Hurricane season officially starts on June 1. Don’t get caught unprepared. Below is a list of essential items to have on hand just in case.
Local links to other important hurricane-related info are below this list. Print out info ahead of time and keep with your supplies.
Keep in mind this list is not comprehensive; your family may have different requirements. Saved food and water should be replaced each year. Even canned food and bottled water can go bad.
General Items
Flashlight(s)
Rechargeable batteries or extra batteries
Solar-powered battery and phone charger
Battery-operated radio and lantern(s)
Candles, matches / lighters
First-aid kit (incl. antibiotic ointment)
Manual can opener
Camp stove and fuel / sterno / kettle
Solar oven / Rocket stove (see YouTube)
Disposable plates, cups, silverware
Bagged ice (keep items in fridge cool)
Water for food prep, flushing toilets, and bathing
Prescription and non-prescription medications (such as aspirin, antacid, laxative, anti-diarrhea, vitamins, etc.)
Full tank of gas for evacuation
Extra cash, extra blankets, rain gear
Food (prepare for minimum of 3 days)
Drinking water – min. 1 gal / person / day
Water purification tablets (if told to boil tap water)
Ready-to-eat canned food (single serving is best)
Foods that don’t require refrigeration or cooking (think PB&J, pasta, dried soup mixes, dried fruit, energy bars, snacks, comfort foods, etc.)
Instant coffee, tea, canned juices
Pedialyte for hydration restoration
Baby food / formula
Personal Hygiene
Toilet paper, paper towels
Hand sanitizer, baby wipes / towelettes
Feminine supplies
Daily items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, deoderant, etc.
Don’t forget about food, water, and medication for your pets.
Helpful phone numbers (scroll to bottom)
University of Fla. Hurricane / Disaster Prep Info
Polk County Emergency Management Facebook page (sign up for alerts)