The Ultimate Hurricane Preparedness Checklist

The time of year has come that people along the coastlines are bracing for another hurricane season. Last year brought major storms to the United States, and this year's goal is to be better prepared. Today's blog from Big Bags USA® offers the ultimate checklist for hurricane preparedness. We want you and your property to be safe this storm season.


Standard Essentials for Your Preparedness Kit 


You never know what's going to happen when a hurricane hits. You could become trapped in your house for days, often times without power. Here's a list of standard essentials you'll want to make sure you have in your hurricane preparedness kit:
  • Portable mobile phone chargers with cords 
  • Solar-powered mobile phone chargers with cords 
  • LED lanterns 
  • Flashlights and headlamps (LED are best) 
  • Batteries (NOT rechargeable) 
  • Matches and multi-purpose lighters 
  • Several battery operated fans & hand-held fans 
  • Manual can opener 
  • Canned food and other easy-to-eat/preparer non-perishable foods 
  • Portable grill with plenty of propane or charcoal
  • Disposable plates, napkins, cups and utensils
  • Ice trays
  • Pre-cut aluminum foil sheets
  • Quart and gallon-sized Ziploc bags 
  • Large coolers with wheels and lots of freezer packs
  • Emergency drinking water system (or plenty of bottled water) 
  • Well-stocked first aid kit 
  • Bug repellent, bite ointment and sunscreen 
  • Unscented dry shampoo 
  • A water-tight box for important documents
  • Heavy-duty double sided screwdriver 
  • Plastic tarps 
  • Rubber boots, heavy-duty work gloves and facemasks
  • Silicone pot cover for tub drain 
  • Save gallon milk jugs for flushing toilets 
  • Automobile jumper cables
  • Spill-proof safety gas cans 
Other optional items could include: a generator with gas, a gas powered chainsaw (with safety gear), an NOAA weather radio and a frill-free landline phone & basic phone service (NOT cable). 

As Far in Advance To-Do List


Hurricane season is already underway, and there are things you can do NOW to start preparing. Here's a list of things that you want to take care of as far in advance of a storm as possible:
  • Review all insurance policies and coverage
  • Inventory all your personal property 
  • Photograph all your personal property 
  • Create a master list of accounts 
  • Service/repair hurricane shutters
  • Pull out some cash to have on hand 
  • Gather non-perishable foods (enough for 7 days) 
  • Buy toilet paper and paper towels (enough for 7 days) 
  • Buy disposable hand-sanitizer, baby wipes and disinfectant wipes 
  • Get drinking water for humans and pets (1 gallon per person/day for 14 days) 
  • Buy disposable toothbrushes
  • Trim your trees, palm fronds & coconuts, etc. 
  • Install storm shutters or buy and cut plywood, and have an installation plan 
  • Give a spare house key to a friend for safe keeping 
  • Get sandbags such as Big Bags USA® flood barriers

Week Before The Storm To-Do List


Luckily, technology allows us to predict storms well in advance, giving us time to prepare. Here's a list of things that you should do one week before a hurricane is expected to make landfall:
  • Put up storm shutters or plywood 
  • Recycle any unwanted hazardous materials 
  • Remove blades from exterior ceiling fans 
  • Remove and/or tie down exterior light fixtures
  • Remove decorative kicknacks, pots, statues, furniture and doormats, etc. 
  • Purchase boxed milk, oranges and apples 
  • Turn on government alerts on your cellphone 
  • Have blankets, pillows and inflatable mattresses handy (with a battery-operated pump) 
  • Set aside rubber boots and a rain jacket 
  • Fill lots of gallon-sized Ziploc bags with ice 
  • Empty freezer and refrigerator of all perishables 
  • Fill your gas tanks and top off all automotive fluids 
  • Inspect your tire pressure 
  • Limit your driving 
  • Fill spill-proof gas cans and store in your garage
  • If you decide to evacuate, DON'T WAIT! 

While the bulk of hurricanes typically form later in the season, now's the time to start preparing, before a storm is imminent. Along with the above list of to-do's, talk to your local officials and emergency response personnel about the hurricane and flood mitigation plans they have in place. Big Bags USA® is the best sandbag alternative and a perfect addition to community emergency preparedness plans. They provide lightening fast protection at a fraction of the costs typically associated with rapid deployed systems. Give us a call at 1-800-337-0537 to learn more or to request immediate delivery. 

MADE IN THE USA ~ 100% Manufactured in Missouri ~ BUY AMERICAN  

If you have an immediate need for our systems, or have any questions for us, please call us toll free at 1-800-337-0537 or visit www.BigBagsUSA.com.



D.R.I.P.S.
Disaster Relief & Innovative
Protection Systems, LLC
(573) 480-6699

Let's Connect!


ALWAYS READY TO HELP LOCAL, STATE, & FEDERAL AGENCIES ... BE PREPARED!

Location: Camdenton, MO 65020, USA

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