Living near South Carolina’s coast (just 20 miles inland) has taught me to always be prepared for hurricane season. In the summer, we stock up on bottled water, canned foods, batteries, flashlights, first aid items, and candles. We check the flashlights, the propane tank on the grill, and the generator. When a hurricane is coming, we put away all the lawn furniture, move the potted plants into the garage, and take down bird feeders and wind chimes. We really prepare well.

I’ve also learned that there are some things for which we always forget to plan. Here’s my list of seven other unusual, but vital hurricane supplies.

A Few Good Books. During a hurricane, you may sit in your house or in a hotel somewhere and you just didn’t think to bring a couple good books to read. You will get sick of the news coverage of the storm, so fun reads are very important.

Junk Food. We all know that water, canned goods and fresh fruit are awesome food choices…but let’s face it…during a horrible storm and a boring evacuation one can never have enough Twizzlers, chips, Twinkies, Skittles, and various other joy-bringing foods. We diet and eat healthy every other time of the year. Enjoy a few unhealthy snacks while you are cooped up in the same small square footage for days on end.

A To-Do List of projects and chores. It never fails that when I’m cooped up during a storm that I get bored and can’t think of one thing to do with myself. Then, when the storm is over and I have to return to work, I begin sobbing because I didn’t paint my kitchen, didn’t finish my wreath, didn’t iron my mound of wrinkled clothing, and didn’t clean out my craft room closet. If I only remembered to make a to-do list, I would have been so far ahead of the game.

Finger Nail Polish. Yes. You heard me! You need fingernail polish in your hurricane kit. When else do you ever get to sit still enough to paint your nails?!?! It’s the perfect time to treat yourself to a home mani and pedi. Put that OPI polish in your hurricane kit right now.

A Cookbook. Again, I never have time for proper meal planning. Hurricanes are perfect times to browse a cookbook and choose a few new recipes to try that won’t include canned items like tuna and spam. You’ll be glad you packed that cook book.

Christmas Cards. Throw a box or two of Christmas cards in your hurricane supplies and on those long boring days in the house start addressing those envelopes and signing your name.  You’re welcome.

Christmas Present (Wrapped.) When June rolls around, go buy at least one family Christmas present. Maybe it will be a board game, a jigsaw puzzle, a craft kit, a remote control car or drone, or some kind of toy.  Bring the present out during the hurricane-induced-house-bound-time and celebrate something new and fun with your family. Get creative. Get silly. Have fun.

    So this isn’t the list to end all lists, but it is the list to start you thinking about your sanity during long stretches of being cooped up in your house, car, or hotel room. Try to make the most of your time with your family and try to get some enjoyment during this nerve-wracking time. Stay safe. The sun’ll come out tomorrow!

Listfully yours,

Vicki