Where To Get Free Hurricane Preparedness Kits?

Hurricane season is upon us once again, running from June through November each year, and it's important to be prepared if tropical storms and hurricanes threaten your region. Having an emergency preparedness kit on hand can help you weather the storm safely. However, assembling all the necessary supplies can get expensive. Luckily, there are various programs and organizations that offer free hurricane preparedness kits if you know where to look. This article will outline some of the best places to get free kits to help you prepare for hurricane season without breaking the bank.

Government Emergency Management Agencies

The first place to check is your local and state emergency management agencies. Many have programs in place to distribute free or low-cost hurricane preparedness supplies to residents prior to the start of hurricane season each year. Supplies may include items like non-perishable food, water, batteries, flashlights, first aid kits, and more.

For example, Florida's Division of Emergency Management runs the Disaster Supply Program. Through this, Florida residents can request a free disaster preparedness kit containing items to support one person for up to 72 hours after a disaster. Kits include food and water, sanitation supplies, and basic tools. Similar programs operate in other hurricane-prone states like Texas, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, and more.

Contact your county or parish emergency management office to see if they provide free preparedness kits. You can also check the website of your state emergency management agency. Having supplies on hand is key, so don't wait until a storm is approaching to inquire - act early.

Non-Profit Organizations

Several non-profit organizations work to distribute hurricane kits free of charge as well. The American Red Cross is one of the largest providers and frequently offers free disaster supplies in cities and states along the Southeast and Gulf Coasts heading into hurricane season.

Kits may contain many of the same basic necessities as government kits like ready-to-eat meals, water, first aid items, and hygiene products. The Red Cross specifically tailors their kits based on local hazards. For example, those distributed in Florida will include items like insect repellent.

Other national non-profits to check with include Operation Blessing International and America's Charities. On a more local level, churches and community charities occasionally organize donation drives to assemble free preparedness kits as a public service. Keep an eye out for any giveaways in your area announced by non-profit groups.

Retail Partnerships

Some counties and cities strike preparedness partnerships with hardware stores, grocery chains, and mass retailers to distribute free kits assembled with donated supplies. These initiatives often launch right before peak hurricane season in August and September.

For instance, Lowe's offers a hurricane preparedness kit through its community involvement program. Boxes contain items like a first aid kit, batteries, plastic sheeting, and canned food. Previously, the company has donated thousands of kits to residents in vulnerable Gulf Coast regions.

Ace Hardware and Walmart occasionally sponsor similar drives through their local stores. It's worth contacting major retailers near you to see if any storm preparedness giveaways are planned. Having the kits assembled by businesses streamlines the process for residents.

Library & School Programs

Libraries and K-12 schools take part too by stocking free preparedness supplies. For example, the Bay County Library Cooperative in Florida distributed ready-made kits to cardholders before past hurricane seasons. Each contained necessities for one person for three days.

Meanwhile, many school districts designate themselves as emergency shelters and use this time to educate students. As such, some schools distribute preparedness info and even mini starter kits to take home. Contents may be modest but aim to instill pivotal preparedness messages in a fun, kid-friendly manner.

Check your local public library and schools now to see if any similar programs are scheduled. Having these community anchors participate assists a wider range of residents.

Preparedness Apps

Nowadays, some emergency agencies and organizations provide virtual preparedness kits via smartphone apps. These digital kits contain checklist templates, emergency planning tools, supply calculators, and links to official information sources - all meant to help users assemble customized physical kits.

For example, the FEMA Mobile App and American Red Cross Hurricane App offer this service free of charge. You simply download the app, enter basics about your household, and generate a tailored checklist you can use at the store. Both pull from experts' official recommendations.

Using app-based kits introduces no cost and allows on-the-go access, though a physical kit is still advised. The digital versions act as convenient planning companions.

Assembling Kits Over Time

For those who missed out on organized giveaways, don't fret. You have time to put together your own supplies calmly before storm season fully kicks in. Commit to adding a few key items each time you grocery shop over the next couple months.

Stockpiling water, non-perishable foods, batteries and other essentials a little at a time prevents sticker shock and ensures you're prepared no matter what. Many retailers offer hurricane preparation bundles too to make self-assembly easy and reasonably priced. Getting ready gradually takes the pressure off finding a fully ready kit all at once.

Prepare Now to Stay Safe Later

Being prepared with a storm kit is critical to weathering any hurricane threat safely. While assembling supplies has upfront costs, it pays off financially and protects your well-being versus last-minute shopping before a big storm hits.

Check with your local officials, library, and non-profits right away to snag any available free kits in your area. You can also take advantage of retail partnerships, apps, or self-assembling over time. Getting ready well before hurricane season peaks will put your mind at ease whatever the weather may bring. Stay safe and be well prepared with a kit on hand.