Hurricane Season and How to Prepare

Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30 with the peak being in September. The National Hurricane Season has announced they are expecting an above-average hurricane season once again this year. Preparedness is key when it comes to these storms and while the ocean is still quiet, there are steps you can take now to prepare for if and when a hurricane forms.

Stocking your pantry, creating a food shopping list, planning for food storage, food safety, and cleanup, are all important steps in the planning process. If you think you don't need to meal plan? Think again. For families with food allergies and aversions, it may be difficult to find the foods that your family can have right before a storm hits. In addition, the rise of the COVID-19 Delta variant is causing more people to go back into a lockdown status and could make options more limited. Prepare now and be thankful later!

How much food and water should I have available?

After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for a few days. It is a good rule of thumb to have at least enough supplies for everyone in your household for at least 72 hours. Anxiety can cause one to eat more than they normally would and during the storm, anxiety can be high. Try not to dip into your emergency food supply until it is needed. Also, you will want to include foods that have a good nutritional balance so you are not surviving solely on granola bars, chips, and other quick foods.

Will you have electricity and water?

Power outages are common after a storm and can last several days or more. Individuals will need to stock up on non-perishable foods; these are foods that do not require refrigeration. It is also important to keep on hand foods that do not require cooking, special preparation, or additional water in order to sustain your water supply. You will want to keep informed with your local authorities on if the water is safe to drink or if you are under a boil order.

Other than food, what other items will I need?

Items that you may need that you may not think of are a manual can opener, disinfectant wipes, face masks, sterno, fondue pot, portable stove with fuel, batteries, flashlights, and a weather radio. If you have young kids, maybe grab a few board games or card games to help bypass the time because if there is no electricity there is no television and kids get bored easily.

Sample Menu Ideas:

Breakfast: apple juice, cereal, raisins, breakfast bars, granola, instant coffee with creamer, water, oatmeal, bananas, muffins, canned fruit, donuts/ pastries, etc.

Lunch & Dinner: ready to eat soups, crackers, tuna fish sandwiches, fruit cups, cookies, chips, applesauce, tea, water, canned chili

Preparedness is key! You can do this. Stay safe and if you can leave the area. Remember to keep important documents such as identification and insurance information handy if you have to leave abruptly. It may even be a good idea to keep a to-go bag ready for each person with a day or two's worth of clothing if you are able to leave last minute.

Need more information or a checklist on items that you can buy to prepare now? Click here.