Hurricane season officially began June first and ends in October. Now is the time to start thinking about stocking your pantry with storm supplies. Major storms are rare but tropical storms and a few category 1-2 storms are likely each season. In these instances, you won’t be required to evacuate. Local officials will advise residents to shelter in place. You’ll be safe, but uncomfortable.
What to Expect: Businesses will be closed with the exception of a few gas stations. These stores will quickly run out of supplies. Items like food, gas, charcoal, water, propane and batteries will be hard to come by. Wide-spread power outages will affect most of the keys. It can take several days for power to be restored. Depending on the severity of the storm, you may or may not have water. If you have running water, it may be compromised and unsafe for drinking. Boil water orders may be announced. A curfew is typically ordered and travel on the Overseas highway may be prohibited until debris can be cleared, downed power lines can be removed and traffic lights can be made operational again.
You’ll be confined to your home with no lights, no television, no WIFI, no air-conditioning, and undrinkable water. Essentially, you’ll be camping in your own home.
But if you prepare now, you can avoid a lot of misery later. Make sure you have a working barbecue grill. If you own a gas grill, purchase a spare propane tank. If you have a charcoal grill, stockpile extra bags of charcoal and lighters.
Make sure you have battery operated lanterns and plenty of spare batteries to power them. Purchase extra batteries for your cell phones and invest in some inexpensive board games and a deck of cards. Battery operated small televisions and radios are also a good investment.
If you have a water service that delivers to your home, request the delivery of several extra bottles to store throughout the season.
Each week as you go to the grocery store, stock up on a few more pantry items
Here’s our list of the foods you should stockpile:
Packaged condiments that don’t require refrigeration: mayo, ketchup and mustard.
Canned Tuna
Baked Beans
Canned Chili
Peanut Butter
Jarred Salsas
Boil-In-Bag Rice
Elbow Macaroni and other dried pastas
Mixed Nuts
Hearty Soups
Bagged Chips and Crackers
Beef Jerky
and
Granola Bars
When a storm threatens, all you’ll need to purchase is some last minute produce, cured meats and packaged breads and produce.
