Essential Hurricane Prep List: Stay Ready and Safe

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When a hurricane is on the horizon, being prepared can make all the difference. With the right supplies and plans in place, you can protect yourself, your loved ones, and your home. This guide will walk you through the essentials you need to gather before a storm hits, helping you build a hurricane prep kit that’s affordable, effective, and easy to assemble.

1. Water: The Lifeblood of Your Kit

Water is your most critical need during and after a hurricane. The general rule is to have at least one gallon per person per day for at least three days.

Practical Tip: If you’re short on space, collapsible water containers like this one from Amazon are a great solution.
Affordable Option: You can also fill empty containers like soda bottles or water jugs in advance to avoid spending extra money.

Bonus Tip: Don’t forget water for your pets! They’ll need their own supply too.

2. Non-Perishable Food: Simple but Effective

During a hurricane, power outages are common. Your food supply should be non-perishable, easy to prepare, and require little to no cooking.

Examples:
- Canned beans, tuna, and vegetables
- Peanut butter
- Crackers and oatmeal
- Energy bars and trail mix
- Canned soups or stews

Make sure you have a manual can opener, like this one, so you can access your canned goods if the power goes out.

Pro Tip: Opt for foods that don’t require heating, or keep a portable camp stove handy, like this affordable option.

Click here for a more comprehensive list of hurricane prep foods, along with recipes

3. Flashlights, Batteries, and Backup Power

With potential power outages looming, reliable lighting is essential. Stock up on flashlights, lanterns, and extra batteries to keep your home illuminated.

Best Value Option: This LED lantern provides bright light and lasts for hours.
Bonus Tip: Consider a portable power bank to charge your phone in case the power is out for an extended period.

Emergency Tip: A hand-crank radio with a built-in flashlight and charger, like t his one, can help you stay informed about storm updates while powering your devices.

Click here for a more comprehensive list of lighting options

4. First Aid Kit: Ready for Anything

Accidents can happen in the chaos of a hurricane, so having a well-stocked first aid kit is crucial. Look for a kit that includes bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, and medical tape.

Affordable Option: This compact first aid kit has everything you need to handle minor injuries.
If you or a family member rely on prescription medications, be sure to have enough refills to last at least a week. Contact your pharmacy well in advance to avoid any last-minute shortages.
If you take medication that needs refrigeration, plan for how you will keep it cold in the event of a power outage. You can use a cooler with ice packs or invest in a small battery-powered refrigerator. It’s essential to keep life-saving medications safe and accessible during the storm.

Bonus Tip: If anyone in your household has special medical needs, such as prescription medications, make sure you have enough to last through the storm and a few days after.

5. Important Documents: Keep Them Safe

You’ll need to secure important paperwork like IDs, insurance documents, and any medical records. Keep these in a waterproof container to protect them from flood damage.

Practical Pick: A waterproof document bag is an inexpensive way to safeguard your most important papers.

Bonus Tip: Take photos of these documents and save them digitally on a secure cloud service for added protection.

6. Tools and Supplies: DIY Repairs After the Storm

Once the storm passes, you may need to make some quick repairs or adjustments to your home. Keep basic tools and supplies handy, like duct tape, a multi-tool, and heavy-duty trash bags.

Budget Option: This multi-tool includes a hammer, pliers, and screwdrivers all in one compact device.

7. Clothing and Bedding: Stay Dry and Warm

Pack a change of clothes, sturdy shoes, and blankets or sleeping bags for each person in case you need to evacuate or if your home becomes unlivable for a few days. Don’t forget rain gear like ponchos or waterproof jackets.

Affordable Poncho Set: These disposable ponchos are a budget-friendly solution for staying dry during the storm.

8. Hygiene Items: Stay Clean, Stay Healthy

Even when water is scarce, hygiene is essential to avoid illness. Stock up on wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and trash bags for personal waste. You can also include travel-sized toiletries and feminine hygiene products.

Recommended Product: These hygiene kits contains all the essentials for staying clean during a disaster.

9. Cash and Gas: Essential for Post-Storm Recovery

When power is out, ATMs and credit card readers may not work. Keep a stash of cash in small bills on hand. It’s also important to fill up your gas tank ahead of time since gas stations may run out or close during the storm.

10. Evacuation Plan: Know Your Route

In case you need to evacuate, have a plan ready. Know your local evacuation routes, and decide ahead of time where you’ll go and how you’ll get there. Keep your car emergency-ready with an extra pair of clothes, snacks, and water bottles packed in advance.

Pro Tip: Download the FEMA app for real-time updates on evacuation routes and shelter locations.

11. Prepare Your Generator

A reliable generator is essential for hurricane preparedness, especially when power outages are expected. Before the storm, make sure your generator is in good working condition by testing it thoroughly. Be sure to stock up on fuel and oil, as shortages often occur during emergencies.

Running the generator for a short period will help ensure everything functions properly, and it allows you to address any maintenance needs before a real crisis.

Always place your generator in a well-ventilated area outside your home to avoid carbon monoxide buildup, and keep electrical cords dry and away from standing water. Always follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions when operating a generator.

12. Charge Devices and Pack a Go Bag

In the final hours before the storm, make sure all your electronic devices—such as phones, tablets, and laptops—are fully charged.
Have extra batteries on hand for flashlights, radios, and other battery-operated devices.
Finally, pack a go-bag with essential items like clothes, medications, important documents, food, and water in case you need to evacuate at the last minute. Having a go-bag ready will reduce stress and help you leave quickly if evacuation becomes necessary.

Discover these essential products for your emergency kit: