Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images MIAMI, FL - SEPTEMBER 06: Bare shelves are seen after the supply of bottled water was emptied at a grocery store by people preparing for Hurricane Irma on September 6, 2017 in Miami, Florida. It's still too early to know where the direct impact of the hurricane will take place but the state of Florida is in the area of possible landfall. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
With Hurricane Dorian steadily moving towards Florida and possibly up to coastal Georgia and the Carolinas as a Category 4 storm, it’s helpful to know where you can find water, canned goods, and other essential hurricane supplies. The American Red Cross has provided a list of necessary hurricane items here.
Grocers in Florida are continuing to re-stock necessities as quickly as possible. Residents in Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina are being warned to prepare. “I urge Georgians in these areas to stay vigilant, keep an eye on storm developments, and take all necessary precautions,” Georgia Governor Brian Kemp wrote on Facebook.
Grocery Stores & Office Supply Stores Still Have Water
Florida’s major grocery chains are still receiving shipments of drinking water. Winn-Dixie tweeted that its staff is working around the clock to prevent shortages. If you’re having a hard time locating water, many office supply stores keep it in stock. Ready.gov is recommending that anyone in Dorian’s path keep a minimum three-day supply of water on hand. One gallon of water per person or pet per day is advised.
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Bathtubs and sinks can be filled with water for flushing toilets or washing clothing, but should not be used for drinking. “Water stored in bathtubs and sinks should never be used for drinking or for bathing young children because lead can leak from the glaze in bathtubs and sinks into water stored in them,” the American Red Cross told the Miami Herald.
Camping Stores & Convenience Stores May Still Have Last-Minute Food, Fuel & Flashlights
Went to dicks sporting goods to buy some golf stuff and everyone around me in line is buying cases of water. Apparently everywhere is sold out of water except them because of this hurricane and I’m just the dumbass trying to buy golf gear.
If local grocery stores come up short on hurricane supplies like water, food, flashlights, lanterns, and grills, these items might still be available at gas stations, convenience stores, sporting goods stores, and camping stores.
Home Improvement Stores Are Replenishing Plywood & Generators
Home improvement centers such as Home Depot, Lowes and Ace Hardware are doing their best to keep up with the demand for plywood, generators and other building essentials as Dorian approaches.
“Our stores and customers depend on us to have everything they need to get them through a hurricane,” Vicki Peterson, human resources manager for the Home Depot McDonough distribution center said. Some stores have seen a shortage of generators but several retailers said they are receiving shipments through Monday.
Check GasBuddy.com for Updates on Where to Find Fuel
Now is a good time to top off vehicles or other gas-powered items. GasBuddy.com offers reliable updates on which gas stations still have open pumps.
Another excellent resource for locating fuel and other supplies is on NextDoor.com. Neighbors are actively sharing updated information and even loaning each other items in advance of the storm.
Office Supply Stores Offer Portable Chargers, Cords & Adapters
Best Buy’s website provides immediate information about local store inventories of electronic equipment, batteries and portable chargers. Office supply stores like Office Depot and Staples also carry a wide selection of electronics.
Most electronics and office supply retailers still have Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) batteries available that can run larger electronics like computers and monitors. A UPS starts at $50 and can prevent data loss and hardware damage, while also providing surge protection.
Some Florida Health Insurers Are Allowing Early Refills on Medications
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Florida’s pharmacies are doing their best to keep up with filling prescriptions. If you can’t find what you need from one of the national drugstore chains, try calling a local independent pharmacy that’s on this list.
Florida Blue, the state’s largest health insurer, is allowing members to get early refills on maintenance medications between August 29-September 28. For anyone unable to reach their doctor, Florida Blue can also help clients find alternative providers so they can get any necessary treatment or medications prior to the storm.
Humana, Florida’s second-largest health insurer, is also offering hurricane relief to its clients. Both companies can provide important pharmacy information.
Check Veterinary Hospitals for Prescription Pet Foods
Pets are a part of the family, so include them in your hurricane plans:
🏠 Home kit: 3 days of pet food, water & medication
🛄 Go bag: food, water, medication, vet records, toys
🗺️ Evacuation plan: be sure you’re going to a pet-friendly place
Florida’s pet supply retailers are well-stocked but seeing double their typical number of customers, which may lead to shortages of hurricane pet supplies.
Prescription pet foods can be purchased from veterinary hospitals and some pet stores but you must present a copy of the prescription. For pets who need refills on their medications, USA Today has a list of pharmacies that fill prescription pet medications with proof of a prescription. PetMeds.com offers overnight service for an additional fee.
Ready.gov has a checklist of pet-related items you should keep on hand during a disaster and suggests keeping a 10-14 day supply on hand. When desperate, limited selections of dog and cat food can be found at gas stations.
Heavy will continue to provide updated information.