Hurricane Survival Kit Essentials: How to Prepare and Save Money on Must-Have Supplies

Stocking up on essential supplies well in advance can help you weather a hurricane safely at home or help you evacuate smoothly if necessary. In this blog, we'll discuss the most important items to include in your hurricane season survival kit.

Why You Need a Hurricane Survival Kit

Hurricanes can strike with little warning, leaving minimal time to gather supplies once a storm is imminent. An established kit ensures you're prepared no matter what.
Immediately after a hurricane, commercial transportation may be disrupted. Debris-filled roads prevent access to stores for potentially weeks in hard-hit areas.
Shelter capacity in evacuation centers is limited. Having your own resources allows self-sufficiency and keeps vulnerable family members out of crowded public shelters if possible.
Essential services like power, water and sewage systems can take over a week to restore even after winds die down. Having your own backup sustains health, hygiene and comfort.
Disaster price-gouging on in-demand supplies often occurs when storms approach. A pre-stocked kit avoids needing to scramble amid post-hurricane price hikes.
Medical emergencies or injuries are still possible after the storm passes due to cleanup dangers. Your first aid kit ensures basic treatment is available if hospitals are overloaded.
Communication networks may collapse, so a kit with radios, backup charging devices allows access to emergency alerts independent of cell/internet.

Food and Water

One of the primary concerns during and after a hurricane is having access to food and clean drinking water. Even if power is out, you'll want to have enough non-perishable food and bottled water on hand to last each person in your home at least 3-7 days. Some good options to include are:

Canned soups, stews, fruits and vegetables
Protein bars, granola bars, nuts
Peanut butter and crackers
Cereal, oats
Juice boxes
At least 1 gallon of water per person per day

It's also a good idea to have a manual can opener in case power is lost. Try packing food into plastic bins or totes clearly labeled with contents and expiration dates. Rotate supplies as needed.

First Aid Kit

A well-stocked first aid kit is vital in the event of injuries during or after the storm. Be sure it contains:

Assorted bandages and sizes of gauze pads
Antibiotic ointment
Hydrocortisone cream for itching
Antiseptic cleaner or wipes
Scarves or small bandanas for slings
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Pain relievers
Thermometer
Anti-diarrheal medication
Tweezers
Safety pins
Hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol

Consider storing the kit in an easy to carry case or bag for quick access.

Lighting and Charging

If the power goes out, you'll need alternate light sources and ways to charge devices. Include:

Flashlights and extra batteries (also consider rechargeable options)
Crank or battery-powered lanterns
Waterproof portable chargers and power banks
Spare phone chargers and charging cables
Candles and matches (placed in safe holders away from young children and pets)

Cash and Important Documents

During emergencies after a storm, ATMs and credit cards may be temporarily unusable if cell service and power are affected. Keep some cash on hand, along with identity documents and insurance papers for your home and vehicles. Don't forget pet vaccination records too:

Small bills like $20s and $10s for cash transactions
Copies of important documents in a waterproof bag or container
Insurance policies and contact information

Safety and Comfort Items

Don't underestimate the power of items that help your family stay safe, comfortable and productive if cooped up at home:

N95 or KN95 face masks in case of mold or air quality issues post-storm
Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes
Toilet paper and feminine hygiene products
Garbage bags
Activities and books for kids and adults
Phone charger cords and portable battery packs
Baby supplies like formula, diapers and wipes if applicable

Tools and Supplies

Having the right tools makes emergency repairs, clean up and temporary fixes much easier:

Battery-powered radio to listen for emergency updates and instructions
Duct tape and ropes or bungee cords for securing furniture or tarps
Garbage bags for sanitation and cleaning up debris
Work gloves and safety goggles for cleanup
Adjustable wrench for turning off gas or water in an emergency
Whistle in case you need to signal for help
Rain ponchos, jackets or tarps in case of flooding or leaks
Work flashlight/headlamp for repairs and inspections

Sanitation and Personal Hygiene

Dealing with power or water outages requires extra planning for bathroom needs:

Toilet paper, paper towels, and trash bags
Wet wipes, soap, hand sanitizer and lip balm
Toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss
Dust masks or particle masks for pollution protection after storm
Menstrual products as needed
Bucket or salvaged tub for waste if toilets can't be flushed
Latex gloves to deal safely with waste or bodily fluids

Copies of Important Documents

Along with small bills, keep backup copies of key papers like:

Photo ID and passport (if traveling post-storm)
Insurance cards and policies
Birth/marriage certificates or guardianship papers
Wills and powers of attorney
Immunization records
Bank and credit card information
Inventory lists of valuables and serial numbers

How to Save Money on Your Hurricane Survival Kit

Shop sales and use coupons. Many stores run promotions on emergency items during peak hurricane season. Sites like CouponXoo have discounts for supplies from major retailers.
Consider generic and store brands. You usually pay less for private label canned goods, water, and first aid items compared to name brands. Quality typically is the same.
Take inventory before purchasing. Check what non-perishable foods and supplies you already have on hand from previous years. Rotate stock before it expires.
Buy some preparedness products in bulk. If you have the storage space, bulk purchases of things like rice, dried beans, and batteries can significantly lower your costs long-term.
Look for multi-use items. Choose flashlights that can charge phones, radios that run on batteries or crank power. These serve dual purposes in emergencies.
Ask family and friends to contribute. Spread costs by having everyone bring a designated item to your group kit like food, water, or tools.
Prioritize essentials if funds are tight. Focus first on food, water, and medical essentials. Gradually build up other key items over multiple seasons.
Compare prices online. Retailers may offer bundle deals or free shipping incentives that save more overall versus shopping in-store.

Staying informed and properly stocking up in advance will give your family peace of mind during hurricane season and help you face any storms that strike. Visit CouponXoo frequently to save on prepping for emergencies and everyday needs. Wishing you safe and stress-free hurricane ahead!