The time is now to prepare

Hurricane Preparedness: Don’t Be “That Person” at the Last Minute

Hey everybody—if you live in an area prone to hurricanes (or really any natural disaster), you want to be prepared. Don’t wait until you hear alarms or see people panic-buying water like it’s the last drop on earth… because by then, it’s pretty much too late.

Here’s a simple list you can grab in one or two grocery trips—things you may not already have stocked at home.

Being new to the state of Florida, I try to stay prepared. I’ve only been through one hurricane—and thankfully it wasn’t major. I haven’t experienced a big one yet (and I’m perfectly fine keeping it that way), but let’s be real… living here means it’s always a possibility. So yes, I absolutely hope our patio doors, balcony, and windows hold up just fine.

First thing ; I’d like to suggest is take out your cell phone cause I know you have it in your hand right now and walk through everywhere in your home or apartment or dorm room wherever you live take a video or photos and email them to yourself this way if something happens, you have photos also a good idea. Take photos of your insurance policies for car truck SUV renters home, etc. if needed. Keep your birth certificates Social Security cards important documents in a zip tight bag ready to go if you need to scoot out of where you live the last thing you want is to be rushing around looking for things get it done now.

Also, when I mention things like crackers and granola living in Florida besides the humidity, Lord knows we don’t want no critters coming in if you know what I mean or insects so keep your things in an airtight container

PROTEINS (Because You Can’t Survive on Crackers Alone)

Canned meat (packed in water)
- Tuna
- Chicken
- Salmon
- Turkey
Nut & Seed Butters
- Peanut butter
- Almond butter
- Sunflower seed butter
Low-sodium or no-salt-added canned beans & lentils
Low-sodium jerky
Low-sodium canned soups
- Chicken noodle
- Minestrone
- Vegetable
- Tomato
- Lentil
Unsalted nuts & seeds
- Almonds
- Walnuts
- Peanuts
- Pistachios
- Cashews
- Sunflower seeds

What is Low Sodium?

140 mg or less per serving
Helps support heart health and blood pressure (because stress levels will already be high enough)

FRUITS (Something Fresh-ish Without the Fridge Drama)

Canned fruit (in water or 100% juice)
Unsweetened applesauce
Dried fruits (no sugar added)
- Raisins
- Prunes
- Apricots
Fresh whole apples

VEGETABLES (Yes, We’re Still Being Responsible Adults)

Low-sodium or no-salt-added canned vegetables
- Corn
- Green beans
- Carrots
- Green peas
- Spinach
- Potatoes
- Beets
- Mixed vegetables

GRAINS (The “This Will Actually Fill Me Up” Section)

Oats
Whole grain crackers
Whole grain cereal
Rice cakes

Why Whole Grains?

Fiber keeps you full longer
Helps digestion
Look for “whole” as the first ingredient (not halfway down the list)

DAIRY / ALTERNATIVES

Shelf-stable low-fat milk
Non-fat dry milk
Shelf-stable milk alternatives
- Soy milk
- Almond milk
- Rice milk

SNACKS (Because Morale Matters)

Trail mix (fruit & nut varieties)
Low-fat pudding
Granola bars

WATER (The Non-Negotiable)

1 gallon per person per day (for drinking AND sanitation)

NON-FOOD ITEMS (The Stuff You Forget Until You Need It)

First aid kit
Personal hygiene items
Toilet paper, paper towel towels
Pain relievers (aspirin or non-aspirin)
Battery-operated radio + extra batteries
Flashlight + extra batteries
Hand sanitizer & wipes
Extra phone charger or battery pack
Manual can opener (because staring at a can won’t open it)

FOR BABIES

Formula
Diapers
Bottles
Powdered milk
Medications

FOR ADULTS

Prescription medications
Denture needs
Extra eyeglasses
Powdered milk
Medications

FOR PETS (Because They’re Family Too)

Secure ID tag on collar
Pet carrier
Extra pet food (at least a week’s worth)
Cat litter (for cats)

The goal here isn’t to panic—it’s to be prepared so you don’t have to panic.

Grab a few extra items each time you shop, build your stash slowly, and you’ll thank yourself later when everyone else is fighting over the last case of water.