My Hurricane Prep List | Christy Reuter

Just two Florida sisters’ thoughts on hurricane prep…

Florida Hurricane Season (June 1^st – November 30^th)

Let’s work together!

*I’m certain that we can all add to this list based on our knowledge and experiences. Note: we’ve been without electricity for 7-12 days (not common but can happen).

Prior to hurricane season (April/May)

We tend to buy a little every month starting in January which spreads out the cost of stockpiling supplies. Note that we typically have sales tax holidays as well prior to hurricane season.

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Develop your evacuation plan (including your out of state family/friends) as a point of contact

Use the technology available to you for location purposes

Create a video of your home – Document your belongings by walking through your home with a video camera or smart phone. Keep a record of large purchases including receipts, the cost of the item, purchase date, and model and serial numbers.

Trim tree branches (especially near the roof of your home, fences, sheds, etc.)

Store your insurance and flood policy numbers on your phone. Document your insurance provider’s phone number for filing a claim.

Verify Insurance coverage and deductibles – make an appointment with your insurance agent to discuss. Understand your coverages. Consider buying flood insurance regardless of your flood zone. Even if your property is not considered ‘high risk,’ remember that flooding can happen anywhere in Florida. There is a 30-day waiting period for all new flood insurance policies issued through FEMA, with a few exceptions, such as a new homebuyer.

Identify local evacuation shelters – if you have pets, you will most likely need to pre-register before a storm warning. Have pet vaccinations up to date with associated paperwork.

Stockpile food, water, and other supplies (Check your local stores for savings) – Survival food (MREs)

Food

Canned goods (beans, vegetables, fruits, granola bars, nuts, peanut butter, pet food, etc.) Don’t forget to have a stash of your favorite treats!

If you are now using fresh pet food have a small amount of dry and/or canned food as a backup

Water, water, water

1 gallon per person per day (don’t forget to allow extra water for your animals)

Create ice and save in bags

Grill

Charcoal and/or propane gas backups

Paper goods

(plates, utensils, napkins, etc.). You may not be able to wash dishes after the storm

Cash

small amounts as vendors (when open) may not be able to make change for large bills

Test your generator

(if you have one)

Create a “Go Bag”

(Note that you can also store this information in the cloud or backup drives; however, there may be no connectivity post storm). Paper backup can be a good idea.

Important paperwork

Insurance Documents (homeowners, auto, life)
Wills
Utility Bills
Bank Phone Numbers
Birth Certificates
SS Cards
Passports
Updated pet vaccination records

Children / Pets

Child’s and pet’s favorite toys/beds
Assemble pet carriers
Pet microchip – make sure your information is updated

Prior to hurricane season and/or during early storm warnings

⚫ Fill up all vehicle gas tanks

⚫ Refill medications for you and your pets

⚫ Test your generator (again)

⚫ Fill multiple extra gas cans for your generator (if you have one); and extra propane tanks for your grill (if you have one)

⚫ Outdoor items/patio furniture – store inside OR if you have a pool, we’ve found it to be successful to put the outdoor furniture in the pool

⚫ Fill your bathtubs and large pots/pans with water prior to the hurricane. That bathtub water can be used to flush your toilet if the water supply is cut off. A standard bathtub can hold 42 gallons of water, if full. Newer toilets usually require 1 1/2 to 4 gallons of water to flush them. that means 1 bathtub full of water might only give you 10 flushes on toilets that need 4 gallons. So, plan ahead. And only flush the toilet during a water cut WHEN NECESSARY.

⚫ Keep precious mementos at a higher location in your home (even if it’s just a shelf)

Post storm

⚫ Don’t walk in puddles or flooded areas (there could be downed powerlines) or “critters”

⚫ Don’t drive in flooded areas

⚫ Use your generator in a ventilated area

⚫ If you are out of power and have a generator, I recommend that you try to find gas to refill your backup gas tanks for your generator early in the morning.

⚫ Help your neighbors. If a county close to you receives damage and you do not, donate to that county. We try to take care of our “neighbors” in Florida.

⚫ After hurricane season, consider donating your food supplies to a charity of your choice. You have 6 months to stock up again!

General Storm Supply List

Can Opener (manual)
Matches (waterproof container)
Propane
Gasoline
Grill
Charcoal
Lighters
Candles
Chainsaw
Batteries
Flashlights
Portable AC
Battery powered hand fans
Battery powered radio
Generator
First Aid Kit
Canned Goods
Water
Hand Wipes
Sanitizer
Cooler (5-10 Day Cooler)
Ice
Rain Gear
Sturdy Shoes
Sunscreen
Insect repellant
Fire extinguisher
Tools (including an ax)
Tarps