When a storm would get close to the coast, my grandmother would go buy toilet paper, doughnuts, peanut butter and bread. You might laugh but every person has their own way of feeling safe and I think doughnuts (and Church’s Fried Chicken) were her comfort foods.
So, what will you need to purchase to be ready? And, I do mean “purchase on sale and in advance” to be prepared IF a hurricane ever develops. You can still be frugal during Hurricane Season if you plan ahead.
Here are the staples I recommend everyone have ready:
- Manual Can Opener ~ Yeah, seems obvious to most but you would not believe the number of people who stock up on canned goods and forget that they need a way to open them if the power is out.
- Hand Sanitizer ~ Since you will be conserving water, this will help you “get by” and wash your hands only as absolutely necessary. Wet Ones are also a good investment.
- Drinking Water ~ TWO cases of water per person. That might seem like a lot but if the water is out for a week, you will need it.
- Bottled or Canned Beverages ~ Juices, Sodas, Gatoraid and more. It will be hot and you will get thirsty!
- Protein-Rich Foods ~ Peanut Butter, Energy Bars, Dried Fruits, Beef Jerky will keep your energy up.
- Canned Goods ~ Canned meats, vegetables, pastas, fruits and whatever your family will eat.
- Dry Goods ~ Cereal, pretzels, crackers, dry milk, coffee, tea, non-dairy creamer (for coffee drinkers) and other snacks.
- Bread ~ For your peanut butter sandwiches.
- Baby Necessities ~ Formula (bottled water if you use dry formula), diapers, baby wipes, ointments, and baby food should be stocked to last up to two weeks or more.
- Paper plates, cups, napkins and cutlery ~ This will help you save your water for important tasks by eliminating dishes to wash.
- Camping Lantern or Candles ~ Personally, I prefer oil lamps or battery-operated camping lanterns since I have young children. Make sure you have a lighter or batteries for these too.
- Batteries ~ For flashlights and radios.
- Cell Phone care adapter ~ To charge your phone when the power is out.
- Grill (with propane or charcoal) or Sterno Fuel Cans (like caterers use) ~ A good, hot meal will be difficult to find but these will make heating up your food a little easier.
- AM/FM Radio ~ To listen for weather alerts and live news coverage when the power goes out.
- Garbage bags ~ Have these ready for household needs and lawn work.
- Toilet Paper ~ I don’t know why but toilet paper always seems to sell out first.
- Ice ~ Pack your freezer with the ice and do not open your freezer until you need something. (More on freezer safety later in the week.)
- Children’s Activities ~ A new board game, coloring pages or playdough will help keep young children occupied when the power goes out.
- Emergency Medical Supplies ~ An all-purpose first aid kit is handy to have or visit HERE for a list of what to have available.
If you will be riding out the storm in a shelter, keep in mind that most do not provide food. You will need to stockpile food to take with you.
Optional purchases include a generator (which you should buy NOW because they will sell out the minute storm enters the Gulf), a chainsaw and ice chests.
Tomorrow we will chat about other things you can do to be prepared.
, I receive a small commission but will not know what you purchased and it will cost you nothing extra. You can even use your gift cards. Thank you for supporting our family.)
