Hurricane Readiness: 10 Must-Have Items Required at Home
Introduction:
Hurricanes are also said to be very powerful storms which may bring about tremendous loss thus hurricane readiness is of paramount importance as It may force people out of their homes and separate communities. Climate change is one of the intrinsic reasons why hurricanes occur frequently and intensify in most places all over the world. Therefore, it is important to prepare as a homeowner in a hurricane-prone area. As FEMA reported, hurricanes cause about $10 billion worth of damage per year over the past few years. In that case, Hurricane readiness and preparation of a house and family is always helpful.
In this article, we’re going to walk through the 10 must have items at home that you should stock in preparation for a hurricane. Starting to stock these supplies before the storm ensures that your family remains safe and comfortable during and after the storm. Let’s dive into each one of these essentials with product recommendations from Amazon!
1. Water and Water Purification Systems Hydration
The most important resource you will need during a hurricane is water. Clean drinking water sources may be unavailable following a storm due to contamination, flooding, or destruction of water mains and pipes. Hurricane readiness requires and FEMA recommends the availability of at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. For a family of four, this equates to at least 12 gallons for an emergency of short-term duration.
Recommended Products
Water Storage Containers:
Get several BPA-free, stackable water storage containers-these are large and sturdy. Amazon has a list of the Reliance Products Aqua Tainer 7 Gallon Rigid Water Container, which is light, space-efficient, and portable.
Water Purification Tablets:
A backup purification method is necessary for any water collection system in situation like hurricane. Potable Aqua water Purification tablets would be a good addition because they purify water quickly, effectively, and will let you have safe drinking water from ponds or streams.
Preparation Tips For Hurricane Readiness
Before hurricane season starts, fill up your water containers and store them in a cool, dark environment. Rotate your water every six months so it stays fresh. This should be your first step in preparation for hurricane readiness.
2. Non-Perishable Food Items
Why Stock Up on Food
When hurricane strikes, fresh food availability will be cut or not available at all. Supermarkets generally run out of stocks, and if electricity is out for several days, perishable goods will spoil quickly. Your family will survive and even live relatively comfortably with a stock of non-perishable foods.
Recommended Products
Canned Goods:
Prepare with an assortment of cans packed with beans, soups, vegetables, and fruits. Examples of healthy canned options include Campbell’s, Del Monte, and more. Get the Campbell’s Chunky Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Variety Pack from Amazon to have a ready meal solution.
MREs:
Meals Ready to Eat These are pre-cooked meals in complete ready-to-eat meals with a long shelf life. Give Ready Hour, Emergency Meal Entrées, Real Non-Perishable Meals a try on Amazon, offering a wide range of tasty choices that simply require hot water to rehydrate.
Energy Bars:
Good high-energy snacks are a must to ensure that there is always a high level of energy. Find the likes of Clif Bars, available in Amazon, healthy, lightweight easy to stock, and with extended shelf lives.
Some Preparation Tips
Plan for three days’ worth of food, focusing on those that require little to no cooking. For Hurricane readiness pack a manual can opener along, and store your food in a cool, dry place.
3. First Aid Kit For Hurricane Readiness:
Some injuries can also be inflicted during storms. For instance, falling objects can hurt you, you may cut yourself by mistake or there might be other injuries in the course of the storm. First aid kit is essential for hurricane readiness to carry out first aid in such a situation in the case of a minor injury will ensure that the wound is kept in a stable condition before a qualified medical officer arrives.
Recommended Products
Comprehensive First Aid Kits:
It is always prudent to purchase all-in-one kits that would typically contain band-aids, antiseptics, gauze pads, adhesive tapes, pain relievers and the likes. A very popular first-aid kit can be ordered on Amazon known as the First Aid Kit made for all kinds of purposes.
Individual/Personal Items:
Always remember that you may need to pack medications and personal medical devices such as inhalers and epipens.
Preparation Tips
Inspect your first aid kit regularly, remove any expired items and replenish items that have been used.
4. Flashlights and Batteries Need for Illumination
Hurricane conditions will more often result in a complete power blackout thus hurricane readiness is a must before it happen. The presence of reliable light sources if not only for safety measures but also meant for comfort and avoid any panic situation. Flashlights are also invaluable in the directional aspect in which they not only light up the environment but also assist in walking safely within the environment’s darkness.
Recommended Products
LED Flashlights:
Led Flashlights from Energizer are dependable for long battery life and efficiency. The ENERGIZER LED Flashlight VISION PRO is an amazing product available on Amazon that has different brightness levels and is well-structured.
Solar-Powered Lanterns:
LuminAid Solar Lantern is good because it is lightweight, easy to carry and it can work for several hours depending on the amount of sunlight it is exposed to for several hours. This is an ideal option to add into the emergency kit as it is environmental friendly.
Preparation Tips
Batteries should be purchased in bulk especially with regards to AA, AAA, D cell and others. Some mobile devices may use other sizes as well. If you are worried about waste, think about getting rechargeable batteries and a solar battery charger instead.
5. Mobile phone charger and power banks: The Importance of Staying in Touch
Most people need to connect to family members and emergency services during crises. Nevertheless, when the power goes-off, it may become impossible to charge the devices, thus mobile chargers are a must have item for hurricane readiness.
Best Recommended Products
Power Banks:
The Anker PowerCore 10K Portable Charger is a high capacity and lightweight device that can give you maximum charge for more than one device multiple times before it requires a recharge.
Solar Phone Chargers:
The BigBlue 28W Solar Charger is quite useful in ensuring one is able to charge the phone even when the power supply is cut off because of its ability to use solar energy.
Preparation Tips.
Try and make sure that all the devices you own will be charged to the maximum level prior to the turning of the storm. Place your power bank within easy reach so that you can pick it up swiftly when required.
6. Multipurpose Tool or Swiss Knife:
Multipurpose tools and Swiss knife provided are very helpful during emergency situations as they have different tools that can be used in many scenarios; for instance, they can be used to fix the broken things or to prepare food, thus making them a must for your hurricane readiness kit.
Recommendation for hurricane readiness
Swiss Army Knife:
The Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD Pocket Knife, is a tiny and practical pocket tool with a knife, screwdriver, scissors and other useful implements that is fit for different situations.
Leatherman Multi-Tool:
The Leatherman Wave Plus Multi-Tool is somewhat equipped with several attachments hence the level of versatility it has for especially a hurricane scenario is immense.
Preparation Tips
Do not forget to place your multi-tool in your emergency kit or any other place that is easy to reach. Learn how to operate the tool before there is an actual emegercy.
7. Personal Hygiene Products: Why It Is Important To Be Clean
It is important to practice hygiene during prolonged power cuts since it prevents sickness. Even basic skills in accessing hygiene products can fail to ease the stress in the concerned period.
Appropriate Products to the Situation
Sanitation Wipes:
Wet Ones Antibacterial Hand Wipes or any other brands available in the market are always helpful for maintaining cleanliness especially in cases where washing is not feasible. This product is also available in easy to carry pack.
Toilet Tissue and Related Female Sanitary Items:
These items are in high demand and the supplies in stores deplete real quick before hurricanes hit, so buy plenty of these items. Charmin Ultra Soft Cushiony Toilet Paper which is readily available on Amazon is one example of the many options available.
Hand Sanitizer:
For Hurricane readiness, you can opt for the smaller version, Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer which fits easily in the pocket and works just as well in eradicating the germs.
Ways to Use This Product Effectively
People keep insoluble items in waterproof bags in order to protect them from wetness. Always remember to check the expiry of consumables such as hand sanitizer and seek to buy new ones when they run out.
8. Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Radio: Keeping In Touch Scarcely
It is important to remain updated-with-news during a hurricane, such risks can be harmful and life threatening. Hand-crammed or battery-operated radios enable listening out for evacuation announcements, instructions on safety, and any other relevant information about the hurricane.
Recommended Products
NOAA Weather Radios: Consider the Midland ER310 Emergency Crank Weather Radio which comes in handy in receiving needed alerts or updates. It operates in various modes including the hand-crank, solar, and battery.
Other Emergency Radios:
FosPower Emergency Weather Radio or Eton Scorpion II Rugged Bluetooth Speaker also function as a NOAA Weather Radio providing audible weather alerts as well as allowing playing of music which helps boost spirits even during the storm.
Preparation Tips
Use your radio and learn how to use it before hurricane season. It is recommended that you don’t lose this radio by keeping it together with the emergency kit.
9. Tents and Duck Tape: Repairs at Short Notice
Recommended Products
Heavy Duty Tarps: Heavy Duty Tarps, such as those from B-Air offer superior and quality tarps fit for tough weather. Amazon provides different measurements for different requirements.
Duct Tape:
Gorilla Heavy Duty Duct Tape is very versatile and strong and is often used for many repair jobs so it is important that you include it in your hurricane kit.
Nick Of Time Suggestions
Keep the tarpaulins and adhesive tape in a low moisture area and try to keep much of it in case of damage control. Get familiar with these materials that will be used for repairs and practice making the repairs so that you will be ready when the time comes.
10. Cash and Important Documents: Financial preparedness
In case of a hurricane, the cash will be useful because in these case cashier’s order and other electronic payment methods may not work. And also, this is for the protection of the important records so that it will be easier to deal with everything after matters in the storm, thus cash is vital for hurricane readiness.
Recommended Dewarping Products
Waterproof Document Bags:
It portrays the waterproof pouch which is useful for every bag to prevent damage to important papers inside. Charge items such as insurance forms, proof of identity, and other relevant financial records.
Cash Supply:
For Hurricane readiness make sure to have ample amount of cash as part of the emergency kit. This is to help in times when purchases have to be made in cash only and no cards are accepted.
Preparation Tips
Make a backup of essential files and designate a safe area for their storage. Not all protections are permanent, so make sure to evaluate and refresh your files on a regular basis.
Wrap Up
Do not leave up to the last minute getting ready for hurricane season. Start collecting all these items in advance and post your own hurricane preparedness suggestions and stories in the comments. It is for this reason that collecting those must-have items makes sure that your family is prepared for any situation where nature can act in a hostile manner.
Stay alert, stay healthy and make it a point to prepare for hurricanes ahead of time. In such situations, remember that it’s not only about riding out the storm, but how you look after your family during and after the storm has passed.
