5 Products to Always Have Ready During Hurricane Season, According to a Floridian
Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
Hurricane Season Is Coming
Meteorologists and those who study Atlantic hurricanes have determined that most will form in the region between June 1 and Nov 30, a period commonly referred to as hurricane season. Experts are predicting about one less named storm than usual this year, but it only takes one in the right spot to force evacuations and flood your home. The best time to get prepared is yesterday, but not without putting some thought into what should actually go into your kit.
The standard advice is always going to be about food, water, and shelter. Follow that advice and use all common-sense measures that make sense for you. I've lived in Florida for almost a decade, and what I can tell you after braving multiple hurricanes is that, in addition to the basics, there are a handful of items and product categories that either my family or I have used personally that are a big help. Think of these as the deeper hits that go beyond flashlights and bottled water.
Gorilla Waterproof Patch and Seal Tape, $13 (was $21) at Walmart
Typically, my home expects up to 2 feet of flooding during each storm, and if we’re not careful, that water will pour into our home. After taking advantage of locally-provided sandbags, my family uses this tape to seal doors on our way out, and it’s made a noticeable difference in how much water makes it inside. Repeated good experiences have solidified Gorilla Tape as the real MVP in our hurricane prep lineup.
Also Check Out:
- Flex Tape Automotive Strong Rubberized Waterproof Tape, $15 at Walmart
- Gorilla All-Weather Duct Tape, $12 (was $29) at Walmart
Anker 535 Portable Power Station, $340 on Amazon
While we do leave our house during the storm, where we end up staying is not immune to power outages. In the past, I’ve just turned off my devices during these events, only turning on my phone periodically to check the news. Next time, I won’t have to be so power-conscious since I have a great portable power station in the Anker 535.
Also Check Out:
Petmate Sky Kennel, From $41 (was $70) on Amazon
Taking your pets with you isn’t just the right thing to do; in Florida, it is the law. There’s a big chance that at some point during your evacuation, you’re going to want a crate for your dog or cat, even if that isn’t something you normally do. Don’t wait and discover this after it’s too late, when affordable options like this one from Petmate aren't around.
Also Check Out:
- Midwest Homes for Pets iCrate, from $24 on Amazon
- Amazon Basics Portable Foldable Dog Crate, from $27 on Amazon
Mainstays 4-Inch Flexible Tripod Fan, $20 at Walmart
Hurricane season comes during some of the hottest months of the year, and if the power goes out, you’ll want to stay cool somehow. This flexible tripod fan is super convenient and is so powerful that it actually replaced my standard oscillating fan. It’s USB-C chargeable, has withstood dozens of chest-level drops onto hard floors, and can last all night on a single charge. Plus, it only uses about 8 watts of power, meaning it can run for hundreds of hours with my power station. I love this thing and wouldn’t dare leave it behind.
Also Check Out:
- Mainstays 4-Inch Foldable Fan, $19 at Walmart
- Mainstays 7-Inch Clip and Table Fan with LED and Timer, $30 at Walmart
Ryobi One+ 18V 100 MPH 325 CFM Cordless Leaf Blower, $118 (was $140) on Amazon
When you get home after the storm is over, even if you luck out and get no interior damage, your yard, porch, and garage are going to be absolutely disgusting. Sewage-tier water has been all over it will inevitably have a nasty patina of leaf litter, small pieces of garbage, and more junk you don’t recognize. Do yourself a favor and use a leaf blower to blow it away to start fresh.
Also Check Out: