Unexpected Items That Can Save Time & Stress During Hurricane Season

When a hurricane is approaching, most Floridians know to grab bottled water, canned food, and batteries. But what about the clever, everyday objects already in your home? You may be surprised to learn about how common household items could save time, reduce stress, and make life easier before, during, and after the storm.

These household hurricane survival tips highlight 10 unexpected items to help you stay safe and more comfortable when resources are limited.

1. Freeze Tupperware or Zip-Close Bags of Water

One of the most overlooked household hurricane survival tips is to freeze containers of water ahead of time. Tupperware, reused plastic bottles, or zip-top bags filled with water can help keep your freezer cold longer if the power goes out. As they melt, they also provide safe drinking water. Just be sure to start freezing days in advance so everything has a chance to freeze all the way through.

2. Create a DIY Dog Potty

If conditions outside are unsafe, your pet still needs a place to go. Line a large, shallow box or kiddie pool with a plastic trash bag, then fill it with sod or puppy pads. Place it in a quiet area of your home. It’s a simple, effective indoor solution until it’s safe to head outdoors.

3. Use Solar Garden Lights Inside

Those solar-powered lights lining your walkway can be a major asset indoors. Charge them outside during the day and bring them in at night for soft lighting without relying on battery power or open flames. It's one of the safer household hurricane survival tips, especially if you have kids or pets.

4. Turn a Squeeze Bottle Into a Handwashing Station

An empty dish soap or condiment squeeze bottle can serve as a makeshift faucet. Fill it with clean water and position it above a bucket or basin to create a gravity-fed handwashing station. This comes in handy when water service is interrupted.

5. Mark Wash Water With a Bar of Soap

To keep water sources straight, tie a bar of soap to buckets or jugs meant for cleaning – not drinking. This simple visual cue helps prevent mix-ups during the storm, when multiple water containers may be in use.

6. Spoon-in-the-Freezer Trick

Place a metal spoon on top of a frozen cup of water in your freezer. If the spoon has sunk into the ice after a power outage, it means the freezer warmed and food may no longer be safe. It’s an easy food safety check, and a smart addition to your household hurricane survival tips.

7. Use Toilet Paper Rolls to Tame Cords

Managing charging cables and cords can get chaotic during a storm. Slide each cord into an empty toilet paper roll and label it with a marker. It keeps them tangle-free and ready to use when you need them most.

8. Text Yourself Critical Info

Snap photos of your insurance policies, driver’s license, medical documents, and emergency contact numbers, and text them to yourself. This trick works well because texts can often be accessed even if you lose internet access. It’s one of the simplest but most valuable household hurricane survival tips.

9. Salt to Manage Trash Odors

When trash pickup is delayed and food starts to spoil, sprinkle salt at the bottom of your garbage can. It helps absorb moisture and odors, keeping your space more bearable while waiting for services to resume.

10. Use a Mirror as a Signal or Light Amplifier

A handheld mirror or compact can double as a signaling tool in daylight, reflecting sunlight to get attention if needed. You can also use it to amplify flashlight beams by angling light into hard-to-see corners, which is particularly helpful during power outages. Among all household hurricane survival tips, this one offers surprising versatility in a pinch.

Smart Hurricane Prep Using Household Items

Preparedness doesn’t always come from store shelves. These household hurricane survival tips illustrate how, with a little creativity, everyday items in your home can help you stay safe, calm, and in control during one of the most stressful times of year in Florida. From frozen water containers to repurposed squeeze bottles, the best tools might already be within reach – no last-minute shopping required.

And while you’re preparing for the worst, don’t forget to review your home insurance policy with your agent each year. You’ll want to be sure you have adequate existing coverage, whether you need additional types of protection (e.g., a flood insurance policy). Your agent can also help you adjust your premium cost by altering your deductibles.

Not yet insured by Edison Insurance Company? Get a quote online now.