Hurricane Preparedness Kit: What Every Florida Homeowner Should Have
Hurricane season is a good reminder to prepare your home and family before a storm is on the way. While you can’t control the weather, having a well-stocked hurricane preparedness kit can help you feel more confident and prepared if you lose power, experience flooding, or need to shelter at home.
The key is to prepare before a storm threatens your area. Stores can quickly run out of essential supplies, and waiting until the last minute can make it harder to find what you need.
Below are some items every Florida homeowner should have in their hurricane preparedness kit.
Water and Nonperishable Food
Water and food should be at the top of your hurricane prep checklist. Plan to have enough water for everyone in your household for several days. Store bottled water or fill clean, food-grade containers before a storm arrives.
Stock up on nonperishable foods that don’t require refrigeration or extensive cooking, such as:
- Canned fruits, vegetables, meats and soups
- Peanut butter and crackers
- Granola or protein bars
- Dried fruit and nuts
- Ready-to-eat meals
- Baby or pet food, if needed
Don’t forget a manual can opener!
Flashlights and Extra Batteries
Power outages are common during severe storms, so make sure you have several flashlights available throughout your home. LED headlamps are also helpful when you need light but want to be hands free. Keep extra batteries in your emergency kit and consider having battery-powered or rechargeable lanterns for larger areas.
Avoid relying solely on candles, which can create a fire hazard, especially during an emergency and never use them unattended.
First-Aid and Medications
A basic first-aid kit can help you handle minor injuries if you can’t immediately get to a store or medical facility. Your kit should include items such as bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, adhesive tape, scissors, rubbing alcohol, and other basic first-aid supplies.
Make sure you also have an adequate supply of necessary medications and any important medical or personal-care items your household may need.
Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Radio
A battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio can help you stay informed if the power or internet goes out. Keep extra batteries with your emergency supplies and monitor official weather alerts throughout the storm.
Important Documents and Emergency Contacts
Keep copies of important documents in a waterproof container or secure digital location. These may include identification, insurance information, medical records, property documents and important contact information.
It’s also helpful to write down emergency phone numbers and addresses in case your phone battery dies, or you lose access to your contacts.
Phone Chargers and Backup Power
Your phone can be an important source of communication and emergency information during a storm. Keep portable power banks charged and ready to use. If you have multiple devices, consider having more than one backup charging option available.
Personal Hygiene and Household Supplies
Don’t forget the everyday items you’ll need if you’re without power or running water. Consider including:
- Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes
- Toilet paper and paper towels
- Trash bags
- Soap and personal hygiene products
- Prescription and over-the-counter medications
- Pet supplies
- Infant supplies, if needed
Cash and Fuel
A hurricane can temporarily affect power, banking services and fuel availability. Keep some cash in small bills in your emergency kit and make sure your vehicle has a full tank of gas before a storm arrives.
Games & Personal Items
A deck of cards, books, and a favorite plush toy are easy ways to keep children entertained and feeling safe during a storm. Plus – they’re portable and don’t need batteries.
Tools and Emergency Supplies
A few basic tools can be helpful after a storm. Consider keeping items such as a multipurpose tool, work gloves, duct tape, rope, tarps and a fire extinguisher readily available.
If you use a generator, make sure you understand how to operate it safely. Never use a generator indoors, in a garage, or near doors or windows because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Don’t Forget Your Pets
Your pets need an emergency plan, too. Include several days’ worth of pet food and water, medications, a leash or carrier, waste bags and copies of vaccination records in your preparedness supplies.
Before hurricane season, identify pet-friendly shelters or hotels in case you need to evacuate.
Prepare Before the Storm
A hurricane preparedness kit is just one part of getting your home and family ready for hurricane season. Take time to create an evacuation plan, review your insurance coverage, know where your local evacuation zones and shelters are located, and understand how to secure your property before a storm.
Most importantly, don’t wait until a hurricane is approaching to prepare. Building your emergency kit ahead of time means you’ll be ready to focus on your family and follow local emergency instructions when severe weather threatens.
A little preparation today can make a big difference when a storm is on the way.
Tags: hurricane preparedness, hurricane supply kit, Seasonal Home
