48 Things To Buy To Prepare For A Hurricane

When the skies darken and the winds howl, the question on every coastal dweller’s mind is, “Am I prepared for this hurricane?”

It’s a valid concern—one that brings a surge of anxiety as you consider the safety of your family, home, and belongings. The challenge of preparing for a hurricane is not just about hunkering down and waiting it out; it’s about proactive preparation to safeguard what matters most to you.

Did you know that hurricanes can release the energy equivalent of 10 atomic bombs per second? [1]

It’s a stark reminder of nature’s power and the importance of being prepared. As someone who has weathered these storms, I understand the urgency and the weight of responsibility that comes with hurricane season. We are in this together, and I know firsthand the comfort that comes from being well-prepared.

In this article, you’ll find a carefully curated list of 48 essential items to purchase as you ready yourself for an oncoming hurricane.

This isn’t just another checklist—it’s a comprehensive guide to help you think of everything you might need, from the most crucial survival items to those that will keep you comfortable and calm during the storm.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of what to buy to be fully equipped for a hurricane. Your hurricane preparation starts here and now—let’s ensure you and your loved ones are protected.

Get cashback when shopping from Amazon, Burger Kind & Netflix using this FREE application.

Hurricane Preparedness Checklist

Here’s a handy Hurricane Preparedness Checklist in A4 size to print and have with you. You can download the Hurricane Preparedness Checklist in PDF format by clicking here.

Regularly check your Hurricane Preparedness Stash (once per year at least) to make sure everything is in position and working as intended). Brought to you by Techodom’s shopping junkies.

In the meantime, here’s the list in a table format:

Things To Buy To Prepare For A Hurricane

I don’t want to bore you with a 3000+ word article , thus I am laying all 48 things to buy to prepare for a hurricane in this handy table.

Keep in mind that most of these items can be bought online on Amazon or other online vendors. Throughout the article, I am going to offer recommendations.

Get Cashback every time you shop online. FREE REGISTRATION!

LEARN MORE

(No credit card needed)

Bottled Water

Essential for hydration; one gallon per person per day ensures an adequate water supply during potential disruptions to water sources, safeguarding against contamination or shortages. Stock up for at least three days.

Non-Perishable Food

Canned goods and long-lasting items provide sustenance during power outages or limited access to fresh food, ensuring a reliable source of nutrition throughout the duration of a hurricane.

Flashlights

Multiple flashlights with extra batteries are crucial for providing illumination during power outages, ensuring visibility, safety, and the ability to navigate in the dark or during severe weather conditions. Remember extra batteries.

First Aid Kit

A well-stocked first aid kit with bandages and essential medical supplies enables prompt response to injuries or illnesses, addressing immediate health needs when professional medical assistance may be delayed.

Medications

Sufficient prescription medications guarantee continuous treatment for existing health conditions, preventing complications during a hurricane when access to pharmacies or medical facilities may be limited.

Battery-Powered Radio

A radio is indispensable for staying informed on weather updates and emergency broadcasts, facilitating timely decision-making and ensuring awareness of potential risks or evacuation orders.

Manual Can Opener

Necessary for opening canned foods when electricity is unavailable, a manual can opener ensures access to non-perishable food items, providing sustenance without the need for electricity-dependent appliances.

Multi-Tool or Swiss Army Knife

Versatile tools are essential for various tasks, from minor repairs to opening packages, making them invaluable for addressing unforeseen challenges and maintaining functionality in the absence of regular services.

Personal Hygiene Items

Soap, toothbrush, and sanitary supplies maintain personal hygiene, preventing the spread of illness and ensuring a sense of normalcy amid challenging conditions, promoting overall well-being during a hurricane.

Blankets

Blankets or sleeping bags offer warmth in the absence of heating, supporting comfort and preventing hypothermia during power outages or when sheltering in areas with limited climate control.

Clothing

Extra clothes, rain gear, and sturdy shoes are crucial for staying dry and comfortable, protecting against the elements during evacuation or when sheltering in place, contributing to overall safety and well-being.

Important Documents

Copies of identification, insurance, and personal documents safeguard critical information, facilitating swift access to resources, medical care, and assistance in the aftermath of a hurricane-related event.

Cash

In case of ATM inaccessibility, having cash on hand ensures the ability to purchase essential goods and services, especially in areas where electronic payment methods may be disrupted during and after a hurricane.

Cooking Supplies

Portable stove, fuel, and cooking utensils enable the preparation of hot meals when electricity is unavailable, ensuring a reliable source of nutrition and a sense of normalcy during prolonged power outages.

Pet Supplies

Adequate food, water, and supplies for pets support their well-being during a hurricane, addressing their specific needs and ensuring the safety and comfort of furry family members throughout the duration of the storm.

Baby Supplies

Diapers, formula, and baby food cater to the unique needs of infants during a hurricane, providing essential resources for their care and comfort when regular access to stores or services may be disrupted.

Trash Bags

Useful for waste disposal and keeping things dry, trash bags contribute to hygiene maintenance and help manage waste effectively, preventing the spread of contaminants and maintaining a clean living environment.

Local Maps

Maps of the area are vital in case GPS is unavailable, assisting with navigation and evacuation routes, especially when electronic devices or online mapping services may be compromised during a hurricane.

Chargers

Portable chargers for devices ensure communication and access to information during power outages, helping to stay connected and informed, particularly when traditional power sources are unreliable or unavailable.

Fire Extinguisher

For safety and emergencies, a fire extinguisher helps mitigate the risk of fires caused by various factors during a hurricane, providing a crucial tool for immediate response and prevention of further damage.

Duct Tape

Handy for quick repairs, duct tape can address various issues, from sealing leaks to securing items, offering a versatile and practical solution for on-the-spot fixes when more permanent solutions are unavailable.

Whistle

A whistle serves as an effective signaling tool for requesting help in emergency situations, facilitating communication over long distances and increasing the likelihood of being located or assisted during a hurricane.

Waterproof Containers

To keep important items dry, waterproof containers protect documents, electronics, and other essentials from water damage during flooding or heavy rainfall, ensuring the preservation of critical items throughout the hurricane.

Entertainment

Books, board games, or distractions provide a mental escape during downtime, reducing stress and boredom, fostering a sense of normalcy, and supporting overall well-being during the challenging conditions of a hurricane.

Generator

A portable generator provides a reliable power source during outages, ensuring the operation of essential appliances and maintaining a semblance of normal life, especially for medical equipment or refrigeration needs.

Extension Cords

Useful with a generator or for reaching power sources, extension cords enable flexibility in positioning and using electrical devices, optimizing the functionality of a generator and ensuring access to power where it is needed most.

Tarps and Plastic Sheeting

Covering damaged roofs or windows with tarps or plastic sheeting prevents further water damage to structures and belongings, providing temporary protection until more permanent repairs can be made in the aftermath of a hurricane.

Mosquito Repellent

In areas with standing water, mosquito repellent protects against an increase in mosquitoes post-hurricane, reducing the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses and providing relief from insect bites during the recovery period.

Water Purification Tablets

In case of water contamination, purification tablets ensure access to safe drinking water, mitigating the risk of waterborne illnesses and providing a reliable method for making water potable during and after a hurricane.

Cooler

A cooler helps keep perishable items cold if power goes out, preserving food and medications, preventing spoilage, and minimizing waste, contributing to overall preparedness and self-sufficiency during a hurricane-related event.

Important Contacts List

A list of emergency contacts and family members’ numbers aids communication during a hurricane, ensuring the ability to reach out for assistance, share information, and coordinate plans with loved ones during challenging circumstances.

Gasoline

Spare containers of gasoline are essential for fueling generators and vehicles, ensuring mobility, power generation, and access to resources, especially when regular fuel supply chains may be disrupted during a hurricane.

Axe or Saw

For cutting through debris or fallen trees, an axe or saw is essential for clearing pathways, facilitating rescue operations, and ensuring safe movement in areas affected by fallen trees or other obstacles during and after a hurricane.

Shovel

A shovel is helpful for digging, clearing debris, or creating a makeshift toilet, providing a versatile tool for various tasks related to cleanup and maintenance during the aftermath of a hurricane.

Candles and Matches

Candles and matches offer alternative lighting when batteries run out, ensuring visibility and a sense of comfort during power outages, providing a reliable backup when other lighting sources are unavailable.

Bug Spray

In post-hurricane conditions, bug spray protects against mosquito bites, reducing the risk of diseases and providing relief during the recovery period when standing water may lead to an increase in mosquitoes.

Chlorine Bleach

Chlorine bleach disinfects water or surfaces contaminated during a hurricane, preventing waterborne diseases and ensuring a safe environment for personal hygiene and food preparation.

Insect Screens

Insect screens cover windows or vents, preventing mosquitoes and insects from entering living spaces. This measure enhances comfort and reduces the risk of insect-borne illnesses post-hurricane.

Baby Carrier or Sling

For parents with infants, a baby carrier provides a hands-free way to keep the baby close during evacuation or daily activities, ensuring both comfort and safety in challenging post-hurricane conditions.

Eyeglasses and Contact Lenses

Spare glasses or lenses ensure clear vision, especially when access to replacements may be limited during a hurricane. Maintaining good vision is crucial for navigating and addressing tasks effectively.

Manual Alarm Clock

In case electronic devices fail, a manual alarm clock ensures you can keep track of time for scheduling activities, monitoring medications, and maintaining a sense of routine during power outages or device malfunctions.

Plastic Bags

Versatile for various purposes, including waste disposal and keeping items dry, plastic bags contribute to hygiene, organization, and overall cleanliness, addressing practical needs in the absence of regular services during and after a hurricane.

Firewood

If you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, firewood provides a heating source during power outages, offering warmth and the ability to cook food. It enhances self-sufficiency and comfort in cold weather post-hurricane.

Safety Goggles

Safety goggles protect your eyes during cleanup activities, reducing the risk of injury from debris or dust. They are essential for maintaining eye health and safety during post-hurricane recovery efforts.

Paper and Pens

Handy for leaving notes, making lists, or recording important information, paper and pens provide a reliable means of communication and organization when electronic devices may be unavailable or impractical.

Toolkit

A basic toolkit with essential tools is crucial for making repairs and adjustments to structures or equipment. It ensures resourcefulness and self-sufficiency in addressing unforeseen issues during and after a hurricane.

Safety Vest

A safety vest increases visibility during outdoor activities, making you easily noticeable in low-light conditions. This enhances safety, especially if you need to venture outside or participate in rescue and recovery efforts post-hurricane.

Bicycle or Hand-Powered Charger

A bicycle or hand-powered charger provides an eco-friendly way to charge small devices when electricity is not available. It ensures a sustainable power source for essential communication and electronic devices during a hurricane and its aftermath.

Bottom Line

So there you have it. A list with 48 items to have in case a hurricane strikes in your area. You know what they say, it’s better safe than sorry and I am a firm believer to this passage.

If you think I left something important out, don’t hesitate to leave your comment below. I’ll make sure to include it in the list.

In the meantime, feel free to check more of our shopping recommendation lists:

CHECK THESE LISTS AS WELL

Techodom's mission is to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy in the vast e-commerce landscape. We try to update the links as often as possible, but please note that deals may expire and all prices may change. Each editorial product is independently selected and reviewed. Techodom may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of our links.

Sharing is caring!