10 Must-Have Items for a Hurricane Preparedness Kit

It’s a question nobody likes to ponder, but lives depend on it: What do I need for a hurricane preparedness kit and where do I buy it all?

Everyone - from home insurers to emergency responders to the American Red Cross - will tell you a good hurricane survival kit is the first and necessary step to protecting yourself against tropical weather.

Here are some basic must-have items needed in any hurricane preparedness kit.

WaterStorageCube

Water is the key to everything post-hurricane, but storing it isn’t easy – especially when the recommendation is one gallon per person per day for at least three days. That’s why we love the WaterStorageCube. It’s light, reusable, collapsible and can hold up to 5.3 gallons per cube. And its BPA-free construction means no plastic flavor in the water.Amazon

WaterBOB

Another trick to saving enough water to ride out a hurricane is filling a bathtub with water. But who really wants to drink from that soap-filmed beast? No worries. The WaterBOB Bathtub Emergency Water Storage Container holds up to 100 gallons and keeps the water fresh for up to 16 weeks depending on the original water source. A siphon pump helps dispense the water into smaller containers for everyday use.Amazon

Quick Dam

Filling sandbags to block rising flood water from doors and entryways is rough work when a storm is approaching. Here’s some much-needed help: a water-activated flood barrier that grows to 3.5 inches in height when it gets wet. It’s lightweight and flexible so it can store away easily until needed.Amazon

RunningSnail Emergency Hand Crank

Keep up with the latest weather and storm news with this self-powered AM/FM NOAA radio. The 1,000-milliamp hour power bank also powers a flashlight and can recharge cell phones with an attached USB cable. The unit can be recharged via that same USB cord, solar charging or the hand crank.Amazon

Camping lanterns

When the power goes out, turn on these LED camping lanterns, featuring 30 bright lights that can last more than 30 hours on a single battery charge. When you’re not using them, the lanterns collapse and fold into the size of a cell phone.Amazon

First Aid Kit

Broken windows and flooded streets are just two factors causing personal injuries during extreme storms. With hospitals and emergency responders possibly out of reach, it’s wise to have a thorough first aid kid on hand. This kit - with 326 products included - meets or exceeds OSHA and ANSI 2009 guidelines for 100 people.Amazon

Mountain House Just In Case Classic Assortment

With the stove out - and gas grilling highly discouraged in times of storm winds - turn to this emergency food supply when hunger strikes. Add water to the individual pouches, and the meal is ready in 10 minutes. These meals - including beef stroganoff, chicken teriyaki, beef stew, lasagna and more - boast a 30-year shelf life.Amazon

OPOLAR Portable Battery Operated Desk Fan

This USB and battery-powered tower fan from OPOLAR offers 110-degree oscillation with a dual set of fan blades. It delivers an impressive blast of air - with almost imperceptible noise - and is designed to last up to 24 hours.Amazon

Emergency Gas and Water Shutoff 4-in-1 Tool

If preparation is the key to storm survival, then this is your ultimate tool. This Survival Kits Online wrench is designed to shut off gas values and water meters but can also be used to pry open doors and other areas damaged in a disaster.Amazon

Power supplies

Is there any worse feeling than trying to buy batteries in the days before a storm is forecast to strike? Stop driving around town and buy your batteries ahead of time. Just remember to check your emergency devices - flashlights, lanterns, fans - to see which size you need. Need more power than a regular battery can provide? Consider investing into a portable generator. This Aeiusny Portable Generator has three AC outlets, four DC ports and four USB ports. Plus, an optional solar panel can recharge the unit with eight to 10 hours in the sun.Amazon