Essential Strom Ready Items You NEED
Though hurricane season may be over, it’s never too early to start preparing your home for next year’s storms. The longer you put off getting everything you need, the harder and more chaotic things get! That’s why Max Guard Hurricane Windows has compiled a list of must-haves for hurricane season. Don’t set yourself up to scramble last minute! Start your hurricane essentials kit today and take the next hurricane head on!
1. Bottled Water
When a storm is set to hit, bottled water is one of the first things to sell out. If the storm hits your home’s water supply, you’ll be stuck with nothing to drink if you don’t make sure to be prepared. Even if the storm only lasts a day or two, if it hits your water line, you might be stuck going days or weeks before it’s turned back on! Make sure to stock up on at least a week’s supply of water for you and whoever else is going to be at home with you.
2. Canned Food and Other Unperishables
The chance of grocery stores being open during and after a storm isn’t likely, and because your electricity is usually one of the first things to go in a storm, your refrigerator isn’t going to be reliable. Make sure you’re fully stocked up on canned goods and other unperishable foods; namely peanut butter, bread, crackers or rice cakes, canned tuna, snacks, and anything else you can think of. Also, make sure you don’t forget to have a can opener in your kit! All that food isn’t going to help you if you don’t have a way to eat it!
3. Pet Food
In the midst of hurricane preparation, make sure the four-legged family members aren’t forgotten. Whether your pet eats wet canned food or dry kibble, make sure you have plenty to last them until stores open up again.
4. Flashlights and Batteries
You don’t want to be stuck in the dark when the power goes out. Make sure that you have plenty of flashlights and spare batteries to light up your home. You can also find battery-operated lamps if you want a more fixed solution that you do not need to carry around with you.
5. Blankets
Temperatures can drop really quickly if you don’t have power. Make sure you and your family can stay warm and stock up on some sleeping bags or blankets just in case!
6. First Aid Kit
Whether you live alone or with small children and pets, a first aid kit is essential for hurricane preparation. Make sure you have plenty of band-aids, gauze rolls, pads, tape, cotton balls, safety pins, tweezers, scissors, antibiotic ointment, elastic non-adhesive bandages, and anything else you can find in your local drug store!
7. Gas
If the county advises you to evacuate at the last minute, there is going to be a huge demand for gas. It’s not uncommon for gas stations to run dry as the hurricane gets closer and closer. Make sure your car has a full tank before the storm hits… you might not need to go anywhere but it’s safer to be prepared. Additionally, it’s recommended to purchase and fill a few extra gas cans. If you do leave, you can throw a few in your trunk so you can safely make it out of the area and not have to worry about filling up for a while.
8. Matches or Lighters
Matches and lighters will come in handy to light candles or gas stove tops in the event that you lose electricity. Keep them in a sealed plastic bag to make sure they don’t get wet!
9. Radio
You’ll want to stay up to date with current and local news while you’re stuck at home, and if your power goes out your best bet will be a battery powered radio. Stock up on batteries so you aren’t left helpless!
10. Medications
If you, your family, or your pets take medication, make sure to have enough spare to last you the days until the pharmacies are back up and running.
11. Toilet Paper
The last thing you want is to go to the bathroom during a hurricane only to find out you ran out of toilet paper and the stores are already closed. Make sure to properly stock up on toilet paper for everyone who will be staying with you through the hurricane. Toilet paper is one of those things that never goes bad, so don’t be shy when stocking up!
12. Cold Hard Cash
Make sure to have cash on hand (preferably both big and small bills). Cash can be a live saver in desperate times, and it’s plain irresponsible to be caught in an emergency without some on you.
13. Board Games
There’s a very good possibility that, if a big hurricane hits, you will be stuck in your home for days with no electricity, which can become extremely boring. Collect a stash of board games, hard copy books (what good is a Kindle if you can’t charge it?!), puzzles, and any other activities that could keep you occupied. If you have small children, make sure all of their favorite games and toys are easily accessible – the last thing you want is a cranky, bored, and restless young child who can’t be pacified.
14. An Emergency “Go Bag”
In case you have to evacuate at the last minute, make sure you already have all the essentials packed away in a water-tight bag. This kit should include many of the same things in the rest of list, including first aid supplies, batteries, a flashlight, water, basic toiletries, medications, a change of clothes, money, and a photo ID.
Now That You’re Protected, Protect Your Home With Hurricane Windows
Protect yourself, your family, and your home by contacting us today and installing hurricane windows. Not only are they more attractive and less maintenance than hurricane shutters, but they also provide your home with more protection. Give us a call at (561) 276-7100 for your free quote and be prepared this hurricane season!
