Preparing for Hurricane Helene

Florida is about to feel the effects of another Hurricane, and depending on where some people live, it may be a lot worse than just the “effects” of a hurricane.

Throughout the day, I’ve had people contact me and ask about the supplies they should have on hand.

But in reality, you shouldn’t be preparing for a natural disaster or emergency in the day or two leading up to it; it should be something you work on year-round.

Every well-trained prepper and person who studies proper EDC tactics knows that in addition to your daily EDC loadout, keep water handy.  Think through your day and the weather, determine the size of a water bottle that will best suit your needs and purchase a CamelBak or a brand that will do the trick of holding enough water and keeping your beverage cold long enough to make it through the day.

It would always be smart to have 7 days of food and water handy.

Throughout the year, you should also figure out the water you like, look for sales and buy it up in bulk. Store them in a relatively cool place that is not exposed to the sun.  As they are being stored in plastic bottles, the typical Poland Springs, Zephyrhills or other big brand water may have an expiration date on them, so rotate them, drink them year-round and ensure you don’t store expired water.

However, if you want to avoid storing expired water, you can invest in a Water Gerry Can or  a Water Bob,  but depending on your water source, you need to be cognizant of water hygiene. Two great items to consider are Aqua Water Purification Tablets, or you can break out the big wallet and purchase a  Katadyn Hiker Pro Transparent Water Filter.

When it comes to food, make sure to buy items that are non-perishable and preferably not salty.  Unsalted peanuts, cans of tuna, protein bars and Emergency Ration Bars are good items to store.  

While you’re deciding what food items to save for an emergency, remember that the circumstances after a storm or emergency may not be ideal and creature comforts won’t all be available or functioning so have these considerations in mind while planning:

1. You may or may not be doing a lot of physical activity after an emergency and need protein and high caloric foods.
2. You want to avoid salty and fatty foods that could cause dehydration,
3. You may want convenient foods, but also need to avoid any that will dehydrate you or cause you to need a bathroom on a frequent occasion.
4. Plan to store a minimum of 3-days worth of supplies, but 7 is better.
5. Plan in advance the amount of people you’ll be hunkering down with an ensure you have extra supplies in case you become the Good Samaritan.

You’ll definitely want to review any guidelines put out by your state regarding emergency supplies. For example, depending on where you live in Florida, you may want sandbags filled with sand blocking entrances to your home.  As an example, the State of Florida puts out this Disaster Supply Checklist.

If you live in other parts of the country prone to flooding, you should consider having a boat or inflatable boat ready to use.

No matter where you live, you’ll want to have a Go Bag or the supplies I mention in my Get Home Loadout Recommendations ready to take with you.  I’ve been reviewing the ones made by Unchartered Supply which look quite robust and complete especially if you’re looking for a quick and easy solution.

And then no matter what, as I told my friend that he must buy these items below, and this advice applies to all my readers as well.

MED KITS

Med Kits—either this  one EVERLIT Advanced Emergency Trauma Kit

OR

My Medic (in any of their size configurations, but I personally use this one) My Medic MYFAK Large Medical Kit (PRO) –

UTILITY KNIVES

There will always be a reason to have a tool handy. A man has tools. An Adult has tools. Be prepared.

 Leatherman Signal is really nice and light with the ability to use add-on bits, or if you don’t want to spend as much these Gerber ones should work for most people.

Flashlights

Surefire Defender (top-of-the-line and can double as a weapon)

Surefire Stiletto (a very good rechargeable alternative that’s recommended by many EDC blogs)

Or this Surefire G2X Pro if you don’t want to spend as much.  

As you can tell, I’m a strong supporter of Surefire because their products can take a beating and they work. While expensive, their batteries also last a long time and can withstand heat better than your typical alkaline batteries.

And when something goes bump in the night and you need to walk outside your house to find out but don’t want to use the Surefire grip while holding a pistol, consider this Energizer Rechargeable LED headlamp  which is probably more practical when you’re fixing things and need tools in your hand instead of a sidearm.