Prepare for Hurricane Helene: Essential Tips & Must-Have Items

Brace yourselves, folks! Hurricane Helene is on the move, and just like every storm that has a catchy name, it comes with enough hype to make you want to buy out the entire hardware store. But don’t worry—I’m here to give you the real scoop on what to expect, what could happen, and how you can keep your family safe and sound without falling for every ridiculous “must-have” product people will tell you to get.

 

 

Now, before we dive into the essentials (and non-essentials) for surviving Hurricane Helene, let’s start with the forecast, shall we? Here’s what you might want to prepare for, based on the storm’s potential severity.

 

The Possibilities of Hurricane Helene

 

First things first, hurricanes like Helene are notoriously unpredictable. They can weaken into a rainy weekend or strengthen into a full-blown disaster movie. So, what are the possible scenarios?

 

1. The Mild Rain Event

There’s a chance Helene rolls in with some heavy rain, gusty winds, and a few thunderstorms. No need to panic or build an ark, but you’ll want to keep an eye on potential flash floods, especially if you live in low-lying areas. (And let’s face it, the last thing you need is a basement that doubles as an indoor swimming pool.)

 

2. Power Outages

It’s practically a guarantee that a tropical system like Helene will knock out power somewhere. You may be without electricity for hours—or days—depending on the storm’s strength. This means Netflix binges will come to a screeching halt, and you might have to do something wild, like talk to your family or read an actual book.

 

3. Wind Damage

If Helene gets some real momentum going, expect wind gusts that can knock down trees, power lines, and probably that old fence your neighbor still hasn’t fixed. (You know, the one that’s barely standing after the last storm?) In a worst-case scenario, there’s always the risk of your roof or windows taking a beating, so prepare accordingly.

 

4. Flooding and Storm Surges

If you’re living along the coast, storm surges could make Helene much more dangerous. Massive amounts of water getting pushed inland can turn streets into rivers and wreak havoc on your home’s foundation. Even areas that typically don’t flood could see some standing water, so be ready for this possibility.

 

5. Evacuation

There’s always the chance local authorities will call for an evacuation, and while it might sound like a free pass to stay at a hotel with room service, the reality is a little less glamorous. Traffic jams, scrambling for fuel, and packed shelters can make evacuations chaotic. It’s better to be prepared just in case.

 

Best Practices for Families Preparing for Hurricane Helene

So, how do you get ready for Helene without turning into that person who buys 50 gallons of milk and enough bread to feed a football team? Here’s a checklist of best practices:

 

1. Create a Family Emergency Plan

You’d think with smartphones and all, communicating during a storm would be easy. Spoiler: it’s not. If the cell towers go down, you’re looking at radio silence. Set up a game plan for how to stay in touch and where to meet if you get separated. Know your evacuation routes and what shelters are open in your area.

 

2. Prep Your Home

Check your home’s exterior for loose shingles, clear out the gutters (I know, it’s a dreaded task, but better now than during the storm), and trim any dead or dangling branches that could go flying. Make sure windows are secured and consider boarding them up if Helene looks like it’s going to pack a serious punch.

 

3. Charge Everything

Charge your phones, tablets, and any portable chargers in advance. There’s no guarantee you’ll have access to power once Helene arrives, and you don’t want your only flashlight option to be that flickering candle you found in the junk drawer.

 

4. Fill the Gas Tank

Even if you’re not planning to evacuate, fill your gas tank. Gas stations are notorious for running out of fuel ahead of big storms, and you don’t want to be stuck with an empty tank if you need to make a quick exit—or if you just need to get out of the house once cabin fever sets in.

 

5. Prepare for Power Outages 

If Helene decides to play hardball, you’ll want to have flashlights, lanterns, and extra batteries on hand. If you have a generator, great—but don’t forget to stock up on gas for that too. Candles are cute, but they’re not a practical, long-term solution for lighting an entire house. Plus, you really don’t want to start a fire during a hurricane.

 

Essentials You Need (and Some You Don’t)

Now for the fun part—shopping! Let’s get real about what you need to buy before Hurricane Helene rolls through. I’m going to save you a ton of time and money here by telling you what’s worth your hard-earned cash and what’s just pure hype.

 

Essentials to Stock Up On:

  1. Water Yeah, it’s not glamorous, but you need it. The rule of thumb is one gallon of water per person per day, and don’t forget about pets. Stock up enough for at least three days, but if you can, aim for a week. Just remember: there’s no need to hoard so much water that your garage starts to look like a water bottle warehouse.

 

  1. Non-Perishable Food Canned goods, dried fruits, nuts, and energy bars are your friends here. Think of foods that don’t require cooking because, newsflash, your electric stove won’t be much help during a blackout. Canned beans, tuna, peanut butter—anything that can survive a nuclear apocalypse is probably a good bet.

     

  2. Manual Can Opener Imagine stocking up on all those canned goods only to realize you don’t have a way to open them because your can opener is electric. Yeah, don’t be that person.

     

  3. Medications Refill your prescriptions ahead of time. Pharmacies might be closed for days, and the last thing you want is to be without critical meds. Over-the-counter essentials like pain relievers, allergy meds, and first-aid supplies are a good idea too.

     

  4. First Aid Kit Accidents happen, and in a storm, they tend to happen more frequently. A basic first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and tweezers will help you deal with minor injuries.

     

  5. Flashlights and Batteries I can’t stress this enough—candles are not your best friend in a hurricane. Invest in a good flashlight, and make sure you have a ton of backup batteries. Or, better yet, get one of those hand-crank ones that don’t require batteries. You’ll thank me later.

     

  6. Portable Phone Chargers Your phone is your lifeline. When the power goes out, you’ll want to keep it charged so you can check in with loved ones or stay updated on the storm’s progress.

     

  7. Cash ATMs might not be working, and some businesses may not be able to process card payments if power and internet are down. Having some cash on hand can save you from being stuck in a “cash-only” scenario post-storm.

     

  8. Sanitation Supplies Let’s be real, if the water goes out, things could get a little… funky. Stock up on garbage bags, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer to keep things as clean as possible. And, of course, toilet paper. (Just don’t buy a year’s worth. This is a hurricane, not the apocalypse.)

     

  9. Battery-Powered Radio When your Wi-Fi is toast and you’ve resorted to staring out the window, you’ll want a way to stay updated. A battery-powered radio or a NOAA weather radio will help you stay informed when everything else goes down.

 

Stuff You Don’t Need:

  1. Bread Unless you plan to eat plain bread for days on end, there’s no reason to buy a dozen loaves. Most sandwiches require cold cuts and condiments—things that spoil when the fridge goes out. Skip the bread-buying frenzy and focus on non-perishables.

     

  2. Milk Unless you’re trying to stock your storm shelter with cheese and yogurt, buying gallons of milk is just a bad idea. Without refrigeration, it’s going to spoil faster than you can say “lactose intolerant.”

     

  3. Excessive Bottled Water I know I said water is essential, but there’s a limit. You don’t need to buy out the entire water aisle. Remember, you can always fill up bathtubs and pots with tap water for flushing toilets and cleaning if needed.

     

  4. DIY Hurricane Survival Kits Some companies will sell you pre-packaged hurricane survival kits for ridiculous prices. The truth is you probably already have 90% of what’s in those kits, and the rest you can pick up at your local store for a fraction of the cost. Save your money.

     

Last-Minute Prep: What to Do 24-48 Hours Before Helene Hits

 

 

Now that we’ve covered all the prep work, let’s talk about those last-minute tasks to check off as Hurricane Helene draws closer. Even the most organized family can forget a thing or two, so here’s a handy reminder list:

 

 

1. Secure Loose Items Outside

That cute patio set? It’ll turn into a projectile if Helene decides to pick up speed. Move all outdoor furniture, grills, and decorations inside. If you have larger items like a trampoline (why?), make sure they’re anchored down.

 

 

2. Fill Bathtubs with Water

If there’s a chance water service might be disrupted, fill your bathtubs with water for flushing toilets and cleaning. You don’t need fancy bottled water for this—it’s just practical, everyday water. (And no, you don’t need to buy a kiddie pool just to store extra water…unless you really want one.)

 

 

3. Unplug Electronics

If the power goes out, a surge could fry your electronics. Unplug your TV, gaming consoles, computers, and appliances before the storm hits. Don’t worry, your Netflix queue will still be there when you reconnect.

 

 

4. Take Photos of Your Home

In case you need to file an insurance claim after the storm, take “before” photos of your home and possessions. Having a visual record will make the process much smoother. And hey, while you’re at it, maybe you’ll find that missing sock.

 

 

5. Evacuate if Necessary

If local authorities recommend or require evacuation, don’t try to tough it out. Grab your go-bag (you did pack one, right?) and follow their guidance. Better safe than sorry.

 

 

After the Storm: The Calm (or Chaos) Post-Hurricane Helene

Once Helene has passed, the work doesn’t stop. Here’s what to expect and how to proceed in the aftermath:

 

1. Stay Inside Until It’s Safe

Even after the winds calm down, it’s important to stay inside until officials give the all-clear. Downed power lines, flooding, and debris can make it dangerous to venture out too early. You might be eager to assess any damage, but safety first!

 

 

2. Check for Damage

 Once it’s safe to go outside, do a walkthrough of your property. Look for any structural damage, leaks, or fallen trees. Take pictures of anything significant for insurance purposes, and don’t forget to check the roof (even if it means you have to borrow that ladder from the neighbor with the broken fence).

 

 

3. Avoid Flood Waters

Flood water is no joke. It’s often contaminated with chemicals, sewage, and who-knows-what-else. Avoid wading through it, and if you must walk through standing water, wear protective gear like waterproof boots. And please, for the love of all that’s clean, don’t let your kids play in it. This isn’t a water park.

 

 

4. Food Safety

If the power was out for more than four hours, assume your refrigerator is a science experiment gone wrong. Throw out perishable foods like meat, dairy, and anything else that smells…questionable. Keep non-perishables handy until you can restock safely.

 

 

5. Power Restoration

Patience is key here. Utility crews will work as fast as they can, but it may take time to restore power to everyone. In the meantime, stick with your trusty flashlights, battery-powered fans, and solar lanterns.

 

 

6. Help Neighbors (Safely)

If the storm was particularly severe, check in on neighbors who may need help, especially the elderly or those with disabilities. Just make sure it’s safe to do so, and practice social distancing if needed.

 

In Conclusion: Don’t Panic—Just Prepare!

Hurricane Helene might sound intimidating, but with the right prep, you and your family can ride it out safely. Don’t get swept up in the hype of buying out entire store aisles (I’m looking at you, bread hoarders). Stick to the essentials, plan ahead, and if you can, add a little humor to the situation. After all, if you’ve got a solar lantern, some canned beans, and a fully charged phone, you’re already ahead of the game.

 

 

And hey, if nothing else, Helene might give you a great excuse to cancel that awkward Zoom meeting next week. You’re welcome.

 

Stay safe, and don’t forget to subscribe to Nexa71 for more family-friendly tips, hacks, and the occasional laugh at life’s little challenges.