Storm essentials you should be stocking up on right now

Here are five essential things you should buy now to make your life easier when the next tropical storm or hurricane enters the gulf.

Water

Clean drinking water is one of the first things to go during a natural disaster. FEMA recommends storing at least one gallon per person, per day for three days—but a two-week supply is even better if you have the space.

👉 Don’t forget about your pets. Make sure you’re storing enough water for them, too—at least a half gallon per day per pet is a good rule of thumb.

You can store water in sealed bottles or larger food-safe containers. 

Batteries

Power outages are practically guaranteed during hurricanes. Be sure you have plenty of working flashlights, lanterns, and backup batteries on hand.

Focus on stocking up on AA and AAA batteries, but don’t overlook D batteries or 6-volt lantern batteries if you have larger flashlights. Test any battery-powered devices now—better to discover a dead flashlight today than in the middle of the storm.

You might also want to invest in a portable phone charger or power bank, and keep it fully charged and ready to go.

Fuel

When a storm watch is issued, gas stations fill up fast. Avoid the lines and fill your cans now with both regular and non-ethanol gasoline if you have a generator that requires it.

This is also the perfect time to check your generator’s oil and filters. Run a quick test to make sure everything is in working order. A little maintenance now can save you big headaches later.

If you don’t have a generator, consider creating a fuel plan for evacuation routes or stocking extra propane if you use a gas grill for cooking.

Ice

No power means no refrigeration, and without refrigeration, your food won’t last long. Ice can help extend the life of your perishables and give you a buffer before needing to throw things out.

Start saving and freezing large containers of water—gallon jugs, 2-liter bottles, or cardboard cartons. They melt more slowly than store-bought ice cubes and can be used for both cooling and drinking if needed. Just make sure to leave room at the top of each container so it doesn’t burst as the water expands.

Having coolers or insulated bags ready will help, too—especially if you need to move food or medications.

Non-perishable foods

Stock your pantry with shelf-stable, no-cook essentials: canned vegetables, beans, soups, granola bars, nut butters, crackers, and dry cereal. These items can last for months or even years—and they’ll give you peace of mind when grocery trips aren’t an option. (Don’t forget a manual can opener, either)

And of course, your pets need to eat, too. Make sure you have at least a week’s worth of food and treats for each animal—plus bowls, medications, and anything else they might need in an emergency

And if you haven't already, remember to...

Register for Online & Mobile Banking

If you’re not already set up with online and mobile banking, do it now. You’ll be able to transfer funds, pay bills, and check your balance even if you’re away from home. Already registered? Make sure you’ve memorized or safely stored your login info so you’re not locked out during an emergency.

Take photos of your home & belongings

Take a few minutes to snap updated photos of your home—including your roof, siding, electronics, and valuables. Store those images somewhere safe, like a secure cloud service or flash drive.

According to insurance adjusters, the more documentation you have, the faster and smoother the claims process will go if you ever need to file one. 

If you found this article helpful, subscribe to our blog and have weekly financial insights delivered to your inbox.