Hail, brave heroes! Whether you're battling dragons in the lands of Lore or leveling up in the real world, let it be known that there is a new boss monster heading our way: a Category 5 hurricane.
Not gonna lie – things are very scary, especially since this hurricane is on the heels of Helene, and that storm ravaged family, friends, lives, and livelihoods across Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and the Carolinas. Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers go out to all our fellow humans still recovering from the harrowing aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
But the behemoth battle rages on… and this time, it’s heading straight toward Tampa (where a good majority of our team is located). This is a fight we prepare for every year… but this time, it’ll be the strongest hurricane any of us has ever encountered. EVER.
The best way to defend ourselves against any fearsome foe and force of nature is to plan ahead, gear up, stock up, and stay safe. And that’s exactly what this helpful hurricane preparedness guide aims to do!
⚡️ Power Up
Charge everything: Your phones, tablets, laptops, handhelds, and external batteries should all be fully charged. If it is rechargeable… charge it NOW.
Update & download apps: No power, no internet, and no cell service means no downloading / updating apps. Pause from reading this, find the apps that are vital like weather, banking, maps, etc, and then come back here to finish reading while your apps are updating / downloading.
Batteries: It’s good to have at least 4 pairs of these common battery types, because it seems you really only ever need them in emergencies: AA, AAA, C, D, and those little circle button batteries.
Car batteryoffers superior power for changing electronics. Newer cars have USB plug-ins that are perfect for phones and such, but for larger plug-in-the-wall electronics, a car power inverter outlet is exactly what you need! Just make sure to have your car running when pulling a lot of electricity, since you certainly don’t want to have a dead car battery.
💡 Let There Be Light
Lanterns & flashlights: Whether they’re old-school with batteries or rechargeable via USB, just make sure they are ready to glow before the storm strikes.
Candles: Classic, reliable, and perfect for setting that cozy, romantic, dungeon-raiding mood.
Electronics: Think of phones, tablets, and laptops as your modern-day wands of light.
Glow sticks: Not just for raves! Use them to light your way in the dark. Set them in jars to make glowing lanterns – or, if you prefer… magical artifacts. 🔮
🚰 Water: The Potion of Life
Fill everything: Sinks, bathtubs, and even washing machines can be filled with water. These are your reservoirs of life. Water is essential for things like staying alive, drinking, cooking, cleaning, bathing, and flushing the toilet.
Bottled water: Whether it’s big jugs or small bottles, the size doesn’t matter – what counts is having plenty of it! Stock up like you're hoarding potions before a boss fight. And if the store shelves are empty, no worries – just fill every bottle and container you have at home with tap water.
Freeze Tupperware: Fill food containers with water and stash them in your freezer. When the power goes out, they’ll keep your food cold longer and act as an emergency water supply.
Ice ice baby: Ice will be in short supply post-storm, so make sure you have enough ice (or start making ice now) in case the power goes out. Food in the freezer will stay frozen for 24 – 48 hours after the power goes out, but the fridge will only stay cool for about 4 – 6 hours. You can place bags of ice in your fridge to help prevent perishables from spoiling!
🍖 Feasts Fit for Heroes
Cook now, eat later: Roast those dragonsteaks (or, rather, cook that meat) before the storm hits. Freeze for later since cooking without electricity is really only something Fire Mages can do.
Canned foodsare your forever friends. Beans are my go-to binges while many other vegetables taste amazing in canned / jarred form. NTM, you won’t believe how fantastic canned spinach tastes when you haven’t eaten in two days.
Instant coffee: Proof that magic does exist IRL! Just add water; no coffee machine or barista required.
Gas Stoves and Propane BBQ Grills workeven when electricity is out. Just make sure you actually have gas in the tank!
Avoid salty snacks when water supplies are limited – a healthy adventurer is a well hydrated one!
Don’t forget your furry familiars! Stock up on pet food and supplies for your loyal companions.
⚔️ Fortify Your Defenses
Cash is king: When the WiFi is down and card readers stop working, the only form of currency accepted is Cash. And Gold too, but no one’s at 7-11 paying with bullion. (…right?)
Get gas: Make sure all vehicles have a full tank of gas. If you have gas-powered tools or a generator, having extra gas is essential.
Bring everything indoors: You know that patio furniture and fire-breathing garden gnome out back? Yeah, they’ll turn into flying projectiles if you’re not careful. Bring ‘em inside, secure gates, and lock down anything that could cause havoc in strong winds.
Epic essentials: Keep your ID, cash, important documents, phone, charger, snacks, and keys in an easy to grab bag.
Have an escape plan ready, just in case the storm gets too real. Chart out a route and print out a map while you still have WiFi. Pack a small suitcase of essentials in your car, along with water and supplies. Aaand maybe that fire-breathing garden gnome too.
🌀 The Knight Before the Storm
Wash yourself: Do I really need to elaborate?
Wash everything else: Get your laundry done, clean your sheets, and tidy up your castle. No A/C means the battle for comfort will be extraordinary, and dirty clothes will start to smell like Sneevils pretty quick.
Scrub the bathrooms and kitchen: Starting with a clean base is key when water may become scarce. Be sure to run the dishwasher too if you haven’t already!
Get a good night sleep: Stress is your biggest debuff, and a well-rested hero is always more prepared physically and mentally for whatever challenges come their way.
Remember, fellow adventurers, preparation is key – and this storm is just another boss fight (albeit, a Level 100 one)! We must stay calm, remain vigilant, keep an eye on our surroundings, and, most importantly of all, never panic and never let fear take control. We will emerge stronger from this, because it’s only in facing tough battles that we truly become resilient heroes.
Stay safe, stay strong, and battle on, Beleen, Artix, Alina, and the AE Team
