Hurricane Preparation and Checklist

Hi friends!
What a crazy year 2020 has been. Just when you think it can’t get any worse, their’s news of two major storms hitting at the same time. And because we live in Houston and have a history of hurricanes & flooding, I figured I’d share a checklist in preparation for what might come. It’s best to hope for the best, prepare for the worst. Stay up to date with the storms here & for updates on Houston/Galveston, find more info here.

What supplies do you need to prepare for a hurricane?

• Medications & medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane) for a week
• Water to last you 3 – 4 days. 1 gallon per person a day
• Food to last you 3 – 4 days
• Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
• Flashlight/candles
• Battery-powered radio
• Extra batteries
• First Aid kit
• Copies of personal documents (insurance policies, birth certificates, pet document, social security card, drivers license, proof of residency: water bill, lease or deed to home)
• Multi-purpose tool
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items
• Rain gear
• Can opener
• Insect repellent and sunscreens

What safety precautions should you take before a hurricane?

• Familiarize yourself with available emergency resources
  • TexasReady.gov – disaster preparedness, information and resources
  • Flood Safety – before, during and after
  • Hurricane Safety – before, during and after
  • Texas Division of Emergency Management
  • Ready.gov – plan ahead for disasters
  • 1-800-452-9292 for TxDOT statewide road closures
  • 1-800-525-5555 for roadside assistance
• If your area is told to evacuate, evacuate
• Move valuables to higher levels
• Fill cars up with gas if a mandatory evacuation is put in place
• Grocery shop but don’t hoard more than what you need for 3-4 days!
• Turn the refrigerator and freezer in the coldest setting and keep them closed as much as possible so food will last longer if the power goes out
• Charge electronics
• Close your windows, doors and hurricane shutters
• Check your disaster supplies and replace or restock as needed
• Pick up/unplug electronics off the ground in the chance that it floods
• Bring in outdoor furniture cushions & furniture if space allows
• Fill bathtubs up with water (to flush the toilets if you lose water)
• Refill grill propane tank
• Keep copies of personal documents in a safe & dry place
• Create a communication plan with your family
• Board up all windows and doors with plywood (if needed)
• In case of evacuation, prepare emergency “go bag”
  • Copies of important documents
  • A variety of food to last 72 days for yourself and those in your household including pet & baby food)
  • A solar-powered cell phone charger or portable phone charger
  • Meds for 72 hours in waterproof pill container

Hurricane safety tips for pets:

• BRING ALL PETS INDOORS
• Make sure that your pet is wearing a collar and identification tags that are up to date 
• Put your cellphone number on your pet’s tag (or a relative/friend’s number in case you need to evacuate) 
• Bring your pet with you if you evacuate
• Stock enough food and water for each pet for at least five days 
• Don’t forget to bring your pet’s medications and a sturdy leash or carrier
• Invest in a thunder jacket for your pet &/or calming pills. If you’re scared, your pet most likely is too

My grocery list: (let’s keep it fun, also I already had 90% of this in my kitchen)

• Frozen food!! (I have a gas oven)
  • Digornio pizza (THE best!)
  • Wings
  • Tater tots
  • Ice cream but not too much in case electricity goes out 🙁
• Pantry food
  • Chips
  • Ramen
  • Beans
  • Rice
  • Bread
  • Peanut butter & jelly
  • Energy bars
  • Gushers/Fruit by the food (lol)
• Fridge food
  • Water
  • Eggs
  • Stuff for sandwiches: ham, cheese, turkey, etc.
  • Fruit punch
  • Wine/Beer/Ciders
  • Biscuits
  • Hummus

I hope you were able to find this post helpful. If there’s something you think I’m forgetting, let me know! Let’s also hope the storm isn’t as bad as what they say it will be. What are some items you’re getting from the grocery store? Let me know in the comments down below.
Xx, Es <3