How to Prepare for a Hurricane + Hurricane Preparedness Checklist

Born and raised in Florida, I am all too familiar with hurricane season, which is June through November of each year. Below, I’m sharing my tips so that you’re prepared for the storms, including a Hurricane Preparedness Checklist.

My husband is from Chicago and the first year he moved to Florida was quite an eye-opener. We had FOUR hurricanes that year. Thankfully, he married a Floridian who is skilled at hurricane preparation!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf Prepare for Hurricane Season at Publix. The opinions and text are all mine.

Hurricane Preparedness Checklist

Hurricanes are massive storms that can bring heavy rainfall, sometimes causing flooding and strong winds that can reach more than 150 mph. They have been known to flatten cities, so they are truly nothing to mess with.

Preparing for a hurricane is key, which is why I’m sharing a printable Hurricane preparedness checklist below. Simply click on the image to download the Hurricane Supplies PDF, and then use this checklist as a guide so you can create your supply kit.

How to Prepare for a Hurricane

I can’t stress enough that planning early is of the most importance. You will be surprised how many people scramble to grab hurricane supplies last minute.

Store aisles will be bare, and you’ll spend a lot of extra time and effort locating the supplies you need. So, it’s best to make a supply kit at the beginning of the season.

Prepare Now

Print the hurricane preparedness list above and create your supply kit. Store these items inside your home, either in a closet or in the garage.

I’m an avid Publix shopper, so that’s my go-to place for hurricane supplies. Must-haves on my list are Zephyrhills^® water, a variety of Energizer^® – MAX^® batteries, and Carnation^® Breakfast drinks that provide nutrients and protein when you need it most.

Hurricane Preparedness Tips

It’s recommended by FEMA to have at least one gallon of water per person per day (minimum of three days). If your power goes out, you’ll not only need water for drinking but for washing as well. And if you have pets, consider extra water for them as well.

When Hurricane Irma powered its’ way through Florida in 2017, Central Florida had a tough time bouncing back. Our area, in particular, had power outages for longer than a week’s time.

Think about not being able to flush your toilet or take a warm shower for a week, bleh! I was always taught to fill up a clean bathtub with water, so you have some to spare for things like that.

Living in Florida means warm temperatures, and when a hurricane strikes in the middle of summer, you’ll want some battery-operated fans to help keep you cool, especially during sleeping hours.

A battery-powered radio is also important to have on hand so that you can stay tuned to important news about the storm, as well as battery-powered lights or flashlights for safety purposes, so buying a variety of battery sizes is important.

Stock up and Save at Publix

What’s Next

After stocking up on your hurricane supply kit, become familiar with your evacuation zone and where the closest shelter is for your area. Write those details in the notes section of the checklist and any other important things you’d like to remember.

Also, take a good look at your home insurance policy, and then store that along with other important documents in a waterproof container.

Five days before a storm

The news keeps us updated with storms and when and where they expect landfall, so a few days before a storm hits, tune into details on free sandbag locations and make a point to stock up on at least 10 bags.

Because hurricanes bring heavy winds and rains, there’s a big possibility your area can flood, so take a scan around your property and declutter drains and gutters, then make a note of where you’ll place the sandbags the day before the storm.

Also, fill up your vehicle’s gas tanks, and if you have an extra gas can fill that up as well. Many gas stations will run out of gas and begin hiking up prices too. I also recommend filling your propane tank if you have a grill so you can cook if the power goes out.

24-36 hours before a storm

Touch base with relatives in the area and make sure they’re prepared as well. Then communicate how you’ll stay in touch should you need to evacuate or lose power. Text messages are the recommended way of communication as phone lines become overloaded and calls typically won’t go through.

Speaking of, if you don’t already have some, stock up on portable phone chargers – these can be lifesavers in emergencies like this! Make sure all devices (including portable chargers) are fully charged the day before a storm.

Also, remove loose items from your yard like patio furniture and garbage cans so they don’t become projectiles in the storm. It’s a good idea to trim trees that are near windows and your roof as well.

Next, board up your windows particularly if the storm is a category 3 or above. If you don’t have hurricane shutters, 5/8” exterior grade or marine plywood fit to your window sizes will work.

Hours before a storm

Turn your fridge and freezer to the coldest settings. Dump the ice from your dispenser into a cooler to use later – this allows for more ice to made before (and if) your power goes out.

It’s also a good idea to fill up one clean bathtub with water and keep that door locked if you have young children in your home.

Double-check that all devices are fully charged again, and make a pile of games and books to keep you occupied if the power goes out, that way you’re not searching around in the dark or with a flashlight.

You’re now prepared for a hurricane! Don’t forget to print the Hurricane Preparedness Checklist. Have a safe summer everyone!

 

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