7 Things You Need For Your Storm Kit
As anyone who’s been through storm season in South Florida can attest, you can never be too prepared when it comes to hurricanes—and when it comes to being prepared for this kind of weather, there’s no better way to get peace of mind and safety for your family than by putting together a storm kit.
Though we hope you never have to use it, a storm kit can help ensure that, should your power go out, your house be damaged, or someone in your home be injured, you’ll be equipped with the materials you need to stay safe during an emergency. When the next hurricane hits, you don’t want to be wishing you had put this together sooner.
To make sure that your hurricane kit will keep your family and home together during a storm, check out your storm kit’s seven must-have items, courtesy of BrandsMart USA:
1. Emergency flash drive
Your file folder of paperwork isn’t going to cut it against high winds and rain—so if you need to leave your home, make sure that you have a pre-loaded emergency flash drive to take with you.
Be sure to upload scanned copies of any paperwork that you and your family may need, such as driver’s licenses, birth certificates, passports, social security cards, immigration papers, and medical records. For an added sense of security about these private documents, password-protect your files and/or store the drive in a fireproof and waterproof container.
Having this drive prepared will not only ensure that your family’s records are safe in the event of an emergency, but will also give you a reason to make sure that you have electronic, organized copies of all legal paperwork.
2. Light source
While your phone’s flashlight feature and battery-operated light sources may work temporarily if the power goes out, you’ll want to have something to use in the event that an outage lasts for more than a few hours. Many flashlights are specially equipped to last an extended amount of time, but it’s crucial to make sure not only that you have enough batteries, but also that you know where they are and that they’re stored in an accessible (and protected) spot. For those concerned about more serious emergency situations where they might need to provide an alternative light source for an extended amount of time, a hand-cranked light will work even far after batteries die. For larger properties where you may need to light up entire rooms, or for those with garage or storage areas that may need to be reached even when wet, a waterproof lantern is the way to go. While weather- and time-proof lighting is key for safety during a storm, when you may need to navigate dark areas to secure the house or find food, it’s also key for comfort, especially for little ones, animals, or those experiencing their first storm.
3. Portable cell phone chargers
Let’s get real: anyone with a smartphone probably already has one of these on hand, because nothing says “this struggle is real” quite like your phone dying midday. Shockingly inexpensive, portable cell phone chargers are an investment you’ll never regret making—and that could make a huge difference to staying safe during a storm. Phone service can continue even through power outages, which is crucial for contacting emergency services, information lines, and family.
For your storm kit, be sure to select a portable power device that provides multiple refills—some can offer three or more full charges. For families with multiple phones or different types of devices, opt for a charger with multiple USB ports.
When all else (AKA your smartphone and portable chargers) fails, you’ll want to have a corded phone as backup to ensure that you can stay informed, safe, and connected during an emergency. Unlike cordless home phones, corded models don’t require electricity and thus can operate even when the power is out. Unlike power lines, phone lines are routed underground and usually aren’t affected by severe storms.
5. First aid kit
Though we hope there’s no need to use this, having a first aid kit as part of your storm prep plan is crucial to keeping your family safe. You can either purchase a medical kit pre-packaged or put one together yourself. If you choose to DIY your first aid, be sure to include products such as an antihistamine for allergies, ace bandages for sprains, pain relievers for aches, tweezers for splinters, and exam gloves for dealing with wounds. If you have kids in the house, small additions like themed Band-Aids can help them feel at ease even during a scary situation. It’s also important to keep medications either in or close to the kit, stored in a sealed plastic bag that will withstand the elements.
5. Generator
When it comes to power, the old saying is true: you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone. Purchasing a generator can help maintain a sense of normalcy—and safety—inside, even when a storm is raging beyond your home’s walls.
Generators can keep power-dependent appliances, including a refrigerator, air conditioner, heater, or microwave oven, up and running even through a power outage, helping keep your household both comfortable and well-fed. But it’s not quite as simple as grabbing the first generator you see: picking the right generator for your home is key to making sure it will do its job come storm season. Before committing to a purchase, check the labels on the appliances you will be using, especially those like the fridge that are most important to keep running during an outage. Essentially, your generator should have more watts than everything you’d want to run simultaneously.
6. Basic tools
Though often overlooked, basic tools are crucial for staying safe both during and after a storm. By keeping a wrench and pliers on hand in your hurricane kit, you’ll be equipped to shut off your utilities—and the tools are an important part of preventing fires and floods. But it’s not enough to just include these tools in your kit; you’ll also need to locate the natural gas meter (and learn the shutoff protocol), the water shutoff valve, and the electrical circuit box.
7. Radio or portable TV
In the event that the power is out and your cell phones are dead or lacking service, a weather radio or portable digital TV can help you stay informed about what’s happening in your area. These electronics can access broadcasts from local news stations and emergency services, including storm grades and warnings.
They can also provide information about additional emergencies that result as consequences of the original storm, such as flooding, fires, chemical spills, or crime sprees. It’s easy to feel isolated and alone while waiting out a storm, but portable radios and TVs ensure that you not only know how long to stay inside but also what you can expect once it’s safe to venture outside.
Want to learn more about what to pack in your storm kit? Check out this video from BrandsMart USA about the electronic items needed for ultimate hurricane preparation: