Hurricane Supplies: The Bare Essentials

No one knows how to prepare for a hurricane like a Floridian. Years of practice runs, close calls and even direct hits have given Florida residents an appreciation for what is needed in the aftermath of a hurricane.

When it comes to preparing for a storm, the first piece of advice is reminiscent of Christmas: shop early. Although the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season isn't until August through October, the season officially starts on June first. Around this time, the state of Florida conveniently offers a "tax holiday" on hurricane supplies. Obviously, there is no better time to get prepared.

To cover all of the items one needs to prepare for a hurricane in a few pages is nearly impossible, so the scope of this article is limited only to the basics and a few whimsical notes of comfort. If a hurricane is in your future, your local government is very likely to publish lists of essential supplies in your local newspaper. Be sure to consult these lists and take heed.

Big & Luxury Buys

For those accustomed to the luxury life, the days after a hurricane can be barbaric. With widespread power outages making air conditioning very hard to find, the sweltering Florida heat is a stark contrast to the cool indoor summers most Floridians enjoy. Fortunately, large generators are capable of producing enough electricity to power an air conditioner. Even better, generators are part of the tax-free hurricane shopping period. If you doubt your ability to survive heat indices soaring into the 120+ range without support of an air conditioner, then a generator and small window air conditioning unit are must-haves. In the devastation after a major storm, these two everyday basics become the staples of luxury; the "haves" and "have nots" no longer apply to money in this situation but, instead, to air conditioning.

The Basics