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​​​​​How To Use The Shopping Guide

As hurricane season approaches (June 1 – November 30), all residents are encouraged to get prepared by creating a family hurricane plan and assembling a hurricane supply kit. These preparedness steps are key to safely weathering a storm, or any other disaster.

The eight-week Shopping Guide identifies the basic items required to comfortably sustain you and your family for 3-5 days following a storm that may leave you without power and potable water. Adding a few items to your regular shopping list each week is the easiest way to complete your Hurricane Kit with minimal impact to your budget.

This Guide also includes information for preparing a Hurricane Kit for infants, the elderly and your pet. A “how to” guide for creating a family plan and assembling a first aid kit are also included. Select the Accessibility Options Menu in the top right corner, next to the Search link, to increase the font size of this document, change the contrast or translate this information into other languages.

Food Groups For Shopping Guide

Bread Group Items

Crackers, dry bread sticks, pretzels, melba toast, rice and popcorn cakes, breakfast cereal, dry pasta, nutritional bars, bread (keep frozen until needed)

Meat Group Items

Canned or packaged tuna, chicken/turkey, meat, soup with beans or meat, sardines, beans, chili with meat or beans, ravioli/spaghetti, ham/pork, stew, Vienna sausage, peanut butter and nuts, and commercially prepared beef or turkey jerky

Milk Group Items

Shelf stable milk (keep chilled after opening), powdered milk (will need extra water), canned and boxed pudding (on grocery shelves, not in refrigerator section), nutritional drinks (e.g., Ensure)

Vegetable Group Items
Canned vegetables, soups of all types (cup of noodles, canned), canned 3-bean salad 

Fruit Group Items 
Canned fruit, applesauce, dried fruits (raisins, dates, apricots, etc.) and 100% fruit juice (not fruit drinks or punch)

Comfort Foods
Quick energy snacks such as trail mix, granola and fruit bars, cookies, hard candy, lollipops, instant coffee, tea bags

Items for Infants & Toddlers
Make sure to include ample amounts of food, formula (water), juice, diapers and wipes. It you plan to evacuate to a General Population shelter, bring your baby kit along with a stroller, portable crib or play pen.

Items for Elderly
Your kit should include water and food items that address special dietary needs (nutritional supplement drinks and low-sodium food), one-month supply of prescription drugs/medications/medical supplies, medical history, physician and health insurance information, list of medications with instructions, list of medical equipment (include model/serial number), copies of prescriptions. Visit Broward.org/Hurricane and select Residents At Risk​ for additional information. 

Note: Before purchasing instant food be sure you have enough water for reconstitution and a cooking source. Camp stoves and a chafing dish/fondue pot with sterno can be used. You can also purchase ready-to-light charcoal for your outdoor grill. Never use any of these cooking sources inside your house or garage. Always cook outside.

*Asterisk denotes items that should be taken with you if you are planning to evacuate to an emergency shelter. 

Week One

Grocery Store:

  • one gallon of water per person
  • one large jar of peanut butter
  • one meat group item
  • one can ready-to-eat soup
  • one box matches in waterproof container
  • one vegetable group item
  • one package paper plates
  • baby supplies*
  • one flashlight with batteries*
  • tarpaulin for temporary roof repairs
  • utility knife
  • sunscreen (SPF 15 or more)

Week Two

Grocery Store:

  • one vegetable group item
  • one fruit group item
  • one comfort food item
  • one bottle unscented bleach
  • one medicine dropper
  • one package of paper cups
  • one meat group item
  • self-starting charcoal, sterno or propane for grill or camp stove
  • pliers
  • plastic safety glasses/goggles
  • outdoor extension cords

Week Three

Grocery Store:

  • one gallon of water per person
  • one jar of jelly or jam
  • one meat group item
  • one can ready-to-eat soup
  • one fruit group item
  • one hand-operated can opener
  • one package paper napkins
  • baby supplies*
  • one portable AM/FM radio – battery-operated or hand crank
  • hatchet or axe
  • roll of duct tape

Week Four

Grocery Store:

  • one bread group item
  • one roll of paper towels
  • one vegetable group item
  • one roll of plastic wrap
  • one meat group item
  • one milk group item
  • one bottle hand sanitizer
  • sanitary wipes or other hygiene projects*
  • one flashlight with batteries*
  • heavy-duty work gloves
  • first aid kit supplies
  • waterproof container for insurance and bank documents, important contracts, proof of occupancy, inventory of belongings*

Week Five

Grocery Store:

  • one meat group item
  • one can of ready-to-eat soup
  • one fruit group item
  • one box large re-sealable food storage bags
  • one vegetable group item
  • one bread group item
  • baby supplies*
  • extra batteries for radio*
  • first aid kit supplies
  • fire extinguisher
  • games and puzzles for children*

Week Six

Grocery Store:

  • one gallon of water per person
  • one bread group item
  • one box sanitary wipes*
  • one roll heavy-duty aluminum foil
  • one package paper bowls
  • one meat group item
  • plastic trash bags and ties
  • assorted nails
  • one flashlight with batteries*
  • hardline telephone with jack (not cordless)
  • heavy work gloves

Week Seven

Grocery Store:

  • one meat group item
  • one can ready-to-eat soup
  • one box cereal
  • one milk group item
  • one comfort group item
  • one vegetable group item
  • baby supplies*
  • extra batteries for flashlights*
  • hammer
  • disposable aluminum pans

Week Eight

Grocery Store:

  • one gallon of water per person
  • one vegetable group item
  • one meat group item
  • one box heavy-duty garbage bags
  • one package plastic eating utensils
  • one roll paper towels
  • flashlight with batteries*
  • waterproof portable plastic container with lid for hurricane kit and important papers
  • mosquito repellent with DEET
  • First Aid Kit

Quick Tip:

Gather before the storm: money*, prescription medicines*, fuel for vehicle, important documents*, photo inventory of belongings*, proof of occupancy*, identification*

8 Week Hurricane Kit Shopping Guide Note: Suggested list for a family of four. Add extra items depending on your family size.​​

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