Hurricane preparedness supplies you should have for hurricane season

The best emergency preparedness supplies to have at home for hurricane season

Hurricane season hits differently when you're actually prepared for it. While everyone else is frantically clearing store shelves the night before a storm hits, you can have your emergency kit already stocked and ready to go. The difference between being caught off guard and being genuinely prepared isn't just about having some extra water bottles lying around — it's about having the right gear that actually works when it counts.

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Smart hurricane prep means thinking beyond the obvious supplies. Sure, you need water and nonperishable food, but you also need reliable communication, backup power and tools that'll help you navigate whatever chaos may come your way. The best emergency supplies are the ones that serve multiple purposes and won't let you down when you need them most — think gear that charges multiple ways, radios that work without cell service and multipurpose tools. 

In this article: VRIEXSD 400 Piece Large First Aid Kit, Rhino USA Ratchet Straps Tie Downs (4-Pack) and GearLight S2000 LED Flashlight

Right now is the perfect time to get your emergency kit dialed in, before hurricane season ramps up. Below, learn about how to prepare before a storm hits, and shop the gear that can help turn a scary situation into something manageable.

How to prepare your home for a hurricane

If a hurricane forms, you may need to take shelter inside your home. It's best to stay on the first floor near the center of your house and avoid doors and windows if possible. You may need to reinforce some areas of your home and prepare your trees, patio furniture and other outdoor items for high winds.

• Trim your trees: High winds may result in fallen branches. Branches are particularly concerning if the tree is aging or weak. When trimming branches, it's best to prioritize those that pose the most significant risk. For example, aging limbs above your roof are more dangerous than those further from your home.
• Consider reinforcing your windows: Broken glass and wood create hazardous conditions for those in your home. Installing storm shutters reduces the risk of your windows shattering. Storm shutters are often made of durable metal or fabric. 
• You may need to reinforce your doors: Replace the screws in your door hinge with durable 3-inch screws. Ensure your deadbolt extends into your door frame completely. Install a door sweep or weatherstrip to keep water from coming in. If part of your door is glass, it may be best to cover it with thick plywood or a metal sheet.
• Secure patio furniture and other outdoor items: If patio furniture gets picked up by high winds, it could damage your home or vehicle. You can secure your outdoor items with ratchet straps, bungee cords or tie-downs made for heavy wind.
• Store your valuables somewhere safe: IDs, insurance policies and other essentials must be protected during a hurricane. It's best to buy a sturdy, waterproof safe in case water makes its way inside your home.

Best hurricane preparedness products for your home

Rhino USA Ratchet Straps Tie Downs (4-Pack)

These are relatively expensive, but have a breaking strength of 1,800 pounds. The set includes four ratchet tie-downs and four soft-loop tie-downs. 

SentrySafe Black Fireproof and Waterproof Safe

This fireproof and waterproof safe protects against water for up to 72 hours and is fireproof up to 30 minutes. It features an in-lid organizer for stashing important travel documents and identification and a large compartment that can hold hanging files or whatever you want to keep secure.

Amazon Basics Fire-Resistant Security Safe with Programmable Electronic Keypad

This 0.83-cubic-foot safe protects important documents and valuables with 20-minute fire resistance and a programmable electronic keypad, backup key access, adjustable shelf and heavy-duty 14-gauge steel construction.

Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station

This powerful portable charging station fully charges in just one hour with emergency mode, features multiple USB-C/USB-A ports, and weighs only 23.8 pounds. It provides over a 10-year lifespan with 4,000-plus charging cycles.

ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply

Get 120 servings of premade, freeze-dried meals with a 25-year shelf life, all requiring only water for preparation. The variety pack includes several entrees, all individually packaged for easy portioning to provide long-term food security without refrigeration.

Kidde Basic 110 Fire Extinguisher

This fire extinguisher is effective against wood, paper, grease and electrical fires. It's lightweight and compact for easy storage and includes a strap bracket for easy mounting.

Stock up on emergency supplies

You may get stuck inside your home without electricity or water. It's essential to stock up on food, water and other emergency essentials. 

• First-aid kit: You may not be able to leave your home to go to a hospital. You'll need to have basic medical supplies on hand if someone gets hurt.
• Food and water: You'll need to eat and drink while stuck inside. It's important to have food that doesn't require a microwave or stove since your electricity may go out during the storm. 
• Generator: Generators are an excellent way to power your home during hurricane season. Still, it's essential not to use your generator inside or during wet conditions. They are best if used between heavy rains.
• Flashlights and lanterns: Wandering through your home in the dark can be dangerous. Having a set of capable flashlights and lanterns lets you navigate your home while the lights are out.
• Fire extinguisher: Although hurricanes are known for wet conditions, they can lead to fires. Having a few fire extinguishers in your home is essential.
• Pet supplies: If you have pets, you'll need extra food and water on hand for them. Because your pets won't be able to go outside to use the bathroom, you'll need an area set up with dog pads or a litter box. You may want to consider keeping a pet first-aid kit on hand.
• Emergency radio: These radios let you keep up with the latest weather developments. Many are powered by batteries, a hand crank, USB or a solar panel.

Best emergency supplies for a hurricane

GearLight S2000 LED Flashlight

This tactical flashlight delivers up to 1,200 lumens with an ultra-wide beam that illuminates entire rooms, plus zoomable focus up to 1,000 feet, water-resistant aluminum construction and 10-hour battery life for extended emergency use.

VRIEXSD 400-Piece Large First Aid Kit 

Get premium medical supplies in a durable, portable case with multiple compartments for easy organization, including bandages, antiseptics, scissors and more. The entire set weighs less than 3 pounds and fits easily in cars, glove compartments or emergency bags.

LHI Military Tactical Backpack

Built from durable nylon with multiple compartments and compression straps, this backpack is designed for emergency situations with rugged construction that handles extreme conditions.

Anker Portable Charger, 10,000mAh 30W Power Bank

This compact power bank has USB-C inputs and outputs for fast charging phones, tablets and even laptops. It features PowerIQ technology for optimized device charging and includes built-in safeguards against overcharging.

PERWIN Multi-tool

This stainless steel multi-tool is rust-proof, compact and includes 17 different tools to help in a survival situation including: needle-nose and regular pliers, pocket knives, saw, scissors, phillips screwdriver, flat screwdriver, YG12 wire cutter, ruler, file, bottle and can openers, rope cutter, wire stripper and threading needle.

Mart Cobra Emergency Blanket 4-Pack

These Mylar thermal blankets retain 90% of the wearer's body heat for survival situations, and their compact design fits easily in emergency kits, cars or backpacks. They're waterproof and windproof for extra protection from cold weather and to prevent hypothermia during extended power outages.

Tanbaby 10000mAh Hand Crank Radio

This emergency radio can be solar charged or powered with a hand crank, so no matter the situation, you maintain access to NOAA weather alerts and AM/FM bands — plus it charges USB-C devices.

Esky Portable Emergency Radio

This can be charged using a USB cable, solar panel or hand crank. The rugged design stands up to most inclement weather conditions.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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