Hurricanes are heavy winds that can damage homes, roads, and buildings and cause water, power, and gas outages. Having a hurricane preparedness list and plan reduces fear and anxiety and minimizes losses. The list must include basic supplies like food and water, a first aid kit, clothing, etc., and emergency supplies like a first aid kit, medications, important documents, and numbers.
Other than that, it’s crucial to invest in a reliable solar generator that powers your appliances to keep you safe and relaxed during these times. Jackery Solar Generators are one of the reliable charging solutions that are portable and keep your refrigerator, TVs, cell phones, and even air conditioners running during extended power outages and blackouts.
Key Takeaways
- Due to increasing temperatures, reduced Atlantic winds, and other factors, hurricanes are more likely this year.
- Of all weather-related disasters, hurricanes cause more damage, so it’s important to prepare a preparedness list to stay safe during emergencies.
- Your preparedness list should include water and food, a first aid kit, hurricane general supplies, clothing, important numbers and documents, pet care items, and emergency supplies.
- It’s essential to keep your canned food in a cool and dry place to keep it fresh for a long time, throw away expired ones, and store them where they are easily accessible.
- During a hurricane, it is crucial to stay inside and away from windows and doors, stay updated with the latest news, and use hurricane equipment carefully.
Latest News About Hurricanes
Hurricane Beryl, the first of the Atlantic hurricane season 2024, rapidly developed from a modest storm into a 165 mph deadly cyclone, courtesy of the excruciating hot ocean temperatures.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), this is just a wake-up call to an above-average (85% chance) Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. It could see up to 17-25 named storms, with a possibility of 8-13 becoming hurricanes and up to 7 developing into major hurricanes.
According to NOAA, the underlying reasons include record-breaking warm ocean temperatures, reduced Atlantic winds, La Nina conditions developing in the Pacific, and less wind shear. With hurricanes being the eight most fatal disasters in the US, it’s crucial for residents in the possible path of these hurricanes to stay prepared.
The Importance of Hurricane Preparedness List
Hurricanes of all weather disasters have caused the most damage since 1980, over $1.3 trillion in total, averaging around $22.8 billion per event. The deaths are also the highest: 6,890 since 1980. So, regardless of the storm's severity, access to power, food, and clean water may be disrupted even weeks later.
As per Ready.gov, staying prepared is essential, which means having your own food, water, and supplies to last for several days. A hurricane preparedness list is a collection of basic household items for an emergency. Download the checklist of basic yet essential items in your preparedness kit. PDF Checklist
Hurricane Preparedness List
A basic emergency kit must be assembled to survive the post-hurricane implications. Water and power might not come for days after the initial strike. While gas stations and stores might quickly run out of supplies, it’s smart to stock up weeks before a hurricane is supposed to hit. Here is a detailed list:
Water & Food
Food and water should remain at the top of your preparedness list for hurricanes, as your health, safety, and comfort depend on them. If massive storms hit your area, the infrastructure that stores food and opens stores is likely compromised. So keep a stock that lasts for at least two to three weeks.
You might be tempted to get an all-in-one food bucket that covers almost everything on your hurricane food list. But these are expensive, and often, the nutrition is not up to par. It potentially does more harm than good, especially if you have blood sugar and digestion issues.
Instead, get what you eat regularly in non-perishable forms, such as dehydrated, canned, and freeze-dried foods. These especially come in handy during emergencies, when refrigeration is not available to keep the food fresh. Or better, invest in a reliable battery backup solution like Jackery Solar Generators that powers your refrigerator to keep your food fresh, even for days.
Food to store during hurricane emergencies:
- One to two-week supply of non-perishable food items
- One to two week supply of drinkable water
- Food for people with special needs
- Cooking utensils alongside metal pans and pots
- Manual can opener
- Disposable utensils, plates, cups, and napkins
- Camp stove or other means of cooking
- Extra water bottles
- Multivitamins
- Water purification tablets and filters
- Baby food
- Pet food, medications, and water for one to two weeks
First Aid Kit
Transportation issues and power outages might make it difficult to access medical care. People are prone to injuries, especially during hurricanes. So, keep a first aid kit to provide basic treatment to prevent further injury and severe infections.
Here’s what you need to include:
- First aid kit and manual
- Masks and gloves
- Hygiene and sanitation items like disinfectant wipes, sanitizing gel, toilet paper, feminine products, etc
- Thermometer
- Medications (for individuals and people with ailments)
- Bandages, scissors, and safety pins
- Sunscreen
- Creams for injury, itch, or others
- Sewing needle
Hurricane General Supplies
Power outages and blackouts are a staple during hurricanes, and it’s crucial to be proactive and get enough supplies of batteries, tools, and battery-powered devices to stay comfortable even during emergencies. Jackery Solar Generators are one of the best solutions for keeping your appliances in power for hours.
From emergency repairs to spending days without getting bored, add these tools to your hurricane preparedness list:
- Batteries (AA, AAA, and D)
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Battery powered radio
- Smartphone
- Tools like pliers, hammers, screwdrivers, nails, screws, and others
- Strong adhesives
- Portable waterproof container to keep your documents safe
- Games
- Jackery Solar Generator
- Sleeping bags
- Candles, matches, and lighters
Clothing
If you don’t want to end up with just one or two clothing items on your back, it is a crucial item on your best hurricane preparedness list. Protection from rain, sun, cold, and excessive heat is important, so stock your clothing items as per the weather. Here’s what you must include:
- Rain gear such as umbrellas, jackets, boots, and hats
- Clothes appropriate to the season
- Protection from the sun
- Footwear for work, relaxing, and protection from nails and broken glass
- Work gloves
Important Numbers
Keeping a physical list of important numbers during hurricanes or other emergencies is vital, as power outages can make it impossible to access your phone. Prepare a written list of all emergency contacts, utilities, family, and others. Provide copies to your family members, as they may not be together during hurricanes, so they know how to contact you and get back together.
Here’s a list of contacts you must have:
- Emergency contacts: Fire department, police station, and ambulance services
- Utilities: Gas, electricity, and water providers
- Family
Otherwise, consider having a Jackery Solar Generator to stay connected without worrying about a dead smartphone battery.
Important Documents
Including important documents in your preparedness list and keeping them safe during emergencies helps you recover quickly and reduce stress easily after a disaster. You might need these documents to get assistance from government programs and insurance companies. For example, documents that prove your home condition before and after the storm help you in the insurance claim process. You also might need them to re-establish your identity and access financial resources.
Pet Care Items
Hurricanes or any similar disasters can be frightening for your pets. Therefore, you must ensure your pets stay relaxed and calm, so include their toys in the kit. Other than that, they often injure themselves, so they assemble a pet first aid kit, including medications, bandages, and others.
Here’s what you must pack:
- Sturdy leashes, carriers, or harnesses
- Food, drinking water, and bowls
- Medications and medical records
- First aid kit
- Pet bed and toys
Emergency Supplies For The Elderly
Other than pets, older adults are vulnerable during hurricanes and face challenges like isolation, limited mobility, and medical needs. Preparing an emergency supply kit for the elderly can keep them comfortable and safe during power outages and be ready to evacuate.
Here’s what you must pack:
- Water and food (non-perishable and rich in nutrition)
- Extra clothing, blankets, and comfortable footwear
- Spare eyeglasses, batteries, catheters, oxygen systems etc.
- Cell phone with extra batteries and charger
- Prescription medicines
- First-aid kit
- Emergency Contact
- Extra cash
- Jackery Solar Generator
Other than that, make sure to keep the items in separate bags and label them properly. Many elders have weak vision, and this way, they can access the required items during emergencies.
Jackery Solar Generators for Emergencies
Strong winds and hurricanes mostly accompany unexpected power cuts and blackouts that can leave you in darkness for days and even weeks. It’s thereby important to invest in solar-powered generators that can power your equipment for hours and make your stay comfortable even in dire situations.
Jackery is a pioneer in manufacturing quality portable power stations, solar panels, and solar generators. It is a great choice because you can easily move it to a different location and charge it anytime with Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels, a car charger, and even a wall outlet. Whether you stay at home or evacuate somewhere safe, rest assured you’ve got power from Jackery.
Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro
With its high battery capacity, Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro can power 99% of your household and outdoor appliances during long power cuts and blackouts. Its foldable handle, double wheels, and ergonomic design make evacuating easier. It can also charge your refrigerator to keep your food fresh and your television to keep you updated regarding hurricane activity.
Appliance Running Hours
- Refrigerator (600W): 4.2H
- Lights (10W): 257.0H
- Induction Cooktop (1100W): 2.3H
- CPAP (40W): 64.2H
- Portable Freezer (60W): 42.8H
- Smartphone (50W): 51.4H
Customer Review: “Great unit. Run everything I need running with minimal drain. Game changer for extended stays!!”- Mark Berger
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is another portable and reliable solar-powered generator that can power most appliances during power outages. It is a reliable battery backup solution for making food on an induction cooktop, keeping food fresh in a portable freezer, or ensuring your smartphone keeps running for days. Also, its portable design lets you carry it anywhere you shelter during hurricanes.
Appliance Running Hours
- Refrigerator (600W): 2.8H
- Lights (10W): 173.6H
- Induction Cooktop (1100W): 1.5H
- CPAP (40W): 43.4H
- Portable Freezer (60W): 28.9H
- Smartphone (50W): 34.7H
Customer Review: “Operated various appliances including a mid-sized electric heater. Performed as expected. Purchased for emergency situations, and I believe it will do the job.”- Julie Botsko
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (4kWh)
If you have heavy-duty appliances like refrigerators, air conditioners, or similar to power during power outages, you need a high-capacity battery backup solution. The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (4kWh) is one of the best out there, as you can connect the power station to your home’s electrical circuit to start powering the refrigerators, CPAP machines, and others as soon as the power goes out.
Appliance Running Hours
- Refrigerator (600W): 5.7H
- Lights (10W): 347.2H
- Induction Cooktop (1100W): 3.1H
- CPAP (40W): 86.8H
- Portable Freezer (60W): 57.8H
- Smartphone (50W): 69.4H
Customer Review: “My 2000 plus was delivered in pristine condition. This will take care of my family during power outages. It's portable enough that we can take it with us if we move or buy an RV or cabin. “- Dennis Johnson.
How to Maintain & Store The Hurricane Kit
Now that you have put together your hurricane kit and are ready to deal with any unexpected situations, some work remains. You must know how to maintain and store the kit so it stays in good condition even after weeks or months.
Here’s how you must maintain the hurricane kit:
- Both water and canned or dehydrated foods might last longer until their expiration dates, but they must stay as fresh as possible, so keep them in a cool and dry place.
- Keep the food in hard-sided and tightly closed containers to protect it from pests.
- Regularly check and dispose of expired and damaged foods, including canned foods that have dented, swollen, or corroded.
- Your family's needs might change yearly, so update your kit accordingly.
- Keep your water in plastic containers separated from concrete floors by a layer of wood or cardboard. The chemicals might leach into your drinking water, fouling the taste.
- Replenish your water containers every six months.
Now, you don’t know the exact time when the emergency hits, so it’s important to stay proactive and store the kit at a location where it’s easily accessible. Also, ensure to follow the aforementioned maintenance tips in the process:
- Home: Store your preparedness kit at a designated place and keep it ready if you need to evacuate readily. Make sure your family members are also aware of the location.
- Work: Hurricanes come without notice, so it’s crucial to be prepared to shelter at work for at least a day or two. Your work kit must include water, food, medicines, comfortable footwear, clothing, and others stored in a place that’s readily accessible.
- Car: If you’re stranded in between, keep an emergency kit in your car as well. The list should include items like jumper cables, car phone chargers, ice scrapers, flares or reflective triangles, maps, blankets, and cat litter or sand for better traction.
Hurricane Safety Tips
Ensuring your and your family’s safety during a hurricane should be your first priority. It’s thereby important to understand the potential risks and safety measures. Other than that, it protects your property and minimizes the hassle after the storm has passed. Here are a few safety tips you must follow during a hurricane:
Stay Inside and Away From Windows
If there’s a strong storm in your area, try to evacuate to a safe place as soon as possible. The best place during a hurricane is to avoid its path of destruction.
But if you seek to forgo evacuation and opt to prepare for a hurricane at home, it’s crucial that you don’t go outside at any time and stay away from windows and doors. These are powerful enough to thrust cars in the air in a moment, let alone a two-by-four window. Even if the windows are impact-resistant, it’s a good idea to maintain a distance.
Stay Updated
If you’re staying indoors during a hurricane, it’s essential to stay connected with the outside world to update yourself with the latest information about the storm, its path, and when it has safely passed. You can use a battery-powered radio for that, and all you need is to tune into the National Weather Service. Or, set updated alerts through messages on your smartphone.
Turn Off Main Energy Sources
If a hurricane knocks off the power in your area, you must turn off the main power source of your home. If left on, the return of power could send a surge of electricity to appliances, air conditioners, and other devices, potentially damaging them beyond repair. It can cause a house fire, so you must be extra careful.
Use Hurricane Equipment Carefully
If a hurricane results in a power outage, consider using a generator to run your emergency appliances until the power is restored. But it’s important to use them carefully. For that, read the instruction manual to turn it on and install a carbon monoxide detector at your home. It detects any toxic fumes that become fatal if it makes its way home.
Also, if you evade the power outage with a candle, keep them away from any flammable and blow them out before you sleep.
Beware of Water Coming Into Your Home
Hurricanes are often followed by heavy rain and potential flooding, so if that’s the scenario in your area, water might seep into your home through the smallest holes. Try to seal as many holes as you can with some towels or any other item to prevent water entry into your home. Other than that, turn off your house’s main power source immediately. The water could surge the power and could cause an electrical fire.
Post-Hurricane Tips
If you’ve evacuated during a hurricane, don’t return to your community until officials say it’s safe to enter. If your house is damaged by storms or flooding, inspect and clean it thoroughly before settling there. Other than that, follow the tips to stay healthy and safe after a hurricane event:
- Avoid Standing Water: Hurricanes often lead to heavy rain and flooding, and an improper drainage system keeps the water standing long. Don’t touch it, as it might contain bacteria, sewage, and chemicals that potentially make you ill. Besides, strong winds often knock down the powerlines, creating electrical currents that pass through the water. That’s another reason you must avoid standing-water post hurricanes.
- Turn Off Gas Pipes: If you smell gas, shut off the main gas valve and evacuate the building immediately. A burst cylinder or pipe can create hazardous conditions inside. It can create a toxic poison inside your home, and the cylinder might blast if you light a fire.
- Beware of Carbon Monoxide: Carbon Monoxides can’t be seen or smelled, but if exposed for a long time, they can also result in death. If you feel dizzy, sick, or weak, rush immediately to the fresh air. It’s, however, a good idea to install a carbon monoxide detector at your home that detects them and alerts you immediately.
- Clean Up Safely: When cleaning, wear appropriate protective equipment, including goggles, gloves, and boots. Besides, work with your partner when cleaning heavy debris, provided you are trained to use equipment such as chainsaws and others.
- Use Bottled Water: If a hurricane ravages your town, the first thing that happens is losing power. As your entire city’s water filtration system works on electricity, the water that comes to your home might not be safe to consume. If you’ve followed the hurricane preparedness list, you must have enough bottled water to get through the hurricane and recovery period.
Hurricane Preparedness List FAQs
What size of solar generator do I need for an emergency?
The size of the solar generator for emergencies depends on how many appliances you need to run at a time and for how long. For example, you’re running a HAM radio (100W), a smartphone (50W), and a refrigerator (600W) with Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro.
Working Time = Capacity of Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro in Wh × 0.85 / Operating wattage of the appliances.
So, Working Time= 3024Wh × 0.85 / 750W = 3.42H
Note: There is some power loss while charging the devices. Hence, we have multiplied the overall battery capacity by 0.85.
What supplies do you need during a hurricane?
During a hurricane, you need basic supplies like food, water, medications, emergency supplies like batteries and a generator, and supplies for your pet, the elderly, and others in your family.
Why do you fill your bathtub with water during a hurricane?
Water is often cut off during a hurricane or storm, so your taps stop working. Filling your bathtub will give you access to water later. In case your water supply is affected by a hurricane, you can use the available water for multiple purposes.
What should you avoid during a hurricane?
During a hurricane, you must avoid going outside, touching wires, using candles, or using phones, computers, and other electrical appliances unless there’s an emergency.
How do I prepare my house for a hurricane?
To protect your house from a hurricane, install storm shutters to cover your doors and windows, secure your outdoor items, seal any openings on roofs and walls, and trim trees that could fall on your house.
Final Thoughts
Being self-sufficient is the best way to stay safe after any disaster, be it a hurricane. It means having a hurricane preparedness list and gathering each of the basic and emergency items to survive during dire times. Powerlines and water supply will most likely be cut off due to a hurricane. In such a situation, you can invest in a Jackery Solar Generator to keep your essential appliances like radio, cell phones, refrigerators, lights, and others fully charged. This way, you can stay updated and connect with your family if they are away.
Have you prepared your hurricane emergency list? What appliances and items have you added to your Go Kit and Stay-at-Home Kit? Do let us know in the comments!
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