Living in Florida, we know that hurricane season is no joke. After our experience with Hurricane Ian, where we couldn’t use water for three weeks, we vowed to be more prepared for future storms. When Helene and Milton started making headlines, we stocked up on some hurricane season must-haves that helped us feel ready for whatever might come our way.
Here’s a breakdown of what we bought and why I think these items are must-haves for anyone living in a hurricane-prone area:
WaterBOB Emergency Drinking Water Storage Bag
This WaterBOB is an absolute game-changer. After Hurricane Ian, we were without usable water for three weeks! I can’t even begin to explain how valuable it was to have a large, clean, and safe water supply. The WaterBOB holds up to 100 gallons of water and fits perfectly in your bathtub. You fill it up before the storm hits, and boom—you’ve got fresh drinking water for days. The peace of mind this product brings is priceless, especially after experiencing the real struggle of not having clean water for an extended time.
Water Storage Bags
These water storage bags are another essential. You can fill them with water and freeze them ahead of time. Not only do they ensure you have plenty of water to drink, but they also help keep your freezer cold if the power goes out. After Ian, we realized just how important it is to have a backup plan for food preservation. A few frozen water bags can make all the difference in keeping your groceries from spoiling too quickly.
Glow Sticks
Power outages during a hurricane are almost a guarantee. One thing that saved us last time was glow sticks. These little guys are more versatile than you’d think! Not only did they help light up the bathrooms and hallways at night, but they also became a source of entertainment for the kids when the power was out. I can’t recommend these enough as both a practical and fun solution for those dark, long nights.
Other Essentials You’ll Want to Have on Hand
- Emergency Crank Weather Radio
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This is a must to stay informed when power and internet are down. You can crank it for power, so no need to worry about batteries. Plus, it doubles as a flashlight and phone charger! - Portable Solar Charger
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You’ll want a backup power source for your phone, especially if the power is out for days. This solar charger can keep your phone juiced up and ready for communication or emergency updates. - First Aid Kit
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A well-stocked first aid kit is essential. Hurricanes can leave behind some dangerous situations, and it’s always good to be prepared for minor injuries. - Battery-Powered Fan
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If there’s one thing I hate about losing power during a hurricane, it’s the lack of air circulation. This small but mighty battery-powered fan can make things more bearable while you wait for the A/C to kick back on.
Be Prepared Ahead of Time
One thing I learned was how important it is to have these items before the storm is on the horizon. By the time I shared these recommendations with friends ahead of Hurricane Milton, it was too late—shipping delays were already in effect. You don’t want to be stuck waiting for essentials that might not arrive in time. The majority of these items are small and easy to store, so you can tuck them away and be ready when the next storm rolls through.
Let’s Hope This Hurricane Season is Over
After Hurricane Ian, Debbie, Idalia, Helene, and Milton, I think Florida deserves a break, don’t you? We’re all hoping this is the end of hurricane season for the year. I mean, let’s be honest, the kids need to get back to school! Being cooped up at home during a hurricane is challenging enough—add in restless kids, and it’s a whole different ballgame.
Whether you’re new to hurricane season or have lived through a few like we have, being prepared is key. Hopefully, these items will help make your next storm a little less stressful.
Let me know in the comments if you’ve experienced a hurricane and what items you found most beneficial.
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