Hurricane Season Is Here: Stock Up On These Essentials for Families & First Responders

In August, Hurricane Erin became one of the largest and fastest-growing hurricanes in recorded history – narrowly carving a path up and along the US east coast. Fortunately, we were spared from the worst of its fury, but Erin is a good reminder that you can never be overprepared for the storm season. With storms becoming more intense and unpredictable, now is the time to start thinking about your hurricane preparedness plan. And the best plans come with the right supplies to help ensure you’re never caught off guard in a crisis.

Here at Kemp USA, we’ve been supporting emergency response professionals through major hurricane seasons for over 20 years. Every piece of Kemp USA equipment has been tested in real-world disaster scenarios – from water rescues in flood zones to patient evacuations from damaged facilities.  

We use our extensive experience to curate product catalogues to keep you and those you are called to protect safe, no matter the season.  

Read on to learn more about hurricane preparedness in 2025 – and some of the key supplies and equipment you should have on hand for hurricane preparedness – no matter your role.

A Hurricane Preparedness Checklist

Before we look at the key supplies you should have on hand, let’s build a proper hurricane preparedness checklist. A good checklist will not only tell you what to do in the event of a major hurricane disaster, but also how to prepare well before it’s time to take action.

Preparations Before the Storm

When a hurricane watch is issued for your area, you typically have 72 hours or less to complete final preparations. But to avoid panic (and potentially dangerous mistakes), it's best to take steps well before to make sure you’re prepared.

Prepare Water and Food Storage

Plan for one gallon of water per person per day for at least seven days. 

This amount helps account for more than just drinking – you’ll need clean water for basic hygiene and food preparation. 

Non-perishable foods should include items that require little preparation, especially if you experience power outages. Look for foods with long shelf lives that your family will actually eat during stressful situations.

Essential Documents Protection

It’s best to have all necessary documents in a place where they can be easily retrieved and protected. 

Keep insurance policies, identification documents, medical records, and financial information in waterproof containers and digitally backed up to cloud storage. Make sure to include copies of prescription medications and contact information for doctors and pharmacies.

Communication Planning

Do you have an established out-of-state contact person who can be the central communication point for family members? Make sure all family members know this contact information by heart. 

Plan and clearly explain any primary and backup meeting locations, and make sure everyone knows the evacuation routes from your home, workplace, and schools.

Home Preparation

Have a plan for how to secure or bring indoors any items that could become projectiles in high winds. This includes outdoor furniture, decorations, and equipment. 

You can invest a bit of time in clearing out your gutters and drains to reduce flooding risks. If you're in a surge zone or have received evacuation orders, board windows and doors according to local building codes.

Vehicle and Evacuation Readiness

During storm season, keep your vehicles fueled and in good working condition. Know the evacuation routes – and a backup set – and how you’ll communicate those to your loved ones. 

Don’t forget furry friends! Identify pet-friendly shelters if you have animals, as many emergency shelters do not accommodate pets.

Emergency Equipment Every Family Needs

During hurricane season, you don’t just need a plan – you need the right supplies and emergency equipment. The right products can make the difference between minor inconvenience and life-threatening situations during and after a hurricane.

Vehicle Emergency Tools

The weather can change, and quickly. So you’ll want tools that you can use in life-threatening situations, even when you’re out on an evacuation route. 

During hurricanes, vehicles can become trapped in floodwater or damaged by debris. Stay safe with a Kemp USA Emergency Life-Saving Hammer that combines a window punch and seatbelt cutter in a single tool. Keep one in each vehicle and train everyone on how to use it properly.

Emergency Thermal Protection

Did you know that Mylar emergency blankets reflect 90% of body heat back to the user and stay flexible in freezing temperatures? 

Initially developed by NASA, these lightweight, compact blankets can help preserve body warmth and even act as an emergency shelter or reflective distress signals. Plus, they easily fit into first aid kits, vehicle glove compartments, and emergency bags.

Communication and Information

Battery-powered or hand-crank weather radios provide critical updates when power and cell service are disrupted. 

Many models include phone charging capabilities and emergency flashlights. NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts provide continuous updates on storm conditions and emergency instructions.

Lighting and Power

Keep multiple flashlights with extra batteries throughout your home. Avoid candles, as they can often pose fire risks. 

Solar-powered or hand-crank flashlights are great as backup options when batteries are out. And portable phone chargers can help you stay in communication during extended power outages.

Basic Medical Supplies

First aid kits should include bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any prescription medications your family requires. Make sure your kit has a thermometer and basic medical reference materials so you know how to make use of each piece properly. 

During the Storm

Stay Indoors & Safe from Wind

Once hurricane conditions begin, outdoor movement becomes extremely dangerous. Winds can exceed 100 mph, and debris becomes airborne projectiles that can cause serious injury or death.

Stay in the strongest part of your home, typically an interior room on the lowest floor away from windows. Try to avoid rooms with large windows or sliding glass doors.

Turn Around, Don’t Drown

If you have to venture out or evacuate, remember the motto: "Turn Around, Don't Drown." Even six inches of moving water can knock down a fully-grown adult, and twelve inches can carry away a vehicle. If water begins entering your home, safely move to higher ground immediately.

Don’t Fall Victim to the Calm of the Eye

Don’t underestimate the eye of the storm. Resist the temptation to go outside, as the eye can pass quickly, and winds will resume from the opposite direction with little warning. This calm period is a great time to check for damage and prepare. 

After the Storm

The moments following a hurricane can be as dangerous as the storm itself. There can be all kinds of dangers – power lines, contaminated water, structural damage – and you’ll want to stay safe until authorities give you the all-clear.

Conduct a Safe Damage Assessment

Once the authorities tell you it's safe to leave your home, make sure to do a full damage assessment. 

Watch for downed power lines, which may not be visibly damaged but remain extremely dangerous. Assume all power lines are live and maintain a safe distance. Document property damage with photographs for insurance claims, but only when it's safe!

Remember Your Water and Food Safety Rules

Avoid tap water until local authorities confirm it's safe for drinking or use for cooking, as flood water can contaminate wells and municipal water systems. 

Make sure you safely discard any food that may have been contaminated by flood water or spoiled due to power outages. When in doubt, throw it out!

Community Support

Check on neighbors, particularly elderly residents or those with special needs. Community cooperation during the recovery period helps everyone recover more quickly and safely. Remind your children to “look for the helpers!”

Insurance and Documentation

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to begin the claims process. Keep detailed records of all storm-related expenses, and save receipts for temporary lodging, emergency supplies, and cleanup materials.

Professional Hurricane Response Equipment

Hurricane response operations require specific, specialized equipment. And when a crisis arises, you want to trust that you have the right tools for any scenario.

Professional emergency teams need gear that performs every time – even when traditional infrastructure fails and they must adapt to dangerous environments. 

Here are some of the key hurricane response emergency tools you’ll want on hand as you prepare for severe weather season.

Water Rescue Operations

Throw Bags and Rescue Rope Systems

The Kemp USA Throw Bag with 3/8" Yellow Rope and Bengal Safety Whistle provides essential swift water rescue capability when boat access isn't possible. The high-visibility yellow rope offers 2400 LBS breaking load capacity, ensuring reliability during high-stress rescue operations.

Premium Floating Rope

Professional-grade polypropylene floating rope gives responders multiple deployment options for rescues. These are available in configurations from 1/4" diameter for technical rescues to heavier-duty options for vehicle extrication.

Water-Resistant Medical Supply Protection

The Kemp USA Fluid-Resistant Tarpaulin Rescue & Tactical EMS Bag is designed with extremely durable tarpaulin construction that protects critical medical supplies in wet conditions. 

Cross-stitched and bar-tacked in high-wear areas, this bag stays strong even when exposed to flood water and harsh handling during emergencies.

Patient Care in Extreme Conditions

Emergency Thermal Protection Systems

Hypothermia prevention is key during water-related emergencies. Keep Mylar foil emergency blankets or wool blankets ready for evacuation centers and field treatment areas.

Patient Immobilization Tools

The Kemp USA AB Adult Spineboard features high-density polyethylene construction specifically designed for water exposure and rough handling.

Secure Patient Transport

Premium spineboard straps with metal ends offer reliable patient securing – even when wet.  The metal hardware resists corrosion from flood water and salt spray, and the color coding helps guide users during high-stress situations.

Communication and Signaling Equipment

High-Volume Signaling

Need to get loud, fast? The Kemp USA 5.5 oz Safety Signal Air Horn meets USCG requirements for boating safety and rescue communication in storm conditions.

Professional Whistle Systems

Bengal 60 whistles and professional whistle systems give you a backup communication option when electronic systems fail – particularly in severe weather.

Equipment Security

Premium rope lanyards with swivel J-hooks keep critical equipment attached to responders in high-wind conditions. The six-warp thickness construction holds everything tight, while the 19-inch length allows for full equipment use.

Medical Response Capabilities

Professional Medical Bags

The tarpaulin construction of Kemp USA's professional EMS bags provides fluid-resistant protection for medical supplies while offering multiple compartments. The bag’s MOLLE webbing system lets you customize the setup for specific needs and is great for hands-free transport.

Modular Medical Supply Systems

Kemp USA's "Rip It Kits" let you rapidly deploy specific medical supplies without requiring you to search through a fully-stocked kit. Pick modules focusing on trauma care, bleed control, antiseptic supplies, and gauze systems.

Hurricane-Specific CPR Equipment

Professional CPR equipment should be built for hurricane conditions and include barrier devices and resuscitation masks that function effectively in wet environments.

Emergency Shelter

A Mylar emergency tent system provides you with immediate weather protection. These systems integrate with existing medical equipment while offering protection from storm conditions.

Preparing For Hurricane Season Starts with the Right Products

Hurricane season 2025 will test the preparedness of communities across the hurricane-prone regions of the United States. Remember, the quality of your preparation directly impacts your ability to weather these dangerous storms safely.

For Retailers Selling Products for Families

Start building your hurricane preparedness product lists today with essential emergency equipment from Kemp USA. 

Shop emergency life-saving hammers for vehicle emergencies and Mylar emergency blankets for thermal protection – so your customers and clients always have what they need to stay safe.

For Emergency Responders

Review your hurricane response equipment inventory and upgrade where necessary. 

Water-resistant EMS bags, professional rescue rope systems, and reliable patient immobilization equipment make up the foundation of effective hurricane response capabilities. Shop the latest and upgrade your existing equipment today to prepare for tomorrow.

For Emergency Management Organizations

Want to stay stocked and ready? Contact Kemp USA to discuss bulk emergency equipment procurement for your response teams. 

Our wholesale pricing and comprehensive inventory management help ensure your teams have the equipment they need when disaster strikes.

Don't wait for hurricane watches to begin your preparation. Contact Kemp USA today to discuss your emergency preparedness needs, or shop our website to explore our complete line of hurricane response equipment. 

When the next major storm approaches your community, be ready. Kemp USA is here to help.

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