Hurricane season officially began on June 1! I'm embarrassed to admit that my family usually doesn't start thinking about storm preparation until a tropical system appears in the Gulf. However, we also know the importance of having a few simple supplies on hand before they're needed.
This isn't an extensive hurricane preparedness guide. In fact, you may already have most of these items in your home. The goal is simply to make sure you're covered for a short-term power outage or a few days of disrupted services.
1. Drinking Water: At a minimum, keep a case of bottled water and a few gallons of additional water on hand. Water is often one of the first things people buy when a storm is approaching, and store shelves can empty quickly. (Emergency preparedness experts generally recommend storing at least one gallon of water per person per day for several days.)
2. Working Flashlights and Batteries: Check your flashlights now to make sure they actually work. Keep extra batteries nearby so you aren't searching for them in the dark. It's also a good idea to have jar candles and a lighter on hand.
3. A Basic First Aid Kit: A simple first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and basic medical supplies can be helpful during any emergency situation.
4. Non-Perishable Food: Keep a small supply of foods that don't require refrigeration or cooking. Some examples include canned soups, Vienna sausages, canned tamales, ravioli, peanut butter, crackers, and granola bars.
WoodlandsMommy tip: choose foods your family will actually eat, but not favorites that will disappear before hurricane season is over.
5. A Manual Can Opener: It sounds obvious, but it's easy to overlook. If the power goes out, you'll still need a way to open those canned goods.
6. Cash: During major storms, power outages can affect credit card systems and ATMs. Keeping a small amount of cash on hand can be helpful if electronic payment systems are unavailable.
A Few Other Helpful Items
You may also want to consider:
- Portable phone chargers or power banks
- Extra batteries
- Pet food
- Baby supplies
- Prescription medications
- Wet wipes and paper products
Don't Wait Until a Storm Is in the Gulf
The good news is that most families already have many of these items. Taking a few minutes this week to check your supplies could save you a stressful trip to the store later.
After living on the Gulf Coast for years, I've learned that preparation doesn't have to be complicated. A few simple supplies can go a long way toward helping your family stay comfortable if a storm heads our way.
