Hurricane Preparedness 2017

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.


Emergency shelters

Helpful phone numbers (scroll to bottom)

University of Fla. Hurricane / Disaster Prep Info

Polk County Emergency Management Facebook page (sign up for alerts)

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Hurricane Info