Hurricane Season is Here: Are You Prepared?

If you live in an area prone to hurricane activity, now is the time to prepare your hurricane shopping checklist before the storm hits. Having essential supplies on hand will help you weather the storm safely and minimize trips outside when conditions are dangerous.

As residents of areas under hurricane watches and warnings know all too well, it's important not to wait until the last minute to stock up. Grocery and hardware stores can face shortages of critical items as more people rush to prepare. With supply chain issues also impacting various products, it's best not to leave preparation to the final days.

Let's break down the key categories you'll want to address on your hurricane shopping list. With some advance planning and shopping around for the best deals, you can prepare without breaking the bank. CouponXoo is a great resource for finding discounts to help stretch your dollars further.

Food and Water

Non-perishable foods that you can eat straight from the packaging without cooking are ideal for hurricane supplies. Stock up on canned meats, veggies, fruits, soups and pasta to see you through potential power outages. Be sure to rotate these canned goods before their expiration dates.

Food:

Canned Veggies - Corn, green beans, carrots for vitamins and fiber
Canned Meat - Tuna, chicken for protein. Pouch/shelf stable meat like beef stew also options.
Soups - Look for favorites that can be eaten hot or cold like chicken noodle.

Water:

Bottled water - Look for multipacks or bottles in different sizes for flexibility
Storage containers - 5 gallon buckets, water storage packs or collapsible jugs for under sinks.

Don't forget shelf-stable milk and juices as well as power bars, nuts, dried fruit and granola for snacks. Also pack a manual can opener in case you lose power.

The rule of thumb is one gallon of water per person, per day for drinking and sanitation. You'll also want extra for food preparation if cooking is possible. Don't rely solely on tap water - fill bathtubs, sinks or clean buckets/containers beforehand in case municipal water is impacted.

Look out for mega-pack water deals with CouponXoo promo codes to help you bulk up on this essential without breaking the bank. You can also store water in reused soda bottles if necessary.

First Aid Supplies

Have a fully stocked first aid kit on hand, along with any prescription medications. Other medical supplies to include are adhesive bandages, antibacterial ointment, pain relievers, thermometer, gloves and menstrual products.

Bandages - Bring varied sizes from small bandaids to large gauze wraps
Pain relievers - Ibuprofen, acetaminophen and icy/heat patches for injuries

Don't forget safety gear like masks, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes and sprays to help prevent the spread of germs indoors. Extra supplies are critical with the potential for flooded clinics and damaged infrastructure.

Flashlights and Battery Power

Buy LED flashlights as they are more durable and energy efficient. Don't forget extra batteries in different sizes. Try rechargeable options where possible and make sure to fully charge battery banks and devices before the storm arrives.

Battery types - Bring D, C, AA batteries most used in items. Also, cr123a for weapon mounted lights.
Lanterns - Wind up or battery for ambient light in multi person spaces.

You'll also want a portable charger or solar-powered charging station to keep phones and tablets running without wall outlets. A battery or hand-crank powered radio is also important to stay updated on weather and emergency information.

Personal Hygiene and Laundry Supplies

Toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, toiletries like soap, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant and diapers should be in abundance. Remember any specialty hygiene items like wipes or lotions.

Toilet paper - Get triple ply for comfort during stressful times
Soap - Bar or liquid for different needs like hands, body or dishes.

Pack extra laundry detergent, bleach, dryer sheets, clothesline or portable drying rack. Humid conditions can promote bacterial growth, so keeping clothes fresh is important for health and morale.

Cash and Documents

In severe storms, power may be disrupted along with ATMs and point-of-sale services. Have some small bills on hand for several days' worth of expenses. Don't forget any critical documents like IDs, insurance cards and prescripion records stored safely in watertight containers.

Home Safety Supplies

Safety gear like NOAA weather radio, gas stove or grill (for indoor use ONLY if power is out), fire extinguisher and smoke/CO detectors all go on the checklist. Pack tools for post-storm cleanup like tarps, gloves, sanitizing wipes and heavy-duty trash bags.

Weather radio - Hand crank/battery options available
Fire extinguisher - ABC type for house/kitchen fires
Smoke/CO detectors - Bring batteries or fully charge backup power types
Tarps - Heavy duty in different sizes for rain protection, repairs
Bungee cords/rope - Securing items if winds are strong
Safety goggles - For protection from debris if winds are high

Don't forget matches/lighter and disposable plates/utensils for easily prepared meals. Also be sure to service any generators and fill vehicle gas tanks ahead of mandatory evacuations or issues at the pumps.

Young Children and Pet Supplies

If you have young kids, don't forget diapers, wipes, formula, bottles and baby food along with favorite toys and books for entertainment. Make a pack with snacks and supplies just for them.

For any pets, pack extra food, water, medications, toys, sanitizing products, droppings bags and kennels/carriers if evacuating. Shelter locations may have restrictions.

Young Children:

Diapers - Bring multiple sizes your child may need
Wipes/ointment - Fragrance-free, sensitive skin types better for bum rashes
Formula/milk - Shelf stable or prepared powder in original container
Food - Strained veggies/fruits, pouches, jars in easy servigs
Comfort items - Security blankets, books, quiet toys for long indoor times

Pets:

Carriers/leashes - Bring for each pet in case evacuation needed
Food - Bring wet and dry varieties in 1-2 week supply
Water - Multiple bottles/containers and bowls for water access
Medicine - Keep original prescription bottles together with dosing instructions
Cleanup - Litter/pads, waste bags, cleaning sprays to limit indoor mess

With some planning and coupon hunting, you can gather everything on your hurricane checklist well before severe weather strikes. CouponXoo make it easy to price compare and stretch your budget further. Don't let dangerous conditions catch you unprepared - take time now to care for your family with essential hurricane supplies. Stay safe out there!