
When a storm is on the horizon, the last place you want to be is in a crowded grocery store with empty shelves. But prepping for hurricane season doesn’t have to mean panic buying or blowing your budget. With a little planning, you can build a solid hurricane kit over time — and avoid the last-minute rush.
🥫 What to Stock: The Smart Essentials
Here’s what should be in every Bahamian hurricane kit:
- Water: At least one gallon per person per day for 3–7 days
- Canned goods: Tuna, sardines, beans, corned beef, soups, fruit — all with long shelf life
- Crackers, cereal, peanut butter, powdered milk
- Baby items: Diapers, wipes, formula, snacks
- Pet food and supplies
- Medications: Refill prescriptions early and include basic first aid items
- Batteries: AA, AAA, D, and any needed for fans, radios, or flashlights
- Flashlights & battery-powered lanterns
- Manual can opener (don’t forget it!)
- Disinfectant wipes, garbage bags, and gloves
- Cash: In small bills, in case ATMs and POS systems are down
- Fuel: For generators, stoves, or lanterns — but store safely
💰 On a Budget? Build Over Time
If money is tight, don’t try to get it all at once. Instead:
- Add 2–3 canned goods or bottled waters to each weekly grocery trip
- Watch for 2-for-1 deals or dry goods on clearance
- Set aside $5–$10 a week for a hurricane cash stash
- Rotate your pantry by using and replacing items throughout the season
The key is consistency, not perfection.
❌ What to Skip (Unless You’re Sure You’ll Use It)
- Gourmet or “storm snacks” that take up space but don’t fuel
- Perishables that won’t survive a power outage
- Large frozen foods (unless you have backup power)
- Duplicate gadgets — a solid flashlight is enough, no need for five
🧾 Bonus Tip: Keep a Running List
Keep your hurricane supplies list visible on the fridge or inside a cabinet. Check it weekly. That way you’re not guessing what’s missing when a storm system starts brewing.