My Dad Has Weathered 20 Years of Tropical Storms in Florida, and This Is What You’ll Need for Hurricane Season

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo:Getty Images; Amazon

Getty Images; Amazon

Floridians grow up dealing with a wealth of natural chaos, and the tropical storms of hurricane season top the list.

We’re so used to the lullabies of wind, lightning, and thunder that sometimes these massive storms aren’t taken seriously. But, because my dad was an eagle scout, the man is always prepared. Through 20+ years of weathering hurricane seasons in Jacksonville, Fla., our house has been fine — despite the best efforts of Matthew, Dora, and other ghosts of hurricanes past.

I asked my dad what he buys toprepare for tropical storms, so if you find yourself in the path of one, you’ll know exactly how to prepare.

What to Buy to Prepare for a Tropical Storm

Amazon Basics Rectangular 6-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip

Amazon

$14$11 at Amazon

Durasack Heavy Duty Sandbags

$12 at Amazon

Because of Florida’s sea level, flooding is the biggest issue during hurricane season. When Hurricane Matthew hit, Jacksonville had massive street flooding that affected many houses and businesses. So, before a bad storm, my dad will place sandbags like these in front of doors and long windows that touch the ground in order to prevent water from getting inside. Keep in mind that these won’t stop severe flood water, but they should manage anything under two feet.

LED Camping Lantern, 2-Pack

$35$21 at Amazon

Usually, one of the first signs of a bad tropical storm is when the power goes out. My dad keeps three to four of these types of LED lanterns in our laundry room so we can easily grab them to place around our house. The LED bulbs are quite bright, so even if the power goes out at night, you have a decent light source. Bonus: These particular lanterns have four light modes and are water-resistant should you have leaks or need to go outside when it’s raining.

Marbero Portable Power Station Solar Generator, $62 with coupon

$110$62 at Amazon

Given the power issues that can occur during tropical storms and hurricanes, a portable generator like this one is a good investment. It can keep your phones and computers charged to help maintain contact with your loved ones and to keep up with news of the storm and how it’s progressing. Plus, this generator is on sale for $45 off right now.

Poland Spring Brand 100% Natural Spring Water

$20 at Amazon

Though it might seem obvious, clean water is so important to keep during a storm. Large floods can cause contamination to the public water supply, as well as damage or other issues that could occur at your local water treatment plant. So, we always have a 24-pack of bottled water in our pantry during hurricane season.

Even once the storm has passed, there are a fewthings you might need for repairs. I’ve also included my dad’s top picks below, includinga tarpto cover any roof sections with missing shingles,work gloves to clear debris, anda chainsawto cut any broken tree limbs or branches.

Cartman Finished Size 8x10 Feet Waterproof Green Tarp

$15$10 at Amazon

Handlandy Work Gloves for Men & Women

$16$13 at Amazon

Wen 4017 Electric Chainsaw, 16-inch

$70$55 at Amazon

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See More from PEOPLE Shopping

Martha Stewart’s Modern Farmhouse Furniture and Decor Is on Sale from $22 Just in Time for a Spring RefreshThis $27 Nylon Tote Bag ‘Holds So Much’ — Even a Change of Clothes and ShoesWayfair’s Coastal-Inspired Furniture Storefront Has Pieces to Revamp Your Patio for Spring — Up to 60% Off

Martha Stewart’s Modern Farmhouse Furniture and Decor Is on Sale from $22 Just in Time for a Spring Refresh

This $27 Nylon Tote Bag ‘Holds So Much’ — Even a Change of Clothes and Shoes

Wayfair’s Coastal-Inspired Furniture Storefront Has Pieces to Revamp Your Patio for Spring — Up to 60% Off

source: people.com