Must-Have Items for a Zombie Apocalypse… or a Hurricane

We learned a lot from the recent derecho (straight-line tornado with winds up to 100 mph) and Category 1 Hurricane Beryl that hit Houston back to back during the summer of 2024. Both events occurred during the heat of a Houston summer, where temperatures can reach upwards of 110 degrees Fahrenheit!

While we were mostly prepared, there are a few things that we wished we had. So here is a list of must-have, as well as highly recommended items to consider for hurricane preparedness. If you already have an emergency supply kit, make sure you check it regularly as the contents can expire over time. This is something we have also learned the hard way. :)

Must-Have Items

1. Fill Buckets of Water in your bathtub

During a hurricane, water can be contaminated due to line breakages or pump failures. The human body cannot survive more than 3 days without water. Beyond just drinking water, you also need it for brushing teeth, washing your hands, and flushing the toilet! We learned this the scary way when we flushed the toilet and didn't realize we had lost water. We thought the pipes would burst out of the wall from the water hammer.

You may have noticed that I said “fill buckets” rather than “fill your bathtub”. When we lost water, we were fine until we realized that the bathtub plug leaked. All of our water had already gone down the drain when we needed it most. Now we use buckets to store our water in the bathtub.

We also use these water storage cubes as a lighter weight method of transporting water. These cubes fold flat for storage, making them a great way to keep emergency water without taking up a lot of space in your emergency supply kit. If you’re wondering how many bags to buy, a good rule of thumb is 1 gallon per person for 3 days.

https://amzn.to/4d5JQyv - WaterStorageCube Premium Collapsible BPA Free No-Leak Foldable Plastic 1.3/2.6 Gallon Water Container Bag for Camping Hiking Backpack Emergency Storage Jug

2. Bottles Water or Purification Tablets

In the event of a boil water notice, bottled water sells out quickly and can be hard to find. A great alternative is purify tap water by filling these plastic water storage cubes with water and using 1 Aquatab. In 30 minutes, you have water that is purified from viruses, bacteria and odors, with better results then boiled water.

https://amzn.to/4d5JQyv - WaterStorageCube Premium Collapsible BPA Free No-Leak Foldable Plastic 1.3/2.6 Gallon Water Container Bag for Camping Hiking Backpack Emergency Storage Jug

https://amzn.to/4d5JQyv - Aquatabs 49mg Water Purification Tablets (100 Pack). Water Filtration System for Hiking, Backpacking, Camping, Emergencies, Survival, and Home-Use. Easy to Use Water Treatment and Disinfection.

We also used these for Costa Rica when traveling. Most of the country has purified water, but some of the rural parts may not. The purification tablets gave us peace of mind from anything that may unknowingly be in the water.

3. Food that does not require cooking

When you don't have power or water, it can be tricky to cook. Canned goods, protein bars, and dried fruits are good options to keep on hand at all times.

Our personal favorite (assuming you do not have peanut allergies) are peanut butter pretzels. These have more protein to keep you sustained for longer, do not require cooking and are generally a crowd pleaser.

Costco carries a 3 pound container for $10. Kroger carries a slightly smaller size for the same amount.

4. Hand Sanitizer

We all learned the importance of hand sanitizer during the COVID pandemic. If you lose water and are unable to wash your hands, this is a requirement to prevent from getting sick after touching something you shouldn't have.

5. Portable Power Banks or Power Stations

We had a 256 Wh power station that was half the size of the one suggested below. It included an AC adapter and also DC power (USB-A), so you could charge electronics like your phone. I used this in the bathroom to power my lighted mirror to get ready in the mornings. It also includes a large light.

The 256Wh size will easily charge 2 USB-A portable fans like these, as well as 2 iPhones overnight. We would periodically recharge it using the generator.

We realized that we needed a better option in case gas or propane for generators could not be found. So we purchased this unit, which is almost double the size, as well as a 160 watt solar panel which could recharge it fully in less than 3 hours.

https://amzn.to/3MciH1b - EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station RIVER 2 Max 500, 499Wh LiFePO4 Battery/ 1 Hour Fast Charging, Up To 1000W Output Solar Generator (Solar Panel Optional) for Outdoor Camping/RVs/Home Use

5. First Aid Kits

• bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any necessary prescription medications.

6. Flashlights

• Rechargeable LED Lanterns - https://amzn.to/3WSFzsF

• Rechargeable head lamps

• Flashlights and Batteries Have multiple flashlights readily available along with extra batteries to ensure you have access to light during power outages.

7. Grab and GO bags (if you decide to leave)

• Multi-Purpose Tool Include a versatile tool like a Swiss Army knife in your kit for various tasks that may arise during a hurricane.

• Cash and Important Documents Keep a stash of cash in small denominations as ATMs may not be accessible during a hurricane.Secure important documents like identification papers, insurance policies, and medical records in a waterproof container.

• Emergency Blankets and Clothing Have warm blankets, jackets, and sturdy shoes in your emergency kit to stay protected from the elements.

Optional but Highly Recommended

1. Rechargeable Handheld Fans

2. Board Games or Playing Cards

With kids constantly on devices these days, being without power can be a great opportunity for family time! Here are some of our favorite board games.

• Deck of playing cards

• Spot It

• Uno

• Ticket to Ride

• Catan

• Scrabble

3. Portable Generator (if you decide to stay)

This may seem like a pricey item to purchase, but when you're in the midst of an extended power outage, you will be willing to pay anything to have one. Especially if it's 90+ degrees outside like it was for us.

I have a separate post on this topic: Link here

4. Portable Air Conditioner

You're welcome!

Love, Angela

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