Hurricane Preparedness Guide 2025: Complete Emergency Kit Checklist & Storm Supplies

Tropical Storm Erin is strengthening as you read this. Whether you're here in Tampa Bay, along the Carolina coast, or anywhere hurricanes threaten, the question is the same: would you be ready if this storm were heading your way this weekend?

Here in Florida, we're already deep into the active part of hurricane season. Right now, Tropical Storm Erin—the fifth named storm of 2025—is expected to become a hurricane by Friday, potentially reaching Category 3 strength by the weekend.

It's currently moving westward toward the northern Leeward Islands and Puerto Rico, with models indicating it could stay offshore—though heightened waves and dangerous rip currents are possible along the U.S. East Coast.

And while Erin's track could shift in the days ahead, it's a powerful reminder that every hurricane season brings uncertainty.

As a Tampa Bay resident who's lived through multiple hurricane seasons, I've learned that the families who fare best aren't necessarily the ones with the most supplies—they're the ones who know their hurricane prep personality and have a plan that actually works for them.

Know Your Hurricane Personality

The Early Bird – Stocked for weeks, go-bag ready, probably already bought extra batteries before they were even on sale.

The Last-Minute Sprinter – Shows up at the store for water and D-cell batteries… after the shelves are bare.

The Overpacker – Could survive a year in their living room, but might not remember to grab the flashlight.

The Optimist – "It'll turn away… right?"

I used to be a Last-Minute Sprinter until Hurricane Irma taught me a hard lesson in 2017. I waited 45 minutes in a gas line, then headed to the grocery store only to discover the water shelves were completely bare. That's exactly why I created my Hurricane Emergency Kit. It takes the guesswork out of emergency prep and ensures you're never scrambling at the last minute.

Before the Storm: Strengthen Your Home & Yard

A hurricane's winds and flying debris can do serious damage. Minimize risks by:

Reinforcing vulnerable areas – Strengthen garage doors, caulk soffits, and check roof tie-downs.

Tree maintenance – Remove damaged or overhanging branches, especially near your home and power lines.

Landscaping swaps – Replace gravel or rock with mulch to prevent dangerous projectiles.

Don't Skip a Home Inventory

If your home is damaged, an up-to-date inventory makes insurance claims easier—and faster.

Walk through each room with your phone camera. Open closets and drawers, and record serial numbers on electronics and appliances. Include sheds, garages, and storage units. Store a copy in the cloud and keep a paper copy with your important documents.

Free apps like the NAIC Home Inventory app can make the process quick and organized.

Stock Up on Medication & Medical Supplies

Many states allow early refills during declared emergencies, so know the rules before a storm is on your doorstep.

For example, here in Florida, you can get a 30-day emergency refill on your medications if we're under a hurricane warning or a declared state of emergency. North Carolina and South Carolina have similar provisions during declared emergencies. Talk to your pharmacist now so you know what you can do in your state—you're not scrambling later.

The Supply List That Actually Works

Aim for at least 7 days of supplies (14 is better).

Water – 1 gallon per person per day.

Non-perishable food – Canned goods, dry mixes, and ready-to-eat meals. Don't forget a manual can opener.

Cooking options – Canned heat for indoors during the storm, camping stove or grill for afterward.

Lighting & information – Battery or crank radio, flashlights, extra batteries.

First aid kit – Bandages, antiseptic, personal medications.

Personal hygiene – Soap, sanitizer, feminine products.

Documents – IDs, insurance policies, bank info, stored in waterproof container.

Cash – ATMs may be down.

Pet supplies – Food, water, meds, leashes, carriers.

If this list feels overwhelming, you're not alone. That's exactly why I designed my Hurricane Emergency Kit to eliminate the guesswork. It's packed in a durable 5-gallon bucket with a toilet seat lid and contains:

• One-day supply of food and water for one person. 
• Water purification tablets to extend your supply
• Emergency lighting (flashlight, glow sticks, candles)
• Weather radio with hand crank
• First aid supplies 
• Hygiene essentials (soap, sanitizer, toilet paper)
• Emergency shelter materials
• Multi-tool and duct tape
• Waterproof bags to keep everything organized
  

Hand-assembled in the USA, this kit is designed specifically for our hurricane season but works for anyone in storm-prone areas.

Note: Base food and water supplies provide immediate emergency nutrition. For extended emergencies, supplement with additional food rations.  

Special Considerations for Evacuation

Know your evacuation zone before a storm is coming.

If ordered to leave:

Turn off utilities (gas, electricity, water). Unplug electronics to protect them from power surges. Pack a go-bag with clothing, important documents, medications, chargers, and basic supplies. Lock all doors and windows before you leave. Follow designated evacuation routes, even if traffic is heavy.

If you live in a mobile home – Evacuate early. These structures cannot withstand hurricane-force winds.

If you live on a boat – Move to a protected harbor if possible and secure with extra lines and fenders. Never ride out the storm on board.

During the Storm

Stay indoors, away from windows and glass doors. Use a portable radio for updates. Avoid using candles—battery lights are safer. Never run a generator indoors or near open windows and doors.

After the Storm

Wait for the official all-clear before leaving shelter or returning home. Avoid floodwaters and downed power lines. Document all damage before cleanup. Use bottled or boiled water until officials say it's safe.

Mistakes That Cost Families Dearly

Thinking "it won't happen here." Even if the storm turns, feeder bands can still bring flooding and tornadoes.

Waiting until the last minute. Supplies disappear fast—especially water and batteries.

Forgetting pets. If it's not safe for you, it's not safe for them.

Don't Wait

Remember last October? Hurricanes Helene and Milton proved that late-season storms can be the most devastating. Many families who thought they'd "made it through hurricane season" were caught completely off guard.

Hurricane season officially runs through November 30th, and the most dangerous storms often come when we least expect them.

Don't wait for the next weather alert to scramble for supplies. My Hurricane Emergency Kit is available right now at an introductory price of $124.99—and with only 20 kits currently in stock, they won't last long once the next storm forms.

Ready to stop worrying about hurricane prep? Secure your Hurricane Emergency Kit here and know your family is prepared for whatever this season brings.

Stay safe, 

Cindi