Preparing for a Hurricane: What to Do the Week Before the Storm

When a hurricane is forecasted, the week leading up to its arrival is crucial for getting prepared. Many essential supplies like coolers, stoves, fuel, and water will quickly disappear from store shelves. Here’s how to plan and stock up effectively without overbuying or wasting money.

1. Secure a Cooking Solution

If the power goes out, you’ll need a way to cook. Make sure you have at least a single-burner propane stove. This small stove will allow you to prepare food even when electricity is unavailable. Propane fuel is also essential. A single one-pound propane canister will last a family of four about a week when used conservatively for cooking meals. Keep at least 2–4 canisters in your emergency prep kit to ensure you can cook during extended power outages.

For coffee drinkers, don't forget a percolator. If you rely on caffeine, it’s a simple solution to ensure you can still enjoy your coffee without electricity.

2. Prepare Your Refrigerator Items

Your refrigerator will be one of the first things to lose function when the power goes out. That’s why having a cooler is critical. A well-insulated cooler can keep food cold for several days. To make your cooler last even longer, wrap it in blankets to increase its insulation value. This trick can keep perishables safe for extended periods.

Instead of filling your coolers with bags of ice, freeze bottles of water ahead of time. These frozen bottles will not only keep your food cold but also provide drinkable water as they melt, maximizing both space and efficiency.

3. Stock Up on Water Wisely

Many people make the mistake of buying excessive amounts of bottled water. Instead of clearing out the store shelves, only keep a couple of cases of bottled water on hand, preferably frozen in your freezer. For additional water, invest in collapsible containers. You can fill these containers with filtered tap water from your home the day before the hurricane is expected to hit. This way, you won’t have to rely on store-bought water, and you’ll have a sufficient supply for the days ahead.

If you’re in an area that may face weeks without water, consider getting a Tub BOB. A tub BOB is a large water blivet that fits in your bathtub, holding enough clean water for an extended period. It even comes with a squeeze pump for easy access. If you don’t end up needing it, simply empty, clean it with a mild bleach solution, and store it for the next emergency.

4. Food Shopping: Plan, Don’t Panic

It’s common to see panic-buying of perishables like milk, eggs, and bread before a storm. Instead of stocking up on items that will spoil quickly, focus on foods that you already use and can store for longer periods.

Look at your regular grocery purchases and double or triple them. For instance, if you typically go through four cans of vegetables in a week, buy 8–12 cans instead. By doing this, you’re simply extending your usual pantry supplies, and if the storm doesn’t cause major damage, you won’t waste any food—you’ll just incorporate the extra stock into your normal meals.

5. Fuel and Energy

A reliable fuel supply is key. As mentioned, 1-pound propane canisters are great for cooking on your single-burner stove. Plan for enough fuel to last a week or more. If possible, also have extra flashlights, batteries, and a solar-powered phone charger to keep your devices functional in case of prolonged outages.

Preparation is key to reducing anxiety and avoiding the panic-buying that often happens right before a hurricane. By thinking ahead, you can ensure that you’re ready without wasting money on items you don’t need. Viking 6 Tactical offers free preparedness classes to help you develop a plan tailored to your specific needs, ensuring that next time, you’re ready for any storm. We can even help you build custom kits and teach you essential survival skills like first aid, making sure you and your family stay safe and confident during any emergency.