Hurricane season is quickly approaching, so now is the time to start getting prepared.  In this post, I will be sharing our favorite hurricane supplies that we were so thankful to have during Hurricane Ian and Milton.

Be sure to read to the end, as the last suggestion is one of the most important!

It is a work-in-progress, so as I find more great things to have on hand, I'll be adding them to this article. Also, if you have hurricane must-have's, please let me know, and we'll check them out!

(This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)

1. Portable Generator

This is our #1 top recommendation for hurricane preparedness! This Westinghouse portable generator was a life-saver for us and our extended family during Hurricane Ian. We were without power for 5 days, and without internet or cell service for most of that time, and had 16 family members taking refuge in our home.

We were very happy to have a dependable generator that could keep the fridge and freezer cold, and that we could turn on when we wanted water for showers or coffee. We used it sparingly, however, as fuel was scarce and hard to come by. We used the propane we had, then went to gasoline.We were so grateful for it, that my husband did this video review and demonstration on how to use it:

Generator Cord

Be sure you have a heavy-duty cord to use with your generator.  Here is the one we used in the video above:

2. Portable Solar Power Bank Generator

A solar power bank like this one by Allpowers is awesome. This is our newest addition to our emergency preparedness stash.  Unlike the Westinghouse generator above, this one powers by electricity or through solar panels. Since there is no propane or gas to mess with, you can safely use this indoors. Of course, it does not have the power that the Westinghouse does, so this is more for smaller jobs for shorter periods of time.But it is compact, lightweight, and can be used in a pinch, during any power outage, without having to bring out the big guns. 

3. Hand Crank Emergency Radio

During Hurricane Ian, our only link to the outside world, and what was going on with the location of the hurricane and other news, was our cheap emergency hand crank radio that I had bought years ago to have "in case."  We had never needed it until then, and boy, were we glad we had it!

4. Glass Water Dispensers

Before the hurricane arrives, gather lots of water in jugs, containers and your bathtub. Then get some glass water dispensers to have by your kitchen and bathroom sinks for washing hands and brushing teeth. As our well pump needed electricity to work. these were so handy to have!

And look what I have since found on Amazon...water dispensers with LED lights powered by batteries or a power bank so you can actually SEE to wash your hands or brush your teeth in the dark! Brilliant!

5. Road Atlas or Paper Map of your Local Area

During the hurricane, we got out our map of southwest Florida, and took turns cranking our emergency radio to be able to follow the path of the hurricane. Everyone should have a paper map! Even better would be a road atlas, in case you need to evacuate. Who knows where you might have to travel to, in order to avoid the path of the storm.

6. Solar Charger Power Bank

These are great to have one for each member of the family. A portable solar power bank for charging your cell phone. It also has a flashlight feature.

A must-have for sure! To recharge, simply place in the sun! Check out my video HERE
or BUY HERE!

7. Batteries

Check the expiration dates on your batteries and be sure to stock up on fresh new ones in all sizes, so you are never without the power you need for your flashlights, radios, and other battery-powered devices.
Duracell 28-ct AAA

Duracell 28-ct AA

Duracell 10-ct C
Duracell 10-count D

Duracell 6-ct 9V

8. Wireless Rechargeable Lights

Wireless rechargeable wall sconces are a must! We used similar ones when we lost power during Hurricane Milton, and they were a game-changer! They were centrally located in our great room, so they lit up the family room, dining, and kitchen area like a charm! We could all just sit, relax, and have conversation while the hurricane was raging outside!

9. First Aid Kit

It goes without saying that you should always have a well-stocked first aid kit on hand!As we found through our experience with Hurricane Ian, emergency services were either not taking any calls, or not dispatching any help. So being prepared to take care of any accidents or health issues on your own is an absolute MUST. This would also include always having a good supply of your current prescription drugs always on hand.

10. Emergency Food

Having an emergency supply of food is always a great idea. Valley Food Storage has premium, high-quality, non-GMO food with only ingredients you can pronounce.  It also lasts for 25 years, which should get you through quite a few hurricanes!

11. Camping Stove

A propane-fueled camping stove is great to have on hand for heating up your food.

12. Rechargeable Camping Lantern

I love this super-bright camping lantern by AYL. So great to have on hand for power outages, hurricanes, and emergency kits!I especially love that AYL is a small, family-owned business that you can feel good about supporting!

Hurricane Milton Update: This was so handy to have when we lost power during Hurricane Milton! I could just carry it from room to room for light!

13. Disinfecting Wipes

Disinfecting wipes are a must-have, especially when you don't have water.  During Hurricane Milton, I put one of these in the kitchen, and in each of the bathrooms.

14. Paper Plates

When you are without water and/or power, having paper plates and to use is a life-saver. Check out this heavy-duty value pack of paper plates.

15. Plastic Utensils

Same with plastic silverware! I love this set of 300...it is surprisingly heavy-duty, and you are sure to have plenty of spoons and forks on hand.

16. Paper Towels

Definitely have a lot of paper towels on hand...they come in handy for so many things. Check out this value pack of Scott paper towels HERE.

17. Regular cloth Towels & Rags

We used a lot of towels and rags on the window panes and on the floor under the windows during Ian, as the hard, blowing rain would go right through the cracks under the windows.

Thanks to Coastal Conservatory reader Becky, for the following 5 suggestions!

18. A List of Important Phone Numbers

Make a written paper list of important phone numbers in case your phone doesn't work. This would include friends' and family and other emergency contacts.(Thanks to reader Becky for this idea!)

19. Tarps

You will be glad you have tarps on hand if your roof starts leaking.

20.  Buckets

Buckets were also indispensable to us during Hurricane Ian, as not only were they good for leaks as well, but for flushing our toilets. Without electricity, we had no running water, so we'd keep a bucket of water from the pool in each bathroom to be able to flush. Large plastic Tupperware bowls and pitchers worked well, too.

21.  Tool Kit

A complete tool set is a must for being prepared for the unexpected. I love this 255-piece tool set by Sundpey. It is a great price for all that you get. You can get it HERE.

22.  Extra Gas for your Car & Generator

A full tank of gas is essential in case you need to evacuate, but extra gas is also important in the days and weeks following, if your area is greatly affected by the storm.  Gas is scarce during and after hurricanes. Gas stations may be closed, out of gas, or have very long lines. 

23.  Prescriptions Rx's

Be sure you have refills of all needed medications in case you are not able to get to a pharmacy for a few weeks.

24.  Diapers, Wipes & Baby Formula

If you have a baby or toddler in the house, be sure you have enough baby supplies to hold you for a while.

25.  Clothesline & Clothespins

After Ian, we got clothespins and strung up a huge clothesline between two trees to dry our hand-washed clothing and wet towels from the rain that had gotten inside. Very handy!

You can also get a wooden free-standing clothes drying rack like THIS ONE in solid maple.

26.  Ziploc Freezer Bags

Fill gallon size Ziploc freezer bags with water and place in your freezer. They will help keep the food cold longer if you lose power. When they melt, you have good drinking water.(Thanks to my friend Michele R. for this tip!)You can also use extra Tupperware containers you have laying around. I scoured the house for all I could find, filled them with water, and put in the freezer. It also helps to make a lot of ice in the days leading up to a hurricane. Just keep filling Ziploc bags with ice to have on hand when you need some cold water when the power is out!

27. Cash

After the hurricane, many of the restaurants and stores that reopened were unable to process credit cards, so were "cash-only," even essential stores like Home Depot, so definitely have cash on hand!

I hope you enjoyed our list of our favorite hurricane supplies. We'll be adding more as we find more must-haves.If you'd like to read more about our experience during Hurricane Ian, check out our post Hurricane Ian Update from our Family (Southwest Florida). To read a survivor's story from Sanibel Island, check out Surviving Hurricane Ian (Sanibel Survivor Story)

What are your hurricane must-haves? Comment below!