School finally started back for me a few weeks ago and I’ve been busier than ever! But after having last Monday off for Labor Day, I was ready to hit the grind again on Tuesday. Uuuuuntil the end of the day Tuesday, when I heard that school was going to be canceled Thursday and Friday due to hurricane Irma (Irmahgerd that’s crazy!) and I rejoiced for the new four day weekend.

And after preparing for the hurricane the last few days, I’ve compiled a list of tips and tricks to help you survive any hurricanes you may encounter.

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1. Put Up Shutters

With over 120 mph winds going on outside, you’re going to want protection for your windows. Although it’s crazy tempting to want to see trees, leaves, cars, and practically everything flying around outside, you want to make sure that you’re safe. So whether you have way cool accordion shutters that can just close shut or you have manual shutters like I do, put them up and stay safe from those flying tree branches.

I’m completely serious here. Don’t get whomped out there. *finger guns*

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2. Food Up

Stock up on food! Not only should you stock up on food for your fridge, you should also make sure you have enough non perishables in case the power goes out. My family made some healthy banana bread because it can sit out without refrigeration and it’s quick and filling too! Check out the recipe I blogged about awhile back here.

If you have a grill, make sure you have food to grill in case you have no power and stock up on propane to keep it going! Pro tip: buy a lot of tortillas so you can grill them to make quesadillas! The possibilities are endless. You want to make sure you look like this during the hurricane…

Instead of like this.

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3. WATER. WATER. WATER.

You need water to survive. It’s a simple fact. Make sure that each person in your household has a gallon per day. You also need water for cooking and cleaning and bathing so it’s pretty darn important! Especially if your air conditioning goes out or you eat too many salty snacks, you’ll be extra thirsty so get some extra water. Get more than less. Fill up your bathtub with water if necessary. Fill up all your reusable water bottles too.

Make sure that you get your water as soon as you start hearing about the hurricane and don’t wait last minute because everyone is going to need water! Wouldn’t you rather be at home putting up shutters instead of standing in line at Publix or your nearest supermarket waiting for water that they just might not have? Stay hydrated my friends.

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4. Gas Up

When you need gas, you can just go to the nearest gas station right? WRONG. To evacuate, you need to be able to drive which is only possible if you have gas. So naturally, everyone goes to make sure their gas tanks are filled.

But gas stations don’t have an unlimited amount of gas in them so if you’d rather spend your days leading up to the hurricane not foraging around town for gas or waiting in line for hours, get your gas ASAP and don’t waste it! Bring some extra jugs if you have any and stock up.

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5. Get Some Books

With no power, you won’t be able to have wifi and without wifi…well it could be chaos. Grab some good books to keep you occupied and a flashlight and candles if needed!

Considering my “nightstand” next to my bed is made up of the Harry Potter books stacked, I’ll be reading those to occupy my time during the storm if the power goes out. Or maybe I’ll do some Latin translations…but that’s if I’m really desperate.

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6. Check Your Batteries and Charge Up

Everybody’s mom has a stash of batteries somewhere in their home that you’re normally not allowed to use…or maybe that’s just me, but check them to make sure they work! We thought we had a bunch of batteries but when we went to go get some, many of them had leaked in the package and were no good. So check to make sure you have batteries! They can be used for your flashlights, radio, or even fairy lights for when the power goes out.

Charge up all your external batteries and your phones, laptops, tablets, or basically any pieces of technology you have because you won’t be able to when your power goes out!

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7. Finish your Netflix Show Before the Power Goes Out

That’s it. That’s all I have to say. Can Rachel Berry wait? Can Michael Scott wait? Can Leslie Knope wait? CAN JON SNOW WAIT?

The answer is no.

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8. College Applications!

Bored during the hurricane? You can be like me and finish your college applications. Or start them. Just make sure you save your work in case the power goes out suddenly. These are desperate times people.

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9. Take Your Dang Pets!!!

If you have a pet or multiple pets, TAKE THEM WITH YOU!!! If you’re evacuating, don’t leave them behind! It breaks my heart to see them left behind to fend for themselves. Make sure you have enough food and water for them too! If you leave your pets behind alone, I will not hesitate to kick you in the face. And yes, I can kick that high.

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10. STAY SAFE!!!

Stay safe and don’t do something stupid. Make good choices. Help those around you. Follow these tips! I’ve got your back. Good luck. 🙂

Kasual kook xx