Hurricane Emergency Kit: 10 Essential Items to Add to Your Checklist

When hurricanes strike, they bring chaos and devastation, often leaving residents without power, water, or communication for days or even weeks. Planning ahead by assembling a hurricane emergency kit can be the difference between comfort and crisis. While many think of food, water, and shelter as their top priorities, other essentials, such as emergency phone chargers, can be just as vital. Imagine being stranded without a way to call for help, check weather updates, or reach loved ones. Preparation is key; a well-thought-out kit ensures you’re ready for the unexpected. A well-stocked kit isn’t just about surviving—it’s about having peace of mind when every second counts.

What is a Hurricane Emergency Kit?

A hurricane emergency kit is a collection of essential supplies that help you and your family stay safe, nourished, and informed in the event of a storm. When hurricanes make landfall, they can knock out basic services like electricity and water, sometimes for extended periods. The goal of an emergency kit is to provide enough resources to help you survive until assistance arrives or services are restored.

Your kit should include items that cover your basic needs for at least 72 hours. It can be customized for your household, considering factors like the number of people, pets, or medical needs. Beyond the basics, think of it as a way to ensure you're self-sufficient during the critical aftermath of a hurricane.

Why Plan a Hurricane Emergency Kit?

Planning ahead for a hurricane isn't just about safeguarding your home; it’s about ensuring your survival. Hurricanes are unpredictable, with high winds, flooding, and widespread power outages. In the aftermath, it can take days or even weeks for help to reach everyone affected. Roads may be flooded, stores closed, and services interrupted. With a well-prepared hurricane emergency kit, you can avoid the dangers of scrambling at the last minute or relying on overwhelmed resources during a disaster.

By taking the time to assemble your kit now, you’ll ensure that you have everything you need to stay safe and connected during an emergency. The last thing you want is to be caught off guard when a hurricane strikes. Preparation helps you protect your family, minimize panic, and navigate the storm's aftermath with greater confidence.

What to Add to Your Hurricane Emergency Kit

Water

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends having at least one gallon of water per person daily for at least three days. Don’t forget about pets when calculating how much water you’ll need!

Non-perishable Food

Stock up on items like canned goods, granola bars, and dried fruits. Make sure you have enough food to last for at least three days. Include a manual can opener in your kit as well.

First Aid Kit

Accidents happen during hurricanes, so it's essential to have a basic first aid kit with bandages, antiseptics, gauze, and any necessary medications.

Flashlights and Batteries

A reliable source of light is crucial during power outages. Stock up on flashlights, extra batteries, and even headlamps for hands-free operation.

Important Documents

Keep copies of your ID, insurance papers, medical records, and important contact numbers in a waterproof container. These are essential for recovery efforts post-hurricane.

Emergency Phone Charger

Staying connected is essential during a hurricane. Power outages could last days or weeks; your phone is your lifeline to the outside world. You’ll need a reliable way to charge your phone even when power isn’t available. ChargeTab emergency chargers are lightweight, compact, and can supply up to four hours of power for talk and text. Each ChargeTab portable charger is pre-charged, so you don’t have to worry about spending hours prepping your charger to power up your phone. With a weatherproof, biodegradable outer packaging, ChargeTab chargers have a shelf life of up to two years to ensure you have power for an emergency. 

Battery-powered Radio

A battery-powered or hand-crank radio ensures you receive real-time updates about the storm and recovery efforts if cell towers go down.

Personal Hygiene Items

Toiletries such as soap, toothpaste, and moist towelettes will help you maintain hygiene in the aftermath of a hurricane.

Blankets and Extra Clothing

If you need to evacuate or shelter in place, extra blankets and dry clothes can help you stay warm and comfortable.

Tools and Supplies

Keep basic tools such as a multi-tool, duct tape, and plastic sheeting in your kit for repairs or to seal your home during the storm.

Discover Emergency Phone Chargers from ChargeTab

A hurricane can wipe out power for days, making it impossible to charge your phone, which is often your main communication and information tool. That’s where ChargeTab steps in with our portable emergency phone chargers for Android and iPhone. Our compact, eco-friendly chargers are designed for emergencies, providing up to four hours of power for talk and text. ChargeTab's chargers are pre-charged and easy to store, making them a perfect addition to your hurricane emergency kit. Available in multipacks of 10 and 30, you can keep a ChargeTab charger stashed in multiple areas for easy accessibility. 

Sustainability is at the heart of our process. All of our lithium-ion batteries are upcycled. That means we do not need to manufacture new batteries; we refurbish, test, and recycle each battery to ensure optimal performance. Once you’ve fully discharged your ChargeTab emergency charger, send it back to us for free through our easy-to-use free recycling program! 

Don’t wait until it's too late; ensure you have a reliable way to keep your phone powered when disaster strikes. Stay prepared, and explore ChargeTab’s emergency phone chargers now to add this crucial tool to your hurricane preparedness kit. Power when you need it. Anytime. Anywhere.