Preparing for a hurricane can be daunting, but with the right strategies, you can weather the storm with confidence. Drawing from over 35 years of experience living on the coast of Florida, here are twelve essential and uncommon tips to enhance your hurricane preparedness. Here's some ideas for living through that following period of no electricity, water, internet, air conditioning, food spoilage, etc.

1. Fill Your Washing Machine with Water

Before a storm hits, fill your washing machine with water. This can be invaluable if municipal water supplies are compromised. You can use this water for flushing toilets or boiling for cleaning and cooking.

2. Pack an Empty Cooler

Keep an empty cooler on hand. If you decide to evacuate at the last minute, you can pack your perishable items. If you stay, use it to store ice, which can help keep your food cold.

3. Stock Up on Non-Perishable Foods

Gather healthy, non-perishable foods that don't need refrigeration. Items like pears, apples, citrus fruits, avocados, premium breads, and cookies can provide sustenance without needing constant access to a fridge.

4. Prepare for Power Outages with Battery Packs

Invest in a rechargeable battery pack to charge your devices. This ensures you can stay connected even if the power goes out and traditional chargers are unavailable.

5. Keep Plenty of Water on Hand

Having extra water is crucial, especially if you have pets. Consider filling large containers, like washed-out cheese ball containers, large soda bottle, etc.  Fill with with tap water and freee them.  They'll keep your food frozen for an extended period of time, and then become drinking water once thawed out.

6. Utilize Ice Packs in the Fridge

Before a storm, fill your fridge with ice packs and ice cubes. These help keep the temperature down if the power goes out, ensuring your food stays fresh longer.

7. Have Scented Candles Ready

While you prepare for power outages, stock up on candles, particularly scented ones that provide a calming atmosphere during stressful times.

8. Install Push-Button Stick-On Lights

These battery-operated lights are inexpensive and can be easily placed in various areas of your home. They are great for illuminating spaces without relying on power.

9. Acquire a Small Portable Gas Stove

Instead of a large gas grill, consider a compact portable gas stove. These are efficient and can run off small propane bottles. With an adapter kit, you can even use larger propane tanks.

10. Keep 5-Gallon Buckets Handy

Store a couple of 5-gallon buckets in your home. They can be filled with pool water for flushing toilets or capturing rainwater from gutters during the storm and even after the after storm passes if it continues to rain.

11. Take a Shower Before the Storm

Just before the hurricane arrives, take a shower. Water service is often likey to be interrupted due to flooding, so this ensures you stay clean before you face the storm.

12. Consider Throwaway Underwear

As a bonus tip, stock up on inexpensive, disposable underwear. Having a daily change can greatly improve your comfort and peace of mind during extended outages.

Conclusion

Being prepared for a hurricane involves more than just supplies; it’s about smart planning and creative thinking. By incorporating these uncommon tips into your hurricane readiness strategy, you’ll be better equipped to handle whatever comes your way. Stay safe!