09/02/2025
J Custom Supply, Inc.
2025 Hurricane Preparedness Checklist
At J Custom we have been designing and supplying portable and emergency power systems for over 45 years. While most of our customers are commercial and industrial facilities that need reliable power systems during emergencies, we feel a sense of responsibility to our friends and neighbors to share some important information about what it takes to survive a hurricane. This is expected to be a hot summer and a very active Hurricane season. Please take this advice seriously as the lives of your loved ones may depend on it.
But wait! There is nothing active in the Gulf right now, so why worry about it until a storm actually comes? Because if you wait, the home supply stores, grocery stores, gas stations, and other venues are typically crowded and chaotic, and often sold out when hurricane watches and warnings are issued.
The most important thing you can do as hurricane season approaches is to get yourself, your family, and your home prepared NOW. Don’t wait until everyone is rushing to “get ready.”
You should prepare for two separate responses to an approaching storm: one is to have the necessities to stay in your home and ride out the storm, and the second is to be prepared to evacuate to a safer location and stay away until the storm passes.
The decision to stay or go obviously depends on the expected storm track and your comfort level. If you live in a low-lying or coastal area that is expected to be in the direct storm path, please leave! Expect the roads to be crowded and plan accordingly.
For Evacuation
Pack the items you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container, preferably one that is waterproof. If nothing else, use some large plastic garbage bags to pack. Unless you have an open bed pick-up or a rear luggage carrier, it is not recommended to carry spare gasoline in your vehicle, however, you should fuel your vehicle as soon as a Hurricane Watch is declared in your area and never let the fuel level go down past half full.
You should pack some cash, credit cards, insurance cards, some non-perishable food items, some bottled water, and any prescription medications. If you have important papers in your house, such as wills, deeds, and vehicle titles, pack them in large zip-lock bags to prevent them from getting wet. Look at the size and capacity of your vehicle and be reasonable in what you will take. Yes, the things in your house are precious to you, but they can be replaced. Your first goal must be the safety of your family! If you will be evacuating with pets, you need their food and leashes for dogs or cages for cats. Call hotels in a safe/host location and ask if you can bring your pets. Ask the manager if a no-pet policy can be lifted during the disaster. Most emergency shelters do not admit pets.
If you have infants, you will need formula and diapers. Remember you may be on the road for many hours just to travel a short distance. It is a good idea to take a roll of toilet paper as many of the roadside facilities will see heavy usage and may be out.
Riding out the Storm at Home
If you plan to stay you should prepare for the loss of basic utilities. Your home should be stocked with six basics: water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies, and special items.
Emergency Generator: This will be the subject of a separate article, as there is a lot to consider. The following assumes that you either do not have a home generator or are unable to obtain fuel. It is geared toward riding out the first few days without power or assistance.
Water: Buy several cases of water in plastic containers. Use all the extra freeze space to freeze as many water bottles. This will keep your food cold a little longer when the power is lost, and then still be available to drink. A normal person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers, and ill people will need more. Have at least a three-day supply of drinking water for each person in your household as even if the water supply is not lost, it may be contaminated. Fill all bathtubs and sinks in your home with water, this can be used for food preparation, bathing, and toilet flushing if you lose water pressure.
Food: Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water. Many homes have gas cooktops in the kitchen, which normally work without electricity if you light them with a match, however, natural gas was the first service lost in New Orleans during Katrina! If you must heat food, pack a can of Sterno, DO NOT USE A CHARCOAL GRILL INDOORS!!! Some suggested food items are ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables (remember to have a non-electric can opener!) and canned juices.
First Aid Supplies
Assemble or purchase a first aid kit for your home and one for each car. Include non-prescription drugs like aspirin or nonaspirin pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacid (for stomach upset), a laxative and some activated charcoal (for poison treatment.)
Most normal households will have most of these items, just check and be sure that you do!
Tools and Supplies
Paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils
Zip-lock bags to store food when opened
Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
Flashlight and extra batteries
Cash and/or change
Non-electric can opener, utility knife
Fire extinguisher: small canister ABC type
Pliers
Roll of Duct Tape
Lighter or matches in a waterproof container
Paper, pencil
Needles, thread
Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water
Plastic sheeting or tarps for covering broken windows or holes in the roof
Sanitation, Clothing and Bedding
Hand sanitizer
Disinfectant wipes
Toilet paper, towelettes
Soap, liquid detergent
Feminine supplies
Personal hygiene items
Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)
Plastic bucket with tight lid (emergency toilet)
Household chlorine bleach for disinfectant
Sturdy shoes or work boots
Rain gear
Blankets or sleeping bags
Hat and gloves
Sunglasses
Remember family members with special requirements, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons.
For Babies:
Formula
Diapers
Bottles
Powdered milk
Medications
For Adults
Heart and high blood pressure medication
Insulin
Prescription drugs
Denture needs
Contact lenses and supplies
Extra eye glasses
Entertainment: A deck of cards, board games or other games that don’t require batteries or electricity, books for both adults and some for children.
