Introduction: Why Preparing Early Matters
Every year, hurricanes disrupt communities, strain emergency resources, and leave many scrambling for supplies with little warning. The most effective preparation happens well before a storm is announced. A strong supply kit helps you avoid crowded stores, stay safe in your home, and maintain control in the face of uncertainty.
This guide draws from FEMA, the Red Cross, and emergency field experience to help you build a complete, reliable hurricane kit. It covers what you need for water, food, safety, communication, and more — everything required to sustain your household for at least 72 hours, with enough flexibility to stretch to two weeks if needed.
How Much Should You Store?
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the American Red Cross recommend preparing for at least 72 hours (3 days) of self-sufficiency — but for hurricanes, 14 days is ideal. This means food, water, medicine, and power alternatives for everyone in your household.
👉 Tip: Create multiple kits — one for home, one for the car, and a small go-bag in case of evacuation.
Water: The #1 Priority
- Drinking Water: 1 gallon per person, per day (for drinking only). For a 4-person family, that’s 12 gallons for 3 days.
- Sanitation Water: Extra for handwashing, flushing, and basic cleaning.
- Use sealed bottled water where possible. If using your own containers, rotate water annually.
- Consider water purification tablets or a boil-safe container if advised to boil water before use.
- Freeze jugs of water to keep the fridge cold longer and provide extra clean water as they thaw.
Non-Perishable Food: High-Calorie, Low-Effort
Aim for foods that require no cooking or refrigeration:
- Canned meats, vegetables, and fruit
- Protein or granola bars
- Nut butters, trail mix, dried fruits
- Crackers, shelf-stable milk, boxed juices
- Instant coffee, tea bags, and comfort snacks like chocolate or cookies
- Baby formula, toddler foods, and Pedialyte
- Don’t forget a manual can opener and paper goods (cups, plates, utensils)
- Store extra pet food
First Aid & Medications
Include a comprehensive first aid kit with:
- Bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment
- Tweezers, scissors, thermometer, gloves, hand sanitizer
- Pain relievers, antihistamines, anti-diarrhea meds, and antacids
- 30-day supply of prescription medications
- Extra eyeglasses, contact lenses, hearing aid batteries
- Store copies of prescriptions and doctor contacts
🔗 Red Cross: Building Your First Aid Kit
Sanitation & Personal Hygiene
Post-storm, plumbing may not work — prepare with:
- Toilet paper, baby wipes, hand sanitizer
- Feminine hygiene products
- Plastic garbage bags and ties
- Liquid detergent, disinfectant, bleach
- A bucket with a lid (can serve as an emergency toilet)
- Towels and basic toiletries (toothpaste, soap, deodorant)
Tools, Lighting & Safety Gear
Power outages are common — prepare accordingly:
- Flashlights (2–3) with extra batteries
- NOAA weather radio (battery or hand-crank)
- Lanterns, glow sticks
- Multi-tool, duct tape, tarps, and rope
- Fire extinguisher (ABC-rated)
- Whistle for signaling
- Wrench for gas/water shutoff
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Compass and area map
Clothing, Bedding & Shelter Supplies
Pack:
- Sturdy clothes and shoes for each person
- Rain gear, blankets, sleeping bags
- Pillows, towels, and a basic tent if outdoors becomes necessary
- Lawn chairs and sunscreen for post-storm recovery
For Infants, Elderly, and Pets
Tailor your kit to household needs:
- Extra formula, diapers, rash cream, and wipes
- Favorite blanket, toy, and bottles
- Medications, medical equipment, mobility aids
- Pet food, leashes, litter, and vaccination records
Documents, Cash & Communication
In a storm, phones may not work — safeguard your key items:
- Copies of IDs, insurance policies, deeds, medical documents
- Emergency contact list
- Extra phone chargers (including portable battery packs)
- At least $200–$500 in small bills; credit card machines may be offline
- Important local shelter maps, emergency plans, and checklists
Helpful Extras
Add anything that maintains mental health and comfort during extended waits or outages:
- Books, puzzles, cards, coloring books for kids
- Citronella candles, extra propane, bug spray
- Area maps, sewing kits, notebooks and pens
Keeping spirits up is just as important as having supplies. Emotional fatigue builds quickly in the aftermath of a storm.
Reminders
- Don’t wait until a storm is announced — stores will be cleared out.
- Rotate supplies yearly and update your kit as your household changes.
- Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about early prescription refills during hurricane season.
- Practice an evacuation drill with your household and pets.
Final Thoughts: Ready Now Means Safe Later
Effective hurricane preparation starts with the right supplies. The items in this guide support your safety, health, and peace of mind during what can be a chaotic and uncertain time. Stock gradually, rotate your kit each year, and make sure every member of your household understands where items are stored and how to use them.
Looking for more storm prep resources and seasonal updates? Follow Dragonfile for practical guidance trusted by adjusters and homeowners throughout hurricane season.