09/10/2024
*SCREENSHOT* Hurricane Preparation Tips. Stay Safe Everyone! ♥
WATER STORAGE HACKS:
1. Fill Bathtubs with Water: Use for flushing toilets if utilities go out.
2. Frozen Water Bottles & Ziplock Bags: Fill plastic bottles, jugs & ziplock bags with water and freeze. They act as ice packs, help keep your fridge & freezer cold longer during a power outage and provide drinking water as they melt.
3. Use Every Container: Fill your gumbo pot, tupperware containers, pitchers, etc. Use to clean, wash up, etc. if water treatment plants lose power.
4. Rainwater Collection: Set up buckets or plastic storage bins to collect rainwater for washing or flushing, especially if the storm leaves prolonged power outages.
FOOD STORAGE HACKS:
1. Freeze Everything: Freeze perishables like milk, bread, and meats before the storm to extend their life.
2. Pre-cook and Freeze Meals: Cook meals and freeze them. They’ll act as ice packs and be ready to reheat when you have access to heat sources.
3. Vacuum-Seal Foods: Vacuum-seal meats, veggies, and fruits. They last longer and take up less freezer space.
4 .Use Mason Jars: Store pantry items like rice, pasta, and flour in mason jars to protect them from moisture and pests during a hurricane.
5. Make Use of the Grill: If the power goes out, cook perishable foods on the grill before they spoil. A propane grill can also be used to boil water. (don't forget the charcoal & propane!)
LIGHT & POWER HACKS:
1. Headlamps on Water Jugs: Strap a headlamp around a gallon of water. The light diffuses through the water, creating a makeshift lantern.
2. Glow Sticks: Use glow sticks for safe, portable lighting for kids’ rooms or hallways.
3. Solar-Powered Garden Lights: For prolonged periods without electricity, bring your solar garden lights inside at night to use as indoor lighting.
TEMPERATURE CONTROL HACKS:
1. DIY AC with Frozen Water Bottles: Place frozen water bottles or ice packs in front of a battery-operated fan for a DIY air conditioner.
2. Wear Wet Bandanas or Cooling Towels: Keep your body cool by soaking towels or bandanas in cold water and wearing them around your neck.
COMMUNICATION & NAVIGATION HACKS:
1. Charge All Electronics: Charge power banks, laptops, and any devices before the storm to extend their usability.
2. Write Down Important Numbers: Save essential contact information on paper in case your phone dies.
3. Download Offline Maps: Download offline maps on your phone in case GPS goes down.
4. Emergency Radio: Get a hand-crank NOAA radio for weather updates when the internet or TV goes out.
HOME PROTECTION & PREPARATION HACKS:
1. Duct Tape Windows: If you don’t have shutters, crisscross duct tape on windows to minimize shattering (though it won’t prevent breakage).
2. Cover Windows with Plywood: If no storm shutters, board windows with plywood to protect against flying debris.
3. Use Zip Ties or Rope: Tie down outdoor furniture, grills, and anything else that might become a projectile in high winds.
4. Use Sandbags: Place sandbags around doorways and garage doors to prevent flooding.
5. Trim Trees: Trim dead or weak branches around your house to prevent damage from falling limbs.
6. Plastic Sheeting: Cover important documents, electronics, or furniture with plastic sheeting to protect from potential roof leaks or flooding.
COMFORT & ENTERTAINMENT HACKS:
1. Download Shows & Movies: Download entertainment before the storm in case internet and cable go out.
2. Board Games & Cards: Have non-electronic entertainment like board games and playing cards to pass the time.
3. Portable Fans: Battery-operated fans can be a lifesaver for sleeping without AC.
4. White Noise App: Download white noise or calming sounds on your phone to block out the noise of the storm.
5. Cuddle Up with Pets: Pets can help calm kids during a storm, so keep their favorite blankets or toys nearby.
SAFETY & SANITATION:
1. Baby Wipes & Sanitizers: Stock up on baby wipes, hand sanitizers, and body wipes for hygiene when water is scarce.
2. Bucket Toilet: Line a bucket with a trash bag and kitty litter for a temporary toilet solution.
3. Keep Shoes by the Bed: If the storm causes damage and you need to move through debris, you’ll want shoes handy.
PETS & KIDS HACKS:
1. Noise-Canceling Headphones for Kids: Help children feel less anxious about the storm by giving them noise-canceling headphones.
2. Calming Sprays for Pets: Use pet-calming sprays or jackets like ThunderShirts to help keep pets relaxed. CBD treats
3. Pet Emergency Kit: Pack a kit with food, water, and medicine for your pets.
4. Kids' Emergency Bag: Fill a small bag with snacks, games, and comfort items to keep kids calm during the storm.
MISCELLANEOUS HACKS:
1. Keep Cash on Hand: ATMs might not work, so keep small bills on hand for essential purchases.
2. Pack an Emergency Go-Bag: Include items like clothes, snacks, water, first-aid supplies, and important documents in case you need to evacuate.
3. Use Pillows for Protection: If you're in an area of the house vulnerable to debris, use pillows and blankets as a buffer to protect yourself from flying glass.
4. Pre-Freeze Ziplock Bags: Fill Ziploc bags with water, pre-freeze them, and place them in your fridge to keep food cooler longer if power goes out.
5. Move Electronics to Higher Ground: Protect valuable electronics from potential flooding by moving them off the ground.
*I am not the original author of this list but thought it was too great not to share!*
