Building Your Hurricane Preparedness Kit

As hurricane season approaches, it's essential to equip yourself and your family with the necessary supplies to weather the storm safely. Building a comprehensive hurricane preparedness kit is the first step in ensuring you're ready to face the challenges of a major weather event. At Viking 6 Tactical, we believe in proactive preparation, and we're here to guide you through the process of assembling a hurricane prep kit that covers all the essentials. Here's how to get started:

1. Water:

Water is the most critical item to include in your hurricane prep kit. Plan to have at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. This water will be used for drinking, cooking, and hygiene purposes. Store water in clean, airtight containers and replace it every six months to ensure freshness.

2. Non-Perishable Food:

Stock up on non-perishable food items that require little to no preparation and have a long shelf life. Examples include canned goods (such as fruits, vegetables, beans, and soups), granola bars, peanut butter, nuts, dried fruit, and crackers. Aim to have enough food to sustain your family for at least three to five days.

3. First Aid Kit:

A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for treating minor injuries and medical emergencies during a hurricane. Your first aid kit should include adhesive bandages, gauze pads, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes, scissors, tweezers, pain relievers, antihistamines, and any necessary prescription medications. Consider including a basic first aid manual for reference.

4. Emergency Lighting:

In the event of power outages, reliable lighting sources are essential for maintaining visibility and safety. Include flashlights with extra batteries or hand-crank flashlights in your hurricane prep kit. Additionally, consider adding candles, lanterns, or battery-powered LED lights for additional illumination.

5. Communication Devices:

Ensure you can stay connected with family members and emergency services by including communication devices in your hurricane prep kit. A battery-powered or hand-crank emergency radio will provide access to weather updates and emergency broadcasts. Don't forget to pack a fully charged cell phone with a portable charger or spare batteries.

6. Personal Hygiene Items:

Maintaining personal hygiene is important, even during a hurricane. Pack essential hygiene items such as hand sanitizer, wet wipes, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, and shampoo. Include a plastic bag for disposing of waste and a small shovel for sanitation purposes if needed.

7. Important Documents and Supplies:

Gather and store important documents in a waterproof and fireproof container or sealed plastic bags. Include copies of identification documents, insurance policies, medical records, financial documents, and emergency contact information. Additionally, consider adding cash in small denominations and a credit/debit card to your hurricane prep kit.

8. Additional Supplies:

Depending on your specific needs and circumstances, consider adding additional supplies to your hurricane prep kit. These may include a multi-tool or Swiss Army knife, duct tape, rope or paracord, a whistle or signaling device, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a basic tool kit for minor repairs.

By assembling a well-rounded hurricane preparedness kit that includes essential supplies for survival, communication, and personal safety, you can increase your resilience and readiness for any storm that comes your way. Remember to periodically review and refresh your hurricane prep kit to ensure it remains up-to-date and fully stocked. At Viking 6 Tactical, we're committed to helping you prepare for emergencies and stay safe in any situation.