Helpful Tools, Gadgets and Tips to Help With Before, During and After a Storm

Since our northwest Florida and coastal Alabama regions just experienced a devastating hurricane, Hurricane Sally, one that many of us were a bit unprepared for, I asked neighbors and community members a question that I thought could help out everyone next time if one ever comes our way again.

The question was: What were the most helpful tools, gadgets and preparation tips that helped them during and after the storm?

Two comments I received were expected and I want to include those first because they are indeed the most important for most people:

– Family, neighbors, friends and loved ones can never replace gadgets, tools, etc.

– Trust and faith in a higher power – God and the tools that help you feel closer to God (Bible, etc.)

These go without saying but I’m including them. Now onto the helpful list that you can consider adding to your inventory to be more storm prepared at home (Note: places like businesses, rescue centers, hospitals, etc. will have a different protocol and possibly additional needed items).

Hurricane and Storm Tools, Gadgets and Helpful Items Suggested by Northwest Pensacola (Beulah) Community Members:  
(Listed in no particular order)

1. Lanterns – Solar power lanterns with hand crank, battery powered LED

2. Cash (emergency stash)

3. Generator (and necessary gas or propane to power it)

4. Fans to keep cool (different sizes, battery-operated)

5. An electric tea kettle / hot pot

6. A percolator (coffee maker)

7. Instant drink and food that only requires water – i.e., instant coffee, grits, oatmeal mac-n-cheese, etc.

8. Solar landscape lights (can be turned into kids’ flashlights)

9. Solar phone charger

10. Collapsible five-gallon water jug

11. Portable water filter that you can use to filter water before any boil water notices. (Great for pets’ water)

12. Propane grill and propane

13. Lamp oil/kerosene with extra wicks and fuel

14. Battery-powered lights that can be hung from regular light fixtures just like a normal light (i.e., Etrends brand that are powered by AAA batteries)

15. Cast iron skillets – use on grills and propane cookers

16. Turkey frying pots – use for heating water and cooking

17. Large candles with lighters or matches

18. Extension cords and adapters

19. Tarps and other items to help prevent leaking

20. Large, well-insulated cooler (ice chest) and ice

21. Cases of water

22. Frozen water and ice filled empty 2-Liter Bottles in case you run out of ice. Stays frozen for several days.

23. Good books, board games and playing cards

24. Sanitizing items and toiletries (wipes, Lysol, TP, etc.)

25. Survival supply water container/Emergency water storage 5-gallon tank with a screw-on lid, simple spigot installed and aqua-tabs

26. Hot plates, Sternos for cooking (use as a portable stove in emergency heat source situations)

27. Place a blanket in your deep freezer to keep it insulated longer.

28. Organize your batteries before and after a storm so you can quickly grab what you need.

29. Put all your pet items and necessities in one area (i.e., food, leashes, carriers, etc.)

30. Outdoor/porch Solar LED light so you can see outside your home

31. Small appliances and cookers that don’t require a lot of power – Egg cookers, Toaster, InstantPot, etc.)

32. Compressed towels for bathing in case you run out of towels or don’t want to use up your towels

33. Camping style shower

34. Storage cans for gas and fuel

35. Radio (AM/FM) – handheld one, weather radio with alerts sent

36. Power transfer switch if you are using a generator

37. Life vests or flotation devices (1-2 around may be good to have for an extreme emergency)

38. Flashlights, Glow sticks

39. Flare kits and other visual signaling devices

40. Toolbox with handy tools (hammer, drill, nails, etc.)

41. Big yard tools for yard debris – chainsaw, ax, etc.

42. Sound signaling devices – i.e., air horn blasters, whistles  

42. First-aid kit

43. Activated warmers and heated apparel – in the event that a storm occurs during a colder time or temperatures decrease (i.e., hothands disposable items)

44. Wet and rain gear (jackets, boots, etc.)

45. Paint/spray paint to write with in need of help, emergency (for rescue – to identify home, person, pets, etc.)

46. Fire extinguisher

47. Super glue

48. Ladder

49. Fire blanket

50. Plastic wrap – helps with healing of burns, keep a burn clean and hydrated

*Note: This is not an exhaustive, complete list. There could be more helpful items not shown here. Thank you to everyone in northwest Florida/Beulah community who contributed to this helpful list. The safety of people and their loved ones is the top priority and resource.

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