Hurricane supply list¶

This hurricane supply list covers everything your household needs to get through a storm and the days after it without outside help. Use it as a master checklist, then open the linked pages for details on each group.

If you only do three things¶

Store 4 liters (1 gallon) of water per person per day for seven days.
Stock seven days of food that needs no cooking or refrigeration, plus a manual can opener.
Fill a small box with flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, and your medications, and keep it where you can find it in the dark.

Why seven days¶

For years the standard advice was three days of supplies. After a major hurricane, three days is rarely enough. Power can be out for a week or more, roads can be blocked, and stores may be closed or empty. Plan for at least seven days, and stretch to two weeks if you can.

You are stocking for a stretch when the tap may not run, the lights may not work, and help may be slow to arrive. The goal is simple: your household can take care of itself until things come back.

Buy a little at a time¶

A full kit bought in one trip is expensive. Spread it across the year instead. Add a case of water or a few cans to your regular shopping each week, and pick up batteries and other gear when they go on sale.

Shop before a watch is issued. Once a storm is on the map, shelves empty within hours and lines get long. If you build your kit in the off season, you can skip the panic entirely.

Rotate as you go

Use and replace food and water from your kit throughout the year so nothing expires. Write the purchase date on containers with a marker.

Water¶

Details on the water and food page.

4 liters (1 gallon) per person per day, seven days minimum (a family of four needs 112 liters, or 28 gallons)
Extra water for pets, hot weather, pregnancy, and medical needs
Water for cooking and basic washing on top of drinking water
Clean containers to fill from the tap before the storm
Unscented household bleach and a dropper for treating water
A water filter or purification tablets as a backup

Food¶

Seven days of food that needs no cooking or refrigeration
Canned meat, fish, beans, fruit, and vegetables
Peanut butter, crackers, granola bars, dried fruit, and nuts
Shelf stable milk or powdered milk
Instant coffee or tea if you rely on them
Manual can opener (two is smart)
Disposable plates, cups, and utensils to save water on washing
Camp stove and fuel for outdoor use only

Light and power¶

Details on the power and light page.

Flashlight for each person, plus headlamps
Battery powered or crank lantern
Batteries in every size you use, enough for a week
Portable power banks, fully charged
Car charger for phones
Battery or hand crank weather radio (a NOAA Weather Radio in the United States)
Coolers and frozen water bottles for food
Generator, fuel, and carbon monoxide alarms if you have one

First aid and medicine¶

Details on the medical and first aid page.

First aid kit with bandages, gauze, tape, antiseptic, and gloves
Two week supply of prescription medications
Written list of medications, doses, and doctors
Pain relievers, antihistamines, anti diarrhea medicine, antacids
Spare glasses or contact lenses and solution
Hearing aid batteries
Cooler and ice packs for refrigerated medicines
Sunscreen and insect repellent

Hygiene and sanitation¶

Toilet paper, enough for a week or more
Hand sanitizer and soap
Wet wipes for washing without running water
Heavy duty trash bags and ties
Bucket with a lid, plus kitty litter or bags for a makeshift toilet
Feminine hygiene products
Toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant
Disinfectant spray or wipes

Tools and safety¶

Documents and cash¶

Details on the documents and insurance page.

Copies of ID, insurance policies, deeds, titles, and medical records in a waterproof bag
Digital copies on a USB drive or in secure cloud storage
Cash in small bills, because card readers and ATMs fail without power
Printed list of important phone numbers
Recent photos of your home and belongings for insurance claims

Communication¶

Battery or hand crank radio for official alerts
Phone chargers and cables for every device
Printed contact list with an out of town contact
Paper map of your area with evacuation routes marked
Notebook and pen

Comfort and sanity items¶

The days after a storm are long, hot, and boring. Small comforts matter more than you expect.

Books, cards, board games, puzzles
Earplugs and eye mask for sleeping through generator noise and daylight
Extra pillows, blankets, or sleeping bags
Favorite snacks and treats
Bug spray and a citronella candle for outside
Comfort items for children

Kits for specific needs¶

Some households need more than the master list.

Babies and children: formula, diapers, and activities.
Pet emergency kit: food, carriers, and records.
Go bag: a grab and go bag per person for evacuation.
Seniors and people with disabilities: backup power for medical devices and mobility aids.

Where to keep it¶

Store your kit in one place that stays dry and is easy to reach in the dark. Plastic bins with lids work well. Tell everyone in the household where it is.

Check the kit twice a year, at the start of hurricane season and again mid season. Replace expired food, swap batteries, and update documents.