A Lot of Hot Air
Every year from June 1 to November 20, hurricane season looms over Louisiana residents, creating fear and turning everyone into first class preppers. There are certainly lists galore that provide details on all the essentials that every person needs for a natural disaster.
This is not that list.
Every person in the Gulf South knows about needing water, generators, food, and, of course, beer, but only the shelter-in-place aficionados know what the true essentials are. Successfully riding out a hurricane requires a little more creativity than what the Red Cross has in mind. Residents know the drill of preparing with essentials like water, food, and generators. But what about those not-so-essential essentials that can make the ordeal more bearable—or even slightly enjoyable?
This list, packed with practical yet unconventional items, serves as a guide to infusing a touch of creativity and comfort into your hurricane survival strategy.
Cheap Beer You Don't Like
While any official list may not include alcohol, everyone knows that, besides water, beer (or really any preferred alcohol) is an essential for any hurricane. We all rush to the grocery store and stock up on our favorite snack foods, our favorite drinks, and all the liquor our wallets can handle. However, consider also buying a pack of beer you don't like. Sounds strange, but this purchase is not actually for your consumption.
Whenever the weather passes, strangers and neighbors alike will be out helping each other in the immediate recovery efforts. When you have a tree branch down or a flooded car, some kind stranger or neighbor is bound to show up out of nowhere to come to the rescue, and there is no better way to say thanks than with a beer. The true challenge is not drinking it while you're bored in a boarded house. This is why you choose one that isn't your absolute favorite. It's a lot easier to save a beer for a stranger when it isn't tempting you constantly.
Ear Plugs
Unless you find yourself in the unique situation of sheltering in place entirely on your own, it is inevitable that living in close quarters with others will test your patience—sometimes to the brink of exasperation. No matter how dearly we cherish our family and friends, the strain of being cooped up together in a house without power can easily become a breeding ground for conflict and irritation. Add to that the potential for loud snoring—so loud that you might briefly wonder if there's a bear nearby—and the atmosphere could get even more tense.
Before you even half-jokingly contemplate braving the ferocious hurricane winds as a means of escape, consider a simpler, safer alternative—ear plugs. Investing in a pair of ear plugs can be a game changer, providing the precious gift of tranquility and allowing you the personal space to decompress.
Download All Your Favorite Music
Most hurricane preparedness lists will, or should, include charging your phone ahead of time. They might even include solar chargers (which are actually genius and necessary). But even if you manage to keep your phone charged the entire time during and after a hurricane, having no internet will still be brutal.
Boredom is dangerous and draining. Music can help keep boredom at bay. Most music streaming services allow users to download albums, playlists, podcast episodes, and any other media you would usually stream over the internet. While you still have power and the internet, take the time to download all your favorites.
Batteries for Your *Ahem* Toys
Boredom during (and after) a hurricane can lead to many poor decisions. One of the funnier outcomes of a hurricane is the baby boom nine months later. People certainly have a preferred way of staying busy when the power is out.
That being said, if having a baby is not on your list of post hurricane goals, use protection and consider utilizing your favorite toys instead. Batteries should already be on your list of actual essentials, but make sure you purchase batteries for all of your favorite electronics, not just your flashlight.
Kiddie Pool
One of the worst parts of sheltering in place is losing air conditioning. Hurricane season is always during the hottest months of the year, and it's nearly a guarantee that the weather will be sweltering while you wait for the power to come back on. Having fans and cold drinks help, but one great way to beat the heat is to cool down in the water.
Even if you have a pool in your backyard, it will likely be full of debris. Keeping a non-inflatable kiddie pool in storage can be a lifesaver when you need to beat the heat. If the water is still running, it doesn't need to be drinkable to relax in it.
As hurricane season swirls into Louisiana, remember it's not just about surviving. It's about thriving. While the usual suspects like water and canned goods are must-haves, let's not overlook those items that truly make storm weathering a unique experience. From strategically unappealing beer reserves to silent sanctuaries via earplugs, this guide offers a blueprint to not only endure the storm but to enjoy the absurdity of life without Wi-Fi. Charge those speakers, keep those batteries handy (for all your devices), and perhaps even float in a kiddie pool. Why not turn your hurricane hideout into your oasis? Here's to making the best of gusty guests and keeping spirits high when the barometer drops.
