25 Tips for Hurricane Prep

Sharing my hurricane prep tips as we continue to experience more and more hurricanes this season.

Across all of the local mommy forums there has been tip after tip shared on how to prepare for the storm, and living in Florida for 23 years through many tropical cyclones I’ve learned a thing or two as well.

So today I’m sharing a list of tips for how to prepare for the worst storms.

I hope you never need it, but just in case, save this list for the future and share your tips in the comments as well for others!

1. Charge devices — laptops, tablets, etc. Charge external battery back ups. Before the storm, unplug all electronics in case of power surges during and after the storm.
2. Gather all candles, flashlights, lighters, matches, batteries, and other items and keep them accessible.
3. Wash all trash cans, big and small, and fill with water for flushing toilets. Line outdoor trash cans with trash bags, fill with water and store in the garage. Add bleach to sterilize.
4. Fill every tub and sink with water. Cover sinks with Saran Wrap to keep it from collecting dust. Fill washing machine and leave lid up to store water.Fill old empty water bottles and other containers with water and keep near sinks for washing hands.
5. Fill every Tupperware with water and store in freezer. These will help keep food cold longer and serve as a back up water supply. Fill drinking cups with water and cover with Saran Wrap. Store as many as possible in fridge. The rest you can store on the counter and use first before any water bottles are opened. Ice is impossible to find after the storm.
6. Reserve fridge space for storing tap water and keep the sealed water bottles on the counter.
7. Fill your propane tanks. You can heat soup cans, boil water, make coffee, and other stuff besides just grilling meat. Get an extra, if possible.
8. Wash all dirty clothes and bed sheets. Anything dirty will smell without the A/C, you may need the items, and with no A/C, you’ll be sweating a lot. You’re going to want clean sheets.
9. Clean your environment so you have clear, easy escape routes. Even if that means temporarily moving furniture to one area. Clean all counters in advance. Start with a clean surface. Mop your floors and vacuum. If power is out for 10 days, you’ll have to live in the mess you started with.
10. Scrub all bathrooms so you are starting with a clean odor free environment. Store water filled trash cans next to each toilet for flushing.
11. Toss out any expiring food, clean cat litter boxes, empty all trash cans in the house, including bathrooms. Remove anything that will cause an odor when the A/C is off. If you don’t have a trash day pickup before the storm, find a dumpster.
12. Bring in any yard decor, secure anything that will fly around, secure gates, bring in hoses, potted plants, etc. Bring in patio furniture and grills.
13. Make sure you have cash on hand.
14. Stock up on pet food and fill up bowls of water for pets.
15. Refill any medications. Most insurance companies allow for 2 emergency refills per year.
16. Drop your A/C in advance and lower temperatures in your fridges.
17. Pick your emergency safe place such as a closet under the stairs. Store the items you’ll need in that location for the brunt of the storm.
18. Run your dishwasher, don’t risk having dirty smelly dishes and you need every container for water! Remember you’ll need clean water for brushing your teeth, washing yourself, and cleaning your hands. Shower just before the storm is scheduled to hit.
19. Put a small suitcase in your car in case you decide to evacuate. Also put at least one jug of water in your car. It will still be there if you don’t evacuate! You don’t need to store all water in the house.
20. Check on all family members, set up emergency back up plans, and check on elderly neighbors. Remember, pets are family too. Take them with you!
21. Gas up your car and have a spare gas container for your generator or your car when you run out.
22. If you can, take a video of your house and contents….walk room to room–open cabinets/drawers and closets. This will help if you need to make a claim later. It will show proof and help you list all the items.
23. Freeze a cup of water, place a coin on top after it is frozen…keep this in your freezer to help you gauge the temperature if the power goes out. If the coin stays on top, the food is staying frozen. If the coin falls into the water, the freezer thawed out and most food will likely need to be thrown away. This is super helpful is you have to leave and come back, as it may appear everything is still frozen, but if the coin is in the cup–you will know!!
24. Place everything you own that is important and necessary in a backpack or small file box that is easy to grab. Include your wallet with ID, phone, hand sanitizer, snacks, etc. Get plastic sleeves for important documents.
25. *Inflate air mattresses/floats in case of flooding. You can use these as floatation devices for kids/babies.
26. *If a window blows out, make sure all interior doors are shut to avoid pressure building up which can cause you to lose your roof!
27. *Turn your power OFF if there is flooding to prevent the outlets from causing electrocution.
28. *Sandbag all doors.

**new tips added!

Stay safe, friends!