3 Things to Grab Now Before a Hurricane
Cynthia KolfWhether we like it or not, hurricane season started June 1.
Are you ready for a storm?
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season was one of the most devastating in recent history, with 18 named storms, 11 hurricanes—5 of them Category 3 or higher. There were 437 known deaths and an estimated $130 to $500 billion in damages.
Hurricane Helene alone caused at least 251 deaths after slamming into Florida’s Big Bend region as a Category 4 storm and bringing catastrophic flooding to parts of North Carolina and Tennessee.
We’ve all seen the photos—bare shelves, long gas lines, and last-minute panic. When a storm is on the way, stores empty fast. But you don’t have to be caught off guard. The best time to prepare is before a storm is even named.
Let’s talk about 3 items you should grab now—before everyone else is scrambling to find them
Water (and Why You Need More Than the Minimum)
We’ve all heard it—one gallon of water per person per day for three days. But here’s the truth: three days is the absolute minimum, not the goal.
When a hurricane rolls through, it can take longer than three days for life to return to normal. Power might be out, stores closed, and cleanup can be hot, humid, and exhausting.
You’ll sweat more and you’ll need water not just for drinking—but for basic hygiene, rinsing off, and even cleaning wounds if someone gets hurt.
And don’t forget your pets—they need clean water too.
That’s why I always aim to have more than just three days’ worth. Here’s how to build a stronger water supply now—while shelves are still stocked:
What To Grab
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Gallon jugs of water (grab a few extra every time you shop)
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Multipacks of bottled water (16.9 oz or smaller bottles are easy to ration)
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Smaller water pouches or juice box-sized packs (great for grab-and-go kits)
Tip: Don’t wait until a storm is named. Once people start to panic, water is the first thing to disappear from store shelves.
Backup Power and Lighting (Stay Charged, Stay Safe)
Power outages are almost guaranteed when a hurricane hits—and they can last for days, even weeks. You’ll need ways to stay connected, see in the dark, and power basic essentials.
The last thing you want is to be left in the dark with a dead phone or flashlight.
What to Grab Now:
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Phone power banks—look for ones that are solar-powered or high-capacity so you can charge your phone more than once.
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Flashlights—handheld or headlamp styles work great; keep one in every room.
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Battery-powered lanterns—bright enough to light an entire room.
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A radio—either battery-powered or hand crank. Storms often knock out cell service, and a radio helps you stay updated on emergency alerts, storm paths, and recovery info.
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Plenty of extra batteries—if it takes batteries, stock up now. Once a storm watch or warning is issued, they’re among the first things to disappear from store shelves.
Tip: Charge power banks now, and test everything before hurricane season gets into full swing.
Non-Perishable, Ready-to-Eat Food (No Cooking, No Stress)
If you’ve ever been through a hurricane, you know this: you’re not going to feel like cooking—if you even can. No power means no microwave, no fridge, and no stove or oven (if you live in an all-electric home, like me). That’s why it’s important to have shelf-stable food that doesn’t need heating or refrigeration.
What to Grab Now:
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Canned meals like soup, chili, or pasta (choose ones with pull-tab lids if possible)
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High-protein snacks like peanut butter, granola bars, trail mix, beef sticks, and shelf-stable cheese
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Boxed or pouch items like tuna or chicken salad kits, crackers, or single-serve cereals
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Shelf-stable drinks like electrolyte packets, boxed juice, or powdered drink mixes (great if water starts to taste bland)
Bonus tip: Stock foods that won’t make you overly thirsty or require lots of water to prepare. And be sure to include a manual can opener!
Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait—Start with These 3 Essentials
Yes, there are many things you'll want to have ready if a hurricane—or any major storm—is headed your way. But these three essential categories—water, power and lighting, and non-perishable food—should be at the top of your list. Without them, even a short outage can become a serious problem.
And don’t forget: these items are often the first to disappear from store shelves once a storm watch is issued. Beat the rush. Grab them now while you still have choices, time, and peace of mind.
Stay safe, stay prepared—and remember, a little planning today can make all the difference tomorrow.
Bonus Content
Each post, I’ll include links to other articles I’ve written that relate to this topic (if available), so you can explore more helpful tips and ideas. You’ll also find affiliate links for Amazon supplies as well as supplies we sell in our Sunshine Preppers store.
Sunshine Preppers participates in several affiliate marketing programs. This means that if you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support the maintenance of the blog and allow us to continue creating content for our readers.
To make your prepping journey even more rewarding, I’ll share a freebie each post, whether it’s a printable guide, checklist, or another resource to keep you inspired.
Finally, I’ll list the resources I used to create this blog for those who want to dig deeper.
Other Articles I've Written
Building a 72-Hour Home Kit - Part 1. This blog post provides detailed checklist, including a list of foods that don't need cooking or refrigeration, as well are tasty and nutritious
Hurricane Havoc: Must Know Tips to Weather the Storm Safely. Are you looking for a more detailed checklist? You’ll find everything you need—from storm prep to recovery tips in this blog post.
The Top 15 Overlooked Items for Your Hurricane Kit. Think you’ve packed everything? Think again. This list highlights the most commonly forgotten items—small things that can make a big difference when the power’s out or you're on the move. Don’t wait until it’s too late—see what you might be missing.