WSVN — Who wants to wait in long lines to buy groceries when a hurricane threatens? 7’s Lynn Martinez has the list for stocking up.
The time to start shopping for hurricane season is now.
Nicole Krauss, Publix spokesperson: “You never know what to expect, and that’s why it’s so important to be prepared.”
Experts say you should have supplies on hand to support your family for three days.
Miguel Ascarrunz: “Our emergency responders may not be able to get to them in a timely manner because of situations in other areas of the county.”
You don’t want to get stuck in long lines for water and ice. To avoid that, stock up on water now.
Nicole Krauss: “So we suggest two gallons per person, per day and one gallon per pet per day.”
You can buy bottled water or fill clean containers from your tap. When it comes to food, it can be hard to cook without electricity so plan simple meals. Canned foods are always a good choice.
Nicole Krauss: “When it comes to soups, a lot of cans come easy, ready to open. If not, don’t forget your can opener.”
Or consider protein-packed tuna, which comes in a pouch and grab easy-to-eat family favorites that will give you a quick energy boost.
Nicole Krauss: “That’s peanut butter, your nuts, trail mix. Those are items that are really easy to pass around, and they’ll keep you going after a storm.”
If you have a baby, don’t forget to have at least a week’s supply of baby food and formula and make sure you have plenty of diapers and baby wipes. You should also stock up on non-perishable snacks for your older kids.
Nicole Krauss: “Puddings, juice boxes, powdered milk, cereals are another great thing. They’re easy; everyone can just have some and it’s nonperishable.”
Don’t forget essentials like milk, bread and ice. Paper goods, plates and plasticware are also a must. Also, check your supplies from season’s past, so you only have to replace what you need to.
Nicole Krauss: “Definitely, you want to make sure you’re checking your expiration dates of anything you stockpiled from previous hurricane seasons are still going to work for this year.”
Making sure your family eats well during and after a storm means making a plan.
Chef Oliver Saucy: “Think a couple meals down the road. What can you have for breakfast. Especially if you’ve got a family or special needs with some elderly folks, you want to make sure and have all that stuff ready.”
Chef Oliver Saucy, at Cafe Maxx in Pompano Beach, says when a storm is approaching, the first thing he does is secure the freezer.
Oliver Saucy: “Freeze the water. It keeps everything cold in your refrigerator, and what you want to do is take some of it out because it expands as it cools.”
He also makes sure all of his food is inside containers or bags.
Oliver Saucy: “If hamburger meat thaws and the juice of the blood gets in the system of your refrigerator, it’s horrible. It just makes a big mess.”
Now, you don’t have to make long, messy shopping lists. They are right on your phone or iPad with the 7Hurricane app.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Cafe Maxx
2601 East Atlantic Boulevard
Pompano Beach, FL 33062
(954) 782-0606
www.cafemaxx.com