Hurricane emergency kit checklist: Your must-have disaster go-bag and home items to prepare for the storm

Hurricane season is here. Hurricane Erin is now officially the first hurricane of 2025. To stay ready for anything — strong winds, heavy rains and potential flooding — FOX Weather meteorologists recommend stocking up on go-bag essentials in case you need to evacuate. Keep scrolling to find the go-bag items, home essentials and car kits to prepare before storms hit.

Hurricane essentials

Whether you’re building a bag from scratch or restocking essential supplies for your home or car, here are the items you should prepare in case of an evacuation.

Go-bags: where to store supplies

Why you need it: Emergency situations may require you to survive on your own for a few days. When prepared properly, a go-bag can equip you with necessities until you reach a safe location or help arrives.

What to consider: The bag you use to store your supplies is entirely up to your specific needs, so only you will know what you require. (Consider how many people or pets it will serve and the type of home you live in.) No matter what, your go-bag should be able to hold a first aid kit, water, food, power sources and tools like flashlights and umbrellas. 

Waterproof dry bag: $11.99

A favorite of FOX Weather meteorologist Kiyana Lewis, this dry bag floats on water to keep valuables and survival essentials dry and safe in floods and heavy rain. It’s sealed with welded seams and an easy-folding waterproof fabric. 

Carhartt single compartment backpack: $69.99

This Carhartt backpack is another solid choice. It’s used by FOX Weather meteorologist Bob Van Dillen because it’s durable and built to last. The water-repellent technology keeps gear dry, has a padded pocket to stow electronics and zip pouches that can fit all the essentials.  

Waterproof duffel bag: $42.99 

This waterproof duffel offers lots of storage space with an easy-to-carry handle. It's designed to keep water and moisture out so that your essentials stay safe and dry. 

First aid kits

Why you need it: A first aid kit is essential, especially during weather situations when immediate professional care isn’t available. 

What to consider: When selecting a first aid kit, prioritize portability, organization and variety. You’ll want it to be easy to grab and well-stocked with bandages, antiseptic wipes and pain relievers. 

Johnson & Johnson first aid kit: on sale for $17.63 (28% off)

Original price: $24.47

This 160-piece first aid kit helps tend to minor injuries like cuts, burns, rashes and bites during weather emergencies. It’s neatly organized in a durable box and contains a variety of supplies for wound care, topical treatments and pain relief. 

Mini first aid kit: on sale for $9.72 (25% off)

Original price: $12.96

This kit, recommended by FOX Weather meteorologist Jane Minar, is filled with items that can handle minor injuries while fitting snugly inside (or fastened to) your go-bag.

Travel medicine bag: $12.99

FOX Weather meteorologist Haley Meier says it’s wise to keep a sufficient supply of prescription medication in a travel medicine bag in case of an emergency evacuation. It’s also smart to include extra eyeglasses and contact lenses (and solution). 

Power and connectivity sources 

Why you need it: In a weather emergency, your phone might be the only way to get help and stay on top of alerts and evacuation routes. (Plus, your phone’s navigation can help if you get displaced.) 

What to consider: Look for a power source with a high capacity (meaning it can charge multiple devices) and can withstand harsh weather. 

Anker power bank: on sale for $94.99 (14% off)

Original price: $109.99

FOX Weather correspondent Brandy Campbell recommends this Anker power bank, which has three charging ports (where users can charge an iPhone about four times or a laptop about one and a half times) to keep your devices charged during power outages and emergencies.

Magnetic portable charge: on sale for $23.79 (39% off)

Original price: $38.99

A magnetic power bank can wirelessly attach to your devices to charge them without electricity. Campbell likes that it can be used when there’s lots of water that can make plugging into outlets unsafe. 

Retractable car charger: on sale for $13.27 (21% off)

Original price: $16.88

Campbell also recommends this car charger that leverages your vehicle’s 12V auxiliary power outlet. Plus, it's combative with most electronic devices.

NETGEAR mobile hot spot: on sale for $489 (18% off)

Original price: $599.99

Wi-Fi and cell service are especially spotty (or can go out entirely) during an emergency scenario. Campbell uses this mobile hot spot from NETGEAR to get independent access to the internet plus 5G connectivity. It also has a battery life that lasts up to 13 hours on a single charge. 

Tools and Accessories

Why you need it: You never know what kind of destruction a hurricane will bring. A few multipurpose tools ensure you’re prepared for the unexpected. 

What to consider: Toolboxes can be heavy, so a few multipurpose tools can keep your pack light and provide space for other important things. 

Multitool knife: on sale for $15.99 (27% off)

Original price: $21.99 

Forget the toolbox, this nifty multitool knife contains a knife, a saw, a bottle opener, an L-key for Allen and Torx screws, an L-key for Phillips and flathead screws, an ejection pin, a fire starter, a window breaker and a whistle. The tools are made of stainless steel and a strong coated black oxide to prevent rust or corrosion. 

Flashlight: on sale for $7.99 (38% off)

Original price: $12.99

Flashlights are key for navigating low-light situations (like when the power goes out or you’re in a dark place). This waterproof flashlight illuminates your surroundings, with the option to narrow or widen the area you wish to light. 

Weatherman travel umbrella: $69

A travel umbrella is a must-have during hurricane season. This one from Weatherman is compact, lightweight and intended to be thrown in a go-bag. It occupies just 12 inches of space and weighs less than a pound. It withstands 45 mph winds, too. 

Food and Water Sources

Why you need it: Food and water are fundamental for survival during an emergency or disaster. Humans can only survive a few days without water and a limited time without food. A go-bag with provisions helps sustain yourself until help arrives, or until you reach a safe place.

What to consider: Prioritize non-perishable foods that require minimal preparation, like energy bars, dried fruits, nuts, canned goods or MREs. 

Mountain House meal assortment bucket: $134.49

This meal assortment bucket comes recommended by FOX Weather meteorologist Craig Herrera. It offers 24 servings of freeze-dried entrées and breakfasts, including beef stew, beef Stroganoff with noodles, spaghetti with beef and marinara sauce, chicken fried rice, and granola with milk and blueberries.

Chomps jerky sticks: $23.99

Chomps jerky sticks are the perfect protein snack. They take up minimal space in your bag and contain 10 grams of protein. 

Lifestraw personal water purifier: $17.49

Water gallon jugs are great, but they can be heavy. This straw purifies water sources (like lakes, streams and ponds), removing bacteria, parasites, silt and sand.

Home Essentials

Shop generators to keep your home powered up during storms, sand bags to minimize the impact of flash flooding and storage boxes to keep your valuables safe. 

Generators: how to keep your home powered up 

Why you need it: Hurricanes often cause power outages. Keep your lights and appliances powered with portable generators.

What to consider: Take into account how big your home is, what appliances you’re hoping to keep on and how you’d like to charge them — with gas, propane or solar energy. 

DuroMax 13,000-watt dual-fuel portable generator: on sale for $1,021.90 (32% off)

Original price: $1,499

The DuroMax 13,000-watt generator is made with heavy-duty metal (and no plastic), so it’s designed to last, even in the harshest weather conditions. Its all-terrain wheels make this generator a strong portable option that you can roll out whenever there’s a power outage. You can choose between two fuel options — gas or propane — to easily power your home’s appliances and lights. 

Gas powered generator: on sale for $799 (9% off)

Original price: $879

This gas-powered generator can power tools, air conditioners and small appliances for hours. Not only do you get two regular household outlets, but there are two USB ports for charging your devices.

Jackery portable power station: on sale for $499 (38% off)

Original price: $799

This portable power station relies on a solar panel to charge (you can also power up during emergencies via the Jackery app) and powers fridges, electric pots and AC units. It also has multiple charging ports, a car port and three AC outlets. 

Sandbags 

Why you need it: Sandbags create barriers to divert floodwater away from your home. By strategically placing sandbags around your space, you can reduce the amount of water entering, which minimizes potential flood damage. 

What to consider: Sandbags won't completely stop water from entering, but they can reduce the damage. You should still prepare for potential flooding and have an evacuation route in mind. 

Sandbaggy heavy-duty sandbags: $61.36

These military-grade sandbags are made from tough woven polypropylene and can hold up to 50 pounds of sand, dirt, gravel and rocks without tearing. One pack includes 100 empty bags, which are great for flood protection and even construction and erosion control. 

Quick-use barrier flood bags: on sale for $23.88 (20% off)

Original price: $29.99

These quick-use barrier flood bags grow to three and a half inches high within minutes of water contact. 

Sandless sandbags: $59.99

This long, skinny option is perfect for filling the gap between your door and the ground, minimizing the amount of water that can rush through. It doesn't actually contain sand, but rather relies on a super-absorbent polymer that swells on contact with water to form a solid, heavy barrier. 

Important Document Storage 

Why you need it: Important documents like passports, birth certificates and social security numbers can be damaged or lost during weather emergencies. Storage solutions like fire-resistant and waterproof lock boxes keep them safe and dry. 

What to consider: Safes and vaults can be heavy, so keep size, portability and features top of mind. Small, lightweight options that can be easily transported are best. 

Sentry Safe fire-resistant waterproof lock box: on sale for $75.57 (6% off)

Original price: $79.99

Recommended by FOX Weather meteorologist Britta Merwin, this lockbox from Sentry Safe stores personal documents safely and allows for quick evacuation if necessary. It withstands fire up to 1550°F for up to 30 minutes and water through 72 hours of submersion. It weighs 41 pounds, so you’ll need to be able to lift it. 

Honeywell fire resistant safe: $81.41

Lewis recommends this smaller option from Honeywell, which is equipped with a carry handle and weighs in at about 21 pounds. It's fire-resistant for up to 30 minutes. 

Fireproof document bag: $19.99

This fireproof document bag has a lightweight, night-reflective design that stashes cash and important documents and can be easily transported on the go. 

Car Essentials 

Why you need it: In case disaster strikes, and you need to evacuate, you'll need to make sure your car has essentials for any situation. Aside from a full tank of gas (perhaps the most important), you should also consider an emergency car kit, navigational tools and jumper cables. 

What to consider: Consider the type of car you have, the amount of space you have and the number of people (or pets) the vehicle will be servicing. 

Jumper cables: on sale for $9.99 (20% off)

Original price: $12.49

These 10-foot jumper cables support 200A peak current for jumping a 12/24V car battery, which is perhaps one of the most essential things to have on hand in case of an emergency. In the event that your car needs to be restarted, you’ll be thankful you have these. 

Emergency car kit: $69.95

This car survival kit contains everything you need in case you need to flee your home. The roadside assistance kit contains repair cable ties, bungee cords, electrical tape, a space blanket, a rain poncho, a reflective warning triangle, a glass breaker, a seatbelt cutter, safety gloves, tow rope and more to get your vehicle up and running in case of an emergency. 

LED road flares: $54.99

These LED road flares are key to being seen when an emergency happens at night. Other drivers can see the flares up to a mile away at night (and a half-mile away during the day). They come in packs of one, three, four, six or 12 flares with batteries already installed, plus a carry bag, a multi-tool, extra batteries, a seatbelt cutter and a whistle. 

National Geographic road atlas: $27.85

When navigation systems fail, an old-fashioned map is the way to go. This National Geographic road atlas contains up-to-date road maps for all 50 U.S. states, plus Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico. Major cities are shown in detail with inset maps and notes for infrastructure and other points of interest.