When hurricanes spin across the ocean towards our shores, it can be nerve-wracking. Let me help you get prepared quickly and efficiently, even if you have never been through a hurricane before. Here is how to prepare for a hurricane fast.
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I survived Hurricane Ike in 2008 and Hurricane Harvey in 2017 while living in northeast Houston, Texas. I was unprepared for Ike so I made a promise to myself I would plan better in the future. When Harvey cropped up out of nowhere one sunny Wednesday towards the end of August 2017, the promise I had made to myself – and kept – was the only reason my family was prepared. Here is what I have learned and how to prepare for a hurricane fast – in only a matter of hours.
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How to Prepare for a Hurricane Fast
1. Have A Hurricane Shopping List Already Saved on Your Phone
I was out of the house running errands when my husband texted me about just-developed hurricane Harvey. Because I already had an emergency hurricane stock-up list saved in the notes section of my phone, I could head straight for the grocery store.
DOWNLOAD THE HURRICANE GROCERY SHOPPING LIST HERE
2. Fill Your Car Up with Gas ASAP
Ideally you always keep half a tank in your car so when you fill up, you’re only buying a little and there is enough to go around. You will need a full tank in case you choose or are told to evacuate. Gas stations will be sold out in only a few hours so do not procrastinate this step.
3. Refill Prescriptions
If you need a refill in the next ten days, call it in as soon as you hear of the hurricane. The pharmacy will be inundated with people trying to get last minute refills before the storm so anticipate a long wait.
4. Grocery Shop for 1 Full Week
Grocery stores are going to sell out of bottled water and popular foods and beverages within the first day of hurricane landfall forecasts and warnings being announced. Buy enough groceries to last one full week to get you through the sell out, the actual storm and the storm clean up. Grocery stores cannot re-open until there is electricity to run the cash registers and credit card machines. Make sure you buy some snack foods that do not require cooking, like granola bars, and get a few comfort foods. They really do help, especially if you have children.
5. Have Dish Soap, Hand Soap and Laundry Detergent On-Hand
If you lose power, your dishwasher and washing machine will not work. You will need to hand wash dishes and clothing. Buy these items if you don’t already have them. Running out of dish soap puts you at the highest risk of food poisoning so make sure to have plenty.
6. Buy Paper Bowls, Plates, Plastic Cutlery, Paper Towels and Toilet Paper
Hurricane flooding can contaminate the water supply, causing you to be put under a Boil Ban. This requires all drinking, cooking and washing water to be boiled for 15-20 minutes before using. If your electricity and gas are out, the only option is to use a grill. All of this is a hassle so simply buy paper bowls for soup or chili, paper plates, plastic cutlery and paper towels. Make sure you have clean water on-hand as well.
7. Buy Black Trash Bags, Batteries for Flashlights and Have Work Gloves
Hurricanes make an absolute mess. They down trees, fling trash cans, throw branches, break windows and scatter glass, trash and debris far and wide. After the storm black trash bags are needed to clean up your property and remove sharp objects that may puncture your tires. Have sturdy leather or canvas work gloves to protect your hands from rusty nails and lacerations. Have fresh batteries for flashlights and headlamps.
8. Get Pet Food
Stores keep very little pet food in stock compared to people food. If you were not in the habit of keeping some on-hand before the hurricane and you do not have a week’s worth for your pet, buy some now.
9. Refill Grill Propane Tanks and Buy A Fresh Lighter
During a prolonged power out your grill may become your only cooking source. Your freezer full of meat need not go to waste if you can grill it and share with neighbors. Have a full propane tank for every 5 days without power and a fresh lighter to ensure your grill will start. If you need charcoal and lighter fluid for your type of grill, get it.
10. Pack Water Bottles Around Your Freezer Food
Use bottled water or water filled juice jugs and pack them around the food in your freezer ASAP. They will freeze ahead of the storm and keep your freezer cold for up to forty eight hours after a power out if the door is kept closed. After that you will need to consume the thawing food. Fill reusable water bottles and sports jugs with potable water in case of a boil ban or emergency during the storm.
11. Clean and Do Laundry in Anticipation of Power Outs
Hurricane Ike knocked out our power for 12 days. Life without electricity to run the washer, dryer and vacuum is miserable. Clean the house now, wash all your clothes, towels and bedding in anticipation of the storm.
12. Stay Home!
Traffic will grow heavy and drivers will become frantic as they rush around trying to prepare. Once you have filled up your car and grocery shopped, stay home to avoid wasting precious fuel. Tidy up your yard and pull in any patio furniture, grills, yard décor or backyard toys that could damage your home in high winds. Now is also a good time to contact family to let them know you are prepared.
If you are facing an incoming hurricane, I hope I have helped you know how to prepare for a hurricane fast! Please feel free to leave your hurricane survival stories and experiences in the comment section below to help others learn and prepare for future storms.
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