Hurricane Supply List: Stock Up on These Items [Printable]

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Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

Published On

May 4, 2023May 5, 2019

Preparing a hurricane supply list is the first step in planning for a natural disaster that could leave you without power and other vital resources for days.

And it couldn’t be more important. After all, when severe weather hits, you can’t take anything for granted.

Stacks of bottled water — Assume that grocery stores won’t be open right after a hurricane, or that demand will be too high, and stock up on bottled water now. (Jshanebutt / DepositPhotos)

Natural Disasters: Dangerous and Unpredictable

You never know if a bank or gas station will be open just after severe weather passes, so the best thing you can do is to plan for the worst (that they won’t be open).

That means you’ll need plenty of cash and plenty of filled-up gas cans to get you where you need to go. So head to the ATM and home center now, not later, to secure these resources.

You’ll also need food and bottled water to help stay calm and nourished when external supplies are scarce. And remember, grocery stores have no obligation to stay open during or immediately after a hurricane.

These stores’ employees also need to shelter in place or evacuate. That’s why it’s important to always assume the store will be closed, and stock up on household staples right now.

And if you didn’t think about that tip before, download our Hurricane Supply List to make sure you’re well prepared for a hurricane!

Hurricane preparation items, including a cell phone and various other items — Always keep a cell phone charged and ready for use during and after a hurricane. (©photka – stock.adobe.com)

The Importance of Communication and Information

Hurricanes are unpredictable — so is how they will affect work and school schedules.

It’s important to stay connected to the news and stay on top of weather updates, so you’ll know how the storm is progressing and which roads, businesses and schools will be closed. To do that, you need to keep a battery-powered radio.

Communication with family and friends also is essential during natural disasters. Keep a fully charged cell phone on hand so you can call loved ones to let them know you’re OK, and to check up on anyone caught up in the storm, or secure resources in the storm’s aftermath.

Then there are supplies you’ll need to protect your home, like duct tape and rope, plywood to cover windows, and tarps to cover roofs.

This may seem like a lot to keep track of, but don’t worry. We’ve taken the guesswork out of hurricane preparedness so you can focus on what matters most: preparing supplies.

Download our Hurricane Preparedness Supply Checklist so you have everything you need!