Hurricane Season begins June 1 and ends November 30.
May 3-9, 2026 is National Hurricane Preparedness Week
Reaching Storm Ready
I am a native born and raised Floridian. I’ve been through more than 50 hurricane seasons. And lived through 3 Canadian winters as a young adult. Storm preparation is a necessity of life and is best done long before it is needed.
In my three years working at Publix I witnessed some of the worst ideas for storm preparation in mass. Frozen foods and stocking up on milk are not storm worthy choices. What will you do when the power goes out? And it will. Whether by ice or trees on the lines or sheer wind alone, electricity is at risk in any storm. So, let’s start on the right foot and plan for it!
People and Provisions
To begin, we must take into consideration the people (and animals) we care for. Their needs, and yours, come first. Make a list of all the foods that your people prefer, then find compatible options. You will need foods that do not require heating up or refrigeration. While we’re thinking, let’s get an idea of what a meal may look like straight from the pantry. Even go so far to serve such a meal to see how the family takes it. This may lead to everyone sharing ideas for future storm-ready meals. (take notes!)
Foods to consider
- Canned goods of all varieties such as vegetables, meats, fruits, beans, nuts, seeds, dried fruit
- Canned meat is cooked and ready to eat. Tuna packets can be eaten straight from the packet, all you need is a fork!
- If you have a non-electric heat source you can stock popcorn. Even if you don’t pick up a bag of popped corn on your last trip to the store.
- Snack foods for boredom: focus on nutrition with protein bars and peanut butter.
Water: The Lifeline
We need one gallon for drinking every day, for each adult. Plan for 3 days of stormy weather and 4 days of cleaning up. You’ll need 7 gallons for each adult. (I am using this timeline as an example, you may only need 3 days of supplies, or you may need 3 weeks. But we have to start somewhere.) Stock up gradually to avoid a last-minute scramble. Save yourself the angst and add a gallon of water to your cart every time you shop.
Water for Sanitation and Cleanup
We also need water to clean bodies. If you have a tub, fill it. Use that water when the power goes out for bathing, cleaning, and then for flushing toilets.
The Well Factor: If you have a well, you will not have running water when the power goes out.
Septic Warning: Be aware of your septic system! If you have a lift in it, learn how it works during a power outage.
Storage Tip: Buy food-grade 5-gallon buckets. Buy the screw on/off lids for easier access. Fill them with clean water. If storing for more than six weeks, add 1 teaspoon of bleach to 5 gallons of water to keep it clean. You will need about 3 gallons of cleaning water per person. Multiply by how clean you like to be. But you can get a good bath with 3 gallons of water. (reduce the amount of soap you use)
That’s the basics
Grab your notebook, turn to a clean page and title it “Reaching Storm Ready”. Start making lists of foods, supplies, meal ideas, boredom busting activities, and so on. Start by asking yourself this question: If we are huddled down on our own, no power, no open stores, what will we want? Write that down. Then work those items into your normal shopping. That’s why we start this early! You may have to hide your stock to keep it from being pilfered by the family before the storm hits.
You might like to read about my super simple meal planning. Just the basics, ma’am.
And what Avon will we need?
Bug Guard! And Skin so soft bath oil! Even if all you can manage is a rinse off with lukewarm water, a splash of Skin So Soft bath oil will have you feeling fresh and delightful. And the beautiful benefit of Bug Guard – you won’t feel the need to wash it off!
Check back next week for part 2, we’ll talk about all the other things that need to be tended to before a storm hits. Sign up for the weekly newsletter below.