
As a professional organizer living in Tampa, Florida, I've had the honor of surviving both Hurricane Milton and Helene, along with many other hurricanes over the past 3 years. If there's one thing these storms taught me, it's that these storms can be incredibly stressful and frightening, and being organized can make a world of difference. Picture this: while my neighbors were frantically searching for flashlights and in a state of panic running to the stores, I was sipping my raspberry tea and watching the chaos, all thanks to my trusty hurricane prep plan. Whether you plan to stay put or evacuate, here are some simple tips to help you feel organized and feel the same peace of mind. Plus, at the end, I've included some tips for after the storm.
First off, let's talk about the all-important emergency kit. Think of it as your hurricane survival go-bag. Mine includes essentials like a first-aid kit, garbage bags, blankets, a new pack of batteries (different sizes), cell phone charging power banks and cords (incase someone you know has power or for hotel stays), a battery operated radio and of course, a battery-operated fan because Florida without AC is a nightmare. I also have a waterproof folder ready to transport my important documents like insurance papers and IDs. Trust me, you don't want to be rummaging through soggy papers. If you are on medication, have a list and try to fill them at least 4 days prior to the storm. Certain medications expire or need to be refrigerated so I don't recommend storing them all year long waiting for hurricane season.
Food and water is always essential. However, it is not something I pack in a bag. If you choose to evacuate, then having a few bottles of water and some snacks are helpful due to gas station lines and store shortages. However, once you are in a safe enough zone, these items are usually readily available. Don't waste the space you have in your vehicle with items that can purchased later. Now on the other hand, if you choose to hunker down, I will say 1 or 2 cases of water are helpful. Google suggests one gallon per person per day for at least three days. As an alternative and an eco-friendlier idea is to fill all of those water bottles that you already own with water. Food should be non-perishable items you "like" to eat. For instance, I don't like canned corn or spam. I'll buy corn for a certain recipe or even my kids, but I wouldn't eat it myself. Avoiding excess helps curb food waste too. The last thing you want is to be stuck with food that gets tossed. Also, if you choose canned goods, make sure you know where the can opener is. A safe plan is for 1-2 weeks incase you lose power. Don’t forget pet supplies if you have animals.
"Making your emergency kit more efficient involves focusing on the essentials, organizing for easy access, and ensuring everything is up-to-date. "
Next, let's discuss securing your home. I have pre-cut plywood labeled for each window, stored neatly in my garage. If you have the time before the next hurricane, I suggest spending some time to ensure that each board is labeled with a black sharpie with location/and or front and back. It takes my husband less than an hour to board up my windows, while my unprepared neighbors are still figuring out which end of the hammer to use. If you don't have hurricane shutters, but plan to evacuate, I would suggest taking the time to unplug lamps and other appliances. Power surges and outages can ruin them. In addition, take the time to move things located in lower shelves to higher ground, tables, countertops and even place them in the sink are all good ideas to mitigate damage. Bring in outdoor furniture and decorations that could become projectiles in high winds.
Regular Updates & Maintenance: Check your hurricane kit every six months to replace expired items and ensure everything is in working order. Keeping a checklist can help you track what needs to be replenished or replaced. Use clear, waterproof containers and label everything. This way, you can quickly find what you need without rummaging through the entire kit. Group similar items together, like medical supplies in one container and food in another. I store my hurricane kit in the garage on a top shelf in a clear bin/tote. This makes it easy to find and visually helps me remember. I do however keep my lanterns in the house in an upper cabinet in my kitchen. Every home is different so wherever you choose to store items is up to you. As long as you have an organized plan.
Lastly, communication and humor is key. I have a family emergency plan with designated meeting spots and a group chat for updates. This became more important for me this year. In the past, our kids have always had no school due to hurricane days. However, this year my family had a lot of changes happen with my teenage daughter and then my oldest son. When Miles went off to college, we needed to communicate with him about his drive home since his college is 2 hours away in a beach town with required evacuations. Then in the days leading up to the hurricane, we used the group chat to not only keep everyone updated, but also to ensures that when we saw a funny meme, we could share it. If you've worked with me, you know that humor and music is the best medicine. It helps me relieve stress and anxiety and re- focus my energy away from worry and onto something positive. I also created other group chats to communicate with my family that lives out of state and kept them in the loop. So, while hurricanes are no joke, with a little organization, you can ride out the storm with a smile.
After the hurricane: If you are reading this, you obviously survived - Thank God! There are tons of things to be grateful for... your health and your life. Damage can always be replaced. The best way to keep your home organized after the hurricane is to devote some time to the clean-up process. Restoring things to where they belong including outdoor furniture and yardwork. Reach out to friends if you need help. Don't wait too long to do this as the process can seem overwhelming if you do. Return the hurricane emergency kit back to its place to ensure that you can find it when you need it. Communicate with family and friends and make sure everyone knows that you are ok.
So, there you have it – your ultimate hurricane prep guide, straight from a professional organizer! Remember, while hurricanes can be unpredictable, your preparedness doesn’t have to be. Think of it as a chance to play a real-life game of Tetris with your belongings – just make sure you’re winning! And hey, if you find yourself with extra canned corn and bottled water after the storm, you’re all set for your next family camping trip. Stay safe, stay organized, and may your hurricane season be as calm as a gentle breeze!
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