Hurricane Season Gear Checklist: Don’t Wait Until the Storm Hits

Mid-August marks the peak of hurricane season across Florida and the Gulf Coast. Every year, families are caught off guard when shelves clear and storms roll in with little notice. The difference between panic and preparedness often comes down to one thing: having the right gear—ready and within reach.

At Gear Up Surplus, we’ve helped thousands of Floridians and survivalists prepare for storm season with rugged, military-tested gear and essential emergency supplies. This blog post breaks down the critical items you need in your hurricane kit to stay safe, self-sufficient, and ready for anything.

1. Emergency Lighting & Communication

When the power goes out, visibility and communication become top priorities. You’ll need tools that don’t rely on power grids or cell towers.

Must-Have Items:

• Tactical flashlights (with long battery life or rechargeable options)
• Headlamps for hands-free movement
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radios (AM/FM/NOAA for weather alerts)
• Glow sticks and signal mirrors for backup visibility

Pro Tip: Stock up on extra AA/AAA batteries—or consider solar-powered or crank-charged tools.

2. Clean Water Access & Purification

After a storm, clean drinking water can be compromised. Don’t rely on stores staying open.

Essentials for Water Safety:

• Military canteens with nesting cups
• Collapsible water bladders for space-saving storage
• LifeStraw-style filters and pump purification systems
• Water purification tablets (long shelf life, lightweight)

Bonus: Use a MOLLE-compatible canteen pouch to attach water gear to your pack or vest.

3. Weatherproof Food & Storage

Grocery stores may be inaccessible for days or weeks. A ready-to-eat food supply and dry storage is vital.

Recommended Supplies:

• MREs (Meals Ready-to-Eat) – Long-lasting, portable, and calorie-dense
• Emergency ration bars – Compact, non-perishable
• Waterproof dry bags – For clothing, food, and medical supplies
• Ammo cans or hard cases – Repurposed for tool and gear storage

Pro Tip: Military surplus mess kits make it easy to cook or reheat meals with minimal gear.

4. Shelter & Body Protection

Being exposed to the elements post-storm can lead to injury or illness. Pack versatile shelter options.

Critical Items:

• Ponchos with grommets – Wear as rain gear or use as tarp shelter
• Emergency space blankets – Retain body heat
• Military-issue tarps or bivy sacks – Reliable stormproof cover
• ECWCS cold weather gear or wool blankets (for fall/winter aftermaths)

5. Bug-Out Bags & Ready Kits

If evacuation becomes necessary, time is limited. Pre-packed bug-out bags can save your life.

What to Include:

• Tactical backpack or 3-day assault pack
• First aid kit (with trauma supplies, not just Band-Aids)
• Fire-starting tools (ferro rods, waterproof matches)
• Folding knife or multitool
• Extra clothing, gloves, and socks
• Copies of documents in waterproof sleeves
• Personal protection items (pepper spray, flashlight, whistle)

Final Tip: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

By the time a hurricane is on the radar, it's already too late to start prepping. Gas stations, big box stores, and supermarkets will be flooded with last-minute crowds. Having your emergency gear ready before the storm means peace of mind when it matters most.

Whether you need a single item or a complete setup, Gear Up Surplus in Titusville, Florida, has the military-grade gear and survival tools to keep you and your family safe this hurricane season.