12 Essential Items for Your Hurricane Preparedness Checklist

You can’t control when a hurricane hits—but you can control how ready you are. When the forecast shifts and a storm’s on its way, panic often replaces preparation. But having a hurricane preparedness checklist turns chaos into clarity. 

It helps you secure essentials, safeguard your home, and make smart decisions under pressure. Whether you’re protecting your family, pets, or property, a solid plan gives you peace of mind before the first raindrop falls. This hurricane prep checklist walks you through everything you need to know to be ready, not just to survive, but to stay calm and confident when a hurricane approaches.

12 Items to Keep in Your Hurricane Preparedness Checklist

1. Water

When a hurricane is coming, water becomes super important. What if clean tap water stops working for days? How would you drink, cook, or wash? That’s why having enough safe water is a must.

Moreover, people can live weeks without food but only days without water. Hurricanes can make regular water unsafe to use. Having bottled or stored water means you won’t need to risk using bad water. 

Experts say to store one gallon of water per person daily. Keep enough for at least three days. This covers drinking, cooking, and cleaning. Don’t forget extra water for your pets, too!

Making water a top priority on your hurricane preparedness list helps keep you safe and healthy during the storm.

2. Non-Perishable Food

Imagine the power is out, and you’re stuck at home. How will you eat? That’s why non-perishable food is so important. These foods don’t need a fridge, so they stay safe to eat.

Experts say to store enough food for three days. This way, you’ll have meals until help arrives or power returns. Here are some good choices for your hurricane preparedness checklist:

• Canned goods: Soups, beans, fruits, and vegetables work well.
• Dry foods: Crackers, granola bars, and cereal are easy to store.
• Nut butters: Peanut or almond butter gives energy and protein.
• Ready-to-eat meals: Pre-packaged meals that don’t need cooking are handy.

3. First Aid Kit

Picture this: a hurricane hits, and someone gets hurt. What can you do? Hospitals might be far or too busy to help. That’s why a first aid kit is so important. It helps you treat small injuries fast.

A good kit can really help. Here’s what to pack:

• Different-sized bandages
• Wipes to clean cuts
• Pain medicine like ibuprofen
• Enough prescription meds for a week
• A guidebook for first aid steps
• Tweezers, scissors and gloves

Storms can cause cuts, burns, or other small injuries. A ready kit helps prepare for a hurricane. Add it to your hurricane preparedness list now!

4. Flashlights

Picture this: the power goes out during a hurricane, and you’re left in complete darkness. How would you move around safely? Flashlights are a must-have on your hurricane preparedness checklist. They provide reliable light when you need it most.

Here’s what to look for when choosing flashlights:

• LED flashlights: They last longer and are brighter than traditional ones.
• Headlamps: These free up your hands, making them great for multitasking.
• Waterproof models: Perfect for wet conditions during a hurricane.

Don’t forget to stock up on batteries or choose rechargeable and waterproof flashlights. Test them regularly to make sure they’re working.

5. Batteries

Think about this: the power goes out in a hurricane, and your flashlight stops working. You grab another, but it’s dead too. This shows why having extra batteries is so important. They help keep your devices working when you need them most.

Batteries are needed for flashlights, radios, and other key tools on your hurricane prep list. Without them, you might lose light, communication, or even ways to pass the time during long blackouts. Having the right batteries ready means you’ll be prepared.

Here’s what you should get:

• AA and AAA batteries: These are common and work for small devices.
• D batteries: These power emergency radios and bigger flashlights.
• Rechargeable batteries: Use these with a solar charger for a green option.

6. Portable Phone Charger

Picture this: a hurricane cuts off power for days, and your phone dies. How will you call for help or check the news? A portable phone charger can keep your phone working. It helps you stay connected during emergencies. You can go for reliable options like the Vevor’s 2.0 Ah battery charger.

Power outages from hurricanes make charging devices impossible. During Hurricane Maria, people in Puerto Rico struggled without portable chargers. Hurricane Katrina also damaged landlines and cell towers. Charged phones became the only way to communicate.

Here’s why you need a portable charger on your hurricane preparedness list:

• You can call for help or talk to family.
• It lets you check weather alerts and evacuation updates.
• Apps like maps or flashlights stay usable during the storm.

Choose chargers that can charge your phone multiple times. Solar-powered chargers are helpful since they don’t need electricity. Charge your portable charger fully before the storm arrives.

7. Important Documents

Think about this: a hurricane hits, and you must leave fast. You grab your things but forget your ID or insurance papers. That can be avoided by keeping your important documents ready.

Having these papers on your hurricane preparedness checklist helps you find key information quickly. Here’s what to include:

• Identification: Driver’s licenses, passports, and Social Security cards.
• Insurance papers: Policies for home, health, and car coverage.
• Medical records: Prescriptions and health details for emergencies.
• Financial documents: Property deeds and bank account info.
• Emergency contacts: A printed list of numbers for family and local help.

8. Personal Hygiene Items

Picture being in a shelter after a hurricane. Clean water is hard to find, and space is shared. How can you stay clean and avoid sickness? Personal hygiene items are super helpful in these situations. They keep you fresh and healthy when basic facilities aren’t available.

Here’s what to pack in your hurricane preparedness checklist:

• Wet wipes: Great for cleaning hands and body without water. They help prevent infections and diseases.
• Antibacterial wipes: Use them to clean surfaces and stop germs from spreading.
• Hand sanitizer: Kills germs fast when soap and water aren’t around.
• Toothbrush and toothpaste: Keeping teeth clean is important for staying healthy.
• Feminine hygiene products: Pack enough for several days to stay prepared.
• Travel-sized toiletries: Small bottles of shampoo, soap, and deodorant are useful in shelters.

9. Cash

Picture this: a hurricane hits, and power and internet go out. You visit a store for supplies, but the card machine doesn’t work. How will you pay? This is why having cash is so important on your hurricane preparedness checklist.

During hurricanes, electronic payments often stop working. Power outages and internet issues make using cards impossible. After Hurricane Helene, many stores could only take cash or checks. Businesses like Ingles Markets used these methods to keep helping people.

Here’s why cash matters:

• Always works: Cash is useful when card systems fail.
• Fast payments: No waiting for machines to restart.
• Buy essentials: Get food, water, or gas even without cards.

10. Blankets or Sleeping Bags

Imagine this: a hurricane knocks out power, and the temperature drops. You’re stuck without heat, and the cold starts creeping in. This is where blankets or sleeping bags become lifesavers. They’re not just for comfort—they’re essential for staying warm and safe.

Here’s why you should add them to your hurricane preparedness checklist:

• Warmth: Mylar blankets can retain up to 90% of your body heat. They’re lightweight, compact, and perfect for emergencies.
• Versatility: You can use them as makeshift shelters. They reflect 99% of light and 90% of heat, keeping you protected from the elements.
• Adaptability: Taping Mylar blankets together creates a DIY sleeping bag. This prevents cold drafts and keeps you cozy.

11. Multi-Tool or Swiss Army Knife

What if you encounter a hurricane and something gets broken? You will have to fix it quickly and for this, having the right tools is important. A multi-tool or a Swiss Army Knife is ideal for such a situation. It is compact and convenient. 

A multi-tool is sort of like a portable toolbox that you can take with you. It typically has a knife, a screwdriver, scissors, and a bottle opener. Some models also include pliers, wire clippers, or a miniature saw. They are helpful to cut things, open cans, or tighten loose screws.

12. Sturdy Shoes & Rain Gear

Walking outside in the situation of a hurricane can be dangerous, as sharp objects, puddles, and sand debris are everywhere. Normal shoes may not protect you, so you need proper gear to walk around easily.  That’s why sturdy shoes and rain gear are essentials on your hurricane preparation list.

Here’s what to include in your hurricane preparedness kit:

• Waterproof boots: Keep your feet dry and secure in filthy water.
• Rain jackets or ponchos: Lightweight and easily stowed, they keep you dry.

What are 10 items in an emergency kit?

In your hurricane preparedness checklist, you’ll need an emergency kit. These kids should be well-rounded enough so that you can only grab this and go, without losing your important items. 

Here are 10 things to keep in your emergency kit and your hurricane preparedness checklist:

• Water
• Non-perishable food
• First aid kit
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio
• Whistle
• Dust mask
• Local maps
• Manual can opener
• Important documents

What is the difference between a tornado and a hurricane?

A tornado is a small, intense funnel-shaped storm that forms over land during severe thunderstorms, with extremely high wind speeds and short lifespans. 

In contrast, a hurricane is a massive, long-lasting storm system that forms over warm ocean waters and brings widespread damage through wind, rain, and flooding. 

While both are dangerous, they differ significantly in how they form, how long they last, and the scale of their impact.

Here’s a quick comparison:

FAQ

What is the highest priority on a hurricane preparation checklist?

The most critical item to keep on your hurricane preparedness checklist is water. Keep one gallon per day per person. It’s for drinking, cooking, and washing up in emergencies.

Why is cash important in a hurricane prep list?

Cash is useful when card machines don’t work during power outages. Small bills let you buy things like food or gas without needing change.

Should you include items for pets in your hurricane preparedness checklist?

Yes, don’t forget to pack your pet’s food, water, and medicine. Moreover, it is better to bring a leash or carrier to keep them safe if you need to leave.

Conclusion

Getting ready for a hurricane means more than just collecting supplies. It’s about staying safe and protecting your family. Every item on your hurricane preparedness checklist helps you stay healthy, fed, and informed during the storm. Planning ahead lowers risks, saves your belongings, and helps you survive when things are scarce.

Vevor offers durable, reliable gear to check off your hurricane preparedness list with confidence. From emergency power solutions to water storage and tools, Vevor helps you stay ready. Shop smart and stay safe with Vevor’s trusted equipment.