.
Post-Hurricane Safety: Be aware of scams and look into assistance programs for help with recovery.

By preparing these supplies well before hurricane season begins, you’ll be ready to face whatever nature throws your way. Remember, advance planning is key to staying safe and comfortable during a hurricane, so don’t wait until the last minute. Protect yourself, your family, and your home by getting your hurricane kit ready today!

Stay safe, and always keep an eye on the forecast.