Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
🌀Practical Hurricane Preparedness
73
items 💙 A Note From Me I never thought I'd make a hurricane preparedness guide.
I'd been through hurricanes before, and they always seemed to pass. We'd lose power, clean up, and life would slowly get back to normal. So when Hurricane Melissa was approaching, I honestly thought it would be the same. I was wrong.
It was the strongest hurricane I've ever experienced. My family and I survived it, but it changed me forever.
For weeks, we were cut off from the outside world. We had no way of contacting our family, and they had no way of contacting us. We ran out of food. The heat was unbearable. Every day brought a new challenge.
Looking back, there are so many little things I wish I'd had—not expensive gadgets, just practical things that would've made those days a little easier. Some of the products in this guide are things I still use today.
Others are things I bought afterward because I never want to be caught unprepared again. A few are items I saw become invaluable while helping with community relief after the storm. This isn't a perfect list. It's my list. And if it helps even one fa...
I'd been through hurricanes before, and they always seemed to pass. We'd lose power, clean up, and life would slowly get back to normal. So when Hurricane Melissa was approaching, I honestly thought it would be the same. I was wrong.
It was the strongest hurricane I've ever experienced. My family and I survived it, but it changed me forever.
For weeks, we were cut off from the outside world. We had no way of contacting our family, and they had no way of contacting us. We ran out of food. The heat was unbearable. Every day brought a new challenge.
Looking back, there are so many little things I wish I'd had—not expensive gadgets, just practical things that would've made those days a little easier. Some of the products in this guide are things I still use today.
Others are things I bought afterward because I never want to be caught unprepared again. A few are items I saw become invaluable while helping with community relief after the storm. This isn't a perfect list. It's my list. And if it helps even one fa...
Sections
8
🔦 Power & Lighting
💧 Water & Hydration
🩹 First Aid & Health
🏠 Home Protection & Cleanup
Hygiene & Personal Care
🔧 Tools & Repairs
🔦 Power & Lighting
One thing surviving a Category 5 hurricane taught me is not to rely on just one source of power. Batteries die, rechargeable devices need charging, and the sun doesn't always cooperate. Building your emergency kit with a mix of battery-powered, recha...
💙 My Recommendation Whether you're riding out the storm or cleaning up afterward, a dependable flashlight is an essential part of any hurricane kit. The Fenix PD36R Pro stands out for its IP68 waterproof rating, aircraft-grade aluminum body, USB-C c...
Fenix Pd36r Pro
💙 Why I Recommend It A headlamp is one of those tools you'll appreciate when both hands are busy. The Black Diamond Spot 400 is lightweight, weather-resistant, comfortable to wear, and provides dependable brightness. It's an excellent choice for coo...
BLACK DIAMOND Spot 400 Headlamp, AAA, Dimmable
A lantern is one of the easiest ways to light up an entire room during a power outage. The Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 can be charged by USB, a compatible solar panel, or its built-in hand crank, so you still have options when electricity isn't availabl...
Lighthouse 600 Multi Functional Adjustable Light
How I used it: One full charge lasted me two weeks by using the fan for one hour each night. I saved the battery by not using it to charge my phone.
Allsion 24000mAh Portable Rechargeable Fan
Many emergency supplies still rely on disposable batteries, so it's always smart to keep extras on hand. Energizer MAX batteries are known for their long shelf life, dependable performance, and leak-resistant design, making them a reliable choice for...
Energizer MAX AAA Alkaline Batteries 12 Pack
A battery charger helps keep your rechargeable batteries ready to use throughout hurricane season. The EBL Smart Battery Charger charges multiple AA and AAA batteries at once while protecting them from overcharging, helping extend battery life and en...
EBL: BATTERY CHARGER
Keeping your batteries organized saves time when you're searching for replacements during an outage. The Battery Daddy stores a large variety of battery sizes in one compact case and even includes a built-in battery tester, making it easy to stay org...
Ontel Battery Daddy Storage & Tester Case
An emergency radio helps you stay informed when cell service, internet, or television isn't available. The Midland ER310 offers multiple charging options including solar, hand crank, USB, a rechargeable battery, and backup AAA batteries so you have s...
Midland ER310 Emergency Crank Weather Radio
A portable power station helps keep your essential electronics running when the power is out. The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus is compact, dependable, and powerful enough to charge phones, tablets, laptops, lights, and other small devices. Its multiple ...
Jackery Explorer 300 Portable Power Station
A solar panel gives you a way to recharge your power station when electricity isn't available. The Jackery SolarSaga 100W is foldable, durable, easy to set up, and efficiently converts sunlight into power. It's an excellent companion to the Jackery E...
Jackery Solarsaga 100w Solar Panel
How I Used It: Most people install solar flood lights outside, and I did tooI had one at the front of my house, one at the back, and one at the side. But when things got really bad and we were running out of options, I repurposed the one on the side ...
intelamp 4400mAh Solar Flood Lights 2 Pack
A lifesaver if your car battery dies after the storm. It can jump-start your vehicle and keep your phone and other devices charged when power is unavailable.
Halo Jump Starters & Battery Chargers
💧 Water & Hydration
Having access to clean water is one of the most important parts of hurricane preparedness. A few simple supplies can help you stay hydrated and safely store or purify water until services are restored.
Even if you plan to store your own water, it's always a good idea to have a backup supply that's ready to drink right out of the container. BlueCan Emergency Water has an impressive 50-year shelf life and comes in durable aluminum cans that won't eas...
Blue Can Water 50 Year Shelf Life
Storing water before a storm is one of the easiest ways to prepare. The Reliance Aqua-Tainer is made from food-grade plastic, holds seven gallons of water, features a built-in spigot for easy pouring, and has a sturdy handle for carrying. Its stackab...
Reliance Aqua Tainer 7 Gallon Water Storage
A collapsible water container is great for collecting or transporting water while taking up very little storage space. When empty, it folds flat, making it easy to keep in your hurricane supplies. Look for one that's BPA-free, leak-resistant, and inc...
Collapsible Water Jug
If your stored water runs out or you're unsure whether a water source is safe, purification tablets can be an invaluable backup. Aquatabs are lightweight, individually packaged, easy to store, and simple to use. They help disinfect water by killing h...
Aquatabs 49mg Water Purification Tablets (30)
A portable water filter gives you another reliable way to access cleaner drinking water when needed. The Sawyer MINI is compact, lightweight, and can filter up to 100,000 gallons of water. It works with squeeze pouches, standard water bottles, and hy...
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
After a hurricane, high temperatures, cleanup, and physical activity can cause you to lose fluids quickly. Liquid I.V. contains electrolytes that help replenish what your body loses through sweat. The individual packets are easy to store in your emer...
Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Lemon Lime
🩹 First Aid & Health
Storms can leave you dealing with minor injuries, allergies, insect bites, headaches, and limited access to pharmacies. Having a well-stocked first aid kit can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress.
Everything you need for treating common cuts, scrapes, and minor injuries in one organized kit.
Johnson And Johnson First Aid Kit
Quickly check for fevers when someone starts feeling unwell.
Digital Thermometers
A reliable option for headaches, fever, and everyday aches and pains.
Tylenol Extra Strength Caplets, Fast Pain Relief
Helpful for allergies, insect bites, and mild allergic reactions.
Benadryl Ultratabs Allergy Relief 25 mg
Helps protect minor cuts and scrapes from infection.
Neosporin Original Triple Antibiotic Ointment
Keeps wound care more sanitary and protects both you and the injured person.
CURAD Nitrile Exam Gloves, Durable, Powder Free
Mosquitoes multiply quickly after storms, making insect repellent a must-have.
OFF! Deep Woods Insect Repellent Aerosol
Provides relief from insect bites, rashes, and skin irritation.
Cortizone-10 Max Strength Aloe Itch Relief
Keep your hands clean when soap and water aren't available.
Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer Gel 1 Fl Oz
Old faithful Pepto-Bismol. A great all-around medicine to keep on hand for nausea, upset stomach, heartburn, indigestion, and diarrhea.
Pepto Bismol Liquid, Upset Stomach Relief
🏠 Home Protection & Cleanup
A strong waterproof tape for temporarily sealing leaks, cracks, tarps, and damaged surfaces.
Gorilla Waterproof Patch & Seal Tape, White, 4"x10'
Keep one ready to temporarily cover a damaged roof, window, vehicle, or outdoor equipment.
Grizzly Tarps by B-Air 20'x30' Waterproof
These compact flood barriers expand when wet and can help redirect water away from doors and vulnerable areas.
Quick Dam: Flood Barriers
Protect your hands while moving branches, broken materials, and storm debris.
Ironclad GUG04L Utility Spandex Gloves, L
Keep your feet covered while working through mud, standing water, and messy cleanup areas.
Tingley Mens PVC Steel Toe Knee Boot US 11
These thick, tear-resistant bags are made for heavy debris and demanding cleanup jobs.
Husky Contractor Bags 42 Gallon
A P100 respirator provides stronger protection for serious mold, dust, and debris cleanup than a basic disposable mask
3M P100 Mold & Lead Paint Removal Respirator
Protect your eyes from dust, dirty water, cleaning chemicals, and flying debris.
Dewalt DPG82 Concealer Anti-Fog Safety Goggle
Useful for removing mold and mildew from suitable hard, nonporous household surfaces after water exposure.
Clorox Tilex Mold & Mildew Remover Spray
Keep it on hand for properly diluted cleaning and disinfecting after flooding or water damage.
Clorox Regular Bleach
A sturdy scrub brush helps tackle dirt, mildew, and stubborn messes without using electricity.
The Libman Company: Brushes
Use it to keep cleaning supplies, documents, clothing, and emergency items together and protected from splashes.
Rubbermaid Roughneck Storage Containers
Hygiene & Personal Care
When running water is limited or stores are closed, having basic hygiene essentials can help you stay clean, comfortable, and healthy until life returns to normal.
One bottle does it all use it for washing your hands, body, dishes, and even laundry in an emergency. Or, if you want it a little shorter: A versatile soap that can be used for bathing, handwashing, dishes, and even laundry.
Dr. Bronner's Baby Unscented Magic Soap 32oz
Perfect for staying fresh when showers aren't an option. If plumbing is limited, simply dispose of used wipes in the trash.
Cottonelle Fresh Feel Flushable Wet Wipes, 8 Pack
These tiny tablets expand into a full-size towel with just a little water, making them perfect for washing up, wiping hands, cleaning small messes, or freshening up without taking up much space.
WYSI Multi-Purpose Cloths 12x15" Expandable
Keeps your toothbrush and toothpaste together, making it easy to maintain good oral hygiene whether you're sheltering at home or evacuating.
Dental Travel Kit
Storms don't pause your period. Keep extra supplies in your emergency kit so you're prepared when stores are closed.
Always Ultra Thin Pads
Keep an extra box in your emergency supplies so you're prepared no matter when the storm arrives.
U By Kotex / Tampons / Feminine Care
One of the first items to disappear from store shelves, so it's always worth stocking up before hurricane season.
Charmin Ultra Strong Mega Roll 2-Ply TP, 264 Sheets
Useful for much more than garbage they're great for wet clothes, protecting belongings, lining buckets, and countless emergency cleanup tasks.
Glad Tall Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags 13 Gal
A small jar can help soothe dry skin, prevent chafing, protect minor cuts, and keep lips from cracking during long outages.
Vaseline Original Healing Jelly 2-Pack
🔧 Tools & Repairs
From quick fixes to emergency repairs, having the right tools on hand can help you secure your home, prevent further damage, and handle unexpected problems until professional help is available.
Great for quick fixes when something breaks and you need a strong repair right away.
Gorilla Super Glue
Perfect for securing loose items, organizing cords, making temporary repairs, or fastening tarps in an emergency
Heavy Duty Zip Tie
A strong, lightweight rope that's useful for tying down tarps, securing equipment, hanging items, and countless emergency tasks.
Titan Survival Patented Paracord 550 - Various Lengths
Quickly secure tarps, coolers, storage bins, and other supplies without needing knots.
Keeper 18” Ultra Bungee Cord UV Resistant
One adjustable wrench can handle many different bolt and nut sizes, making it a handy tool for emergency repairs.
Crescent Wrench
Easily retrieve dropped screws, nails, or small metal parts from hard-to-reach places during repairs.
Dewalt Magnetic Bit Holder For Impact Driver
If you already own basic tools, you may only need to purchase the individual items listed above. But if you're starting from scratch, a complete home tool kit gives you many of the essentials in one convenient case.
Stalwart 132-Piece Heat-Treated Tool Kit
Makes it easy to cut rope, plastic, cardboard, tarps, and other materials during cleanup and repairs.
Multi-Tools - Gerber
🛏️ Sleep & Shelter
Whether you're sheltering in place or staying somewhere temporarily, these essentials can help you rest more comfortably and get a better night's sleep during a stressful time.
A comfortable sleeping option if your bed is damaged, you're staying with family, or you're sheltering somewhere temporarily.
Intex Air Mattresses & Accessories
Keeps you warm and comfortable if you're sleeping somewhere without your usual bedding.
Camping Sleeping Bags
Small enough to pack but makes resting much more comfortable during long waits or evacuations.
Shop Amazon.com | Travel Pillows
Perfect for staying warm during cooler nights or simply making an unfamiliar place feel a little more comfortable.
Fleece Throw Blanket
A lifesaver if you're dealing with damaged windows, sleeping outdoors, or staying somewhere with lots of mosquitoes after the storm.
Mosquito Net
Helpful if you're trying to sleep in a shelter or somewhere with lights and activity around you.
Sleep Mask
Block out noise from generators, cleanup crews, or crowded shelters so you can get some much-needed rest.
Foam Ear Plugs
🧩 Comfort, Stress Relief & Entertainment
After the storm passes, the waiting begins. Days without power, internet, or your normal routine can take a toll on your mental well-being. These simple comforts can help reduce stress, ease boredom, and give you a much-needed break while you recover...
A fun game that brings family and friends together, creating moments of laughter even during difficult times.
Mattel UNO Show 'em No Mercy Card Game Tin
A timeless game that's easy to learn and can keep everyone entertained for hours without needing electricity.
Dominoes Double 6
Perfect if you want thousands of retro games in one portable device. Just make sure it's fully charged before the storm.
R36s
Instead of buying several games, one multi-game set gives you plenty of ways to stay entertained during long outages.
Checkers Game
A quiet way to keep your mind occupied and take a break from worrying about everything happening around you.
3-In-1 Puzzle Book: Word Search, Crosswords & Sudoku
Coloring can be surprisingly calming and is a simple way to relax after a stressful day.
Crayola Adult Colored Pencil Set, 100ct
Keeps children entertained and gives them something positive to focus on while routines are disrupted.
Kids Activity Books
Whether you're making lists, planning your next steps, or simply writing down your thoughts, a journal can help bring a sense of order during uncertain times.
Journals
It may seem small, but a pack of gum can last for days, freshen your breath, satisfy a craving, and provide a little comfort when you need it most.
Chewing gum