If you’ve lived anywhere in South Florida or on the east coast, you’ve likely had to prepare for hurricane season. At Max Guard, we put together these items as a reminder of how to get yourself and your home ready for hurricane season in 2019. That way, you won’t overlook anything.

Non-Perishable Food Items

If the power goes out, food might spoil. To be ready, you’ll need three days of non-perishable food to prepare for a hurricane.

Getting the right type of food is important. Avoid salty foods or other foods that will make you thirsty and increase the need to drink more water than usual. While chips and cookies are non-perishable, they are low in nutrition and are best eaten sparingly.

Instead, you’re better off getting whole foods that are non-perishable, like canned fruits and vegetables, low-sodium soups, granola, jars of peanut butter, and crackers. Commercially canned food can be eaten without warming. Just make sure you have a manual can opener on hand.

Bottled Water

In addition to food, water is crucial. You’ll need to have a gallon of water per person for at least three days. Some people require more water depending on their age, health, and activity level. Extra water might be required for cooking.

Buy the water that you need early – it will be harder to find water in-stores right before a storm. Rotate the water, and don’t keep it for more than a year. In order to maintain its freshness, it is best to drink any water that is left over through the rest of the year. Then, buy some more before next season.

Gas Cooking Stove

A gas cooking stove serves two purposes. First, you’ll have a hot meal if there is no power. Second, there might be a concern over water contamination. With a gas stove, you’ll have a way to boil water, so it is safe to drink.

If you have a gas stove in your home, you’ll be able to use it without power. It may require electricity to light, so have some matches or a lighter on hand.

Like water, stoves are hard to find as a storm approaches. If you need to purchase a stove, do it early.

Gasoline

Buy some extra containers and stock up. When hurricane Irma hit South Florida last year, gasoline was in short supply before and after the storm. For those who could get gasoline, they waited in long lines and drove past many gas stations with closed pumps.

Gasoline can be stored for three to six months, but only in the proper container.

Impact Resistant Doors and Impact Resistant Windows

In 2017, hurricanes Harvey and Irma caused up to $200 billion dollars in damage. A lot of that money could have been prevented with the right home protection. Impact resistant doors and windows are key to protecting your home.

Max Guard’s impact resistant windows resist fractures from debris and category 5 winds. Plus, they’re energy efficient. They keep your home cooler and save you energy costs. Impact resistant doors protect your home and family from intruders, too. Contact Max Guard Hurricane Windows today to find out more about our impact resistant doors.

You might be wondering about plywood and shutters. While those offer some protection, they don’t offer all the benefits of impact resistant windows or doors. Plywood is simply not strong enough to hold up against the winds of a hurricane. Also, shutters and plywood must be put up every time. Max Guard professionally installs the impact resistant doors and windows for you.

Flashlights, Radios, and Alternative Power

Batteries are a must for hurricanes. It’s important to buy the right size for flashlights and radios. Get a weather radio and several handheld flashlights. Put them in a location that will be easy to find. In case the power goes out, the radio might be the most reliable form of communication.

Batteries made these days have an incredibly long shelf-life, and it’s no longer necessary to store them in the fridge. Room temperature is fine. According to this data sheet from Energizer, alkaline batteries can be stored for 5 to 10 years.

There are more options now for alternative power than ever before. We’re no longer limited to gas generators or alkaline batteries. Rechargeable power banks and portable solar chargers are good options to charge your cell phone and other electronics during a storm.

First Aid Kit

Hopefully, you’ll never have to use your first aid kit. But if you do, you’ll be glad to have it on hand. You can buy one cheaply, too. To make your own, make sure you include band-aids of different sizes, gloves, gauze, antibiotic ointment, and a non-prescription pain reliever.

If you take prescription medication, you should have at least four days (or more) worth. If a storm comes near the time your prescription needs a refill, you may be able to ask your pharmacy to refill it early.

Prepare For Hurricane Season With Max Guard Hurricane Windows

Is your home ready for hurricane season? After you gather the items on this list, contact Max Guard! We’ve been helping South Florida protect their homes and families for over 30 years. Call us at (561) 276-7100 or through our contact us form.