When a hurricane hits, society can revert to the Dark Ages. Roads flood and become impassable. Power outages force stores to close. Even emergency personnel such as police and paramedics are hindered. You're essentially on your own at home.
As a result, you need to be prepared with a hurricane emergency kit. Below is a hurricane grocery list of supplies you should keep stocked at home. Many of them are also recommended by the United States government and the Red Cross.
In extreme heat, the human body can lose 1 to 1.5 liters of water through sweat per hour, which can lead to death in a few days.
At a MINIMUM, you should plan on one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. Don't rely on tap water. A hurricane will probably interrupt supply. Stock up on store-bought bottles or gallons before the storm hits.
However, think about how hungry you are by dinner on those days you had to skip lunch for some reason. Now, multiply that feeling ten times. Not only will you be suffering, but you won't have the physical energy to help yourself or your family.
Plan to keep yourself sustained with at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food such as canned meats and granola bars (have a manual can opener on hand as well).
A hurricane can cause injuries. Cuts, scrapes, and worse can happen if you are hit by flying or falling objects. Injuries might also happen that are unrelated to the hurricane, but you can't get to a clinic. Be ready at home.
Prepare yourself and your family for any basic medical needs with a first aid kit that includes things like plasters, bandages, cleansing wipes, and creams.
Invest in a battery-powered or hand-crank flashlight that will light the way. The night will be darker than ever when the storm passes through and blocks the typical light pollution.
If you run out of power and don't have a backup generator, you will have no way of hearing critically important news about the weather and aftermath on TV or the internet. You'll be completely cut off from the world.
Get a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to hear the local news and other important weather information to stay connected. Consider getting a NOAA Weather Radio, which is designed for emergencies.
Make sure to have at least a 7-day supply of medication stockpiled. This includes prescriptions and over-the-counter relief for things like colds, upset stomach, etc.
First, put your phone on power saving mode to minimize battery life. Keep a portable or solar charger on hand in case you do need to charge it (remember, portable chargers need to be charged themselves eventually and there might not be much sun during a storm).
You may want to look into an emergency cell phone that runs on AA batteries.
A utility knife, wrench, and pliers might have more uses than you think during a storm. From turning off utilities, to cutting through some obstacle, you never know when a tool will come in handy.
Invest in a battery-backup sump pump, which will keep the water out for a time if your primary pump fails.
A generator eliminates many of the hurricane-related challenges addressed in this article. Now, you can charge your phone, refrigerate your food, and stay connected with the world. It's one of the best storm-prep investments you can make.
We especially recommend an inverter generator because it is compact and can safely power sensitive electronics.
During a hurricane, gasoline supply may be interrupted. At the least, there will probably be a shortage and long lines at the pump. That's why you should stockpile gasoline before a hurricane to have enough fuel to power your generator, for example.
Think of the above as a hurricane grocery list. These hurricane essentials can help protect you and your family when the next storm strikes. It's better to have extra supplies and not need them, than need them and not have them.