How to survive a hurricane

Since I am from New Hampshire, I have never really experienced a hurricane. Last fall Hurricane Matthew was supposed to come through Orlando during my twenty-first birthday. The storm thankfully changed it's course and we were not as effected. The news has been broadcasting Hurricane Irma for days, and I fear our area might face some major problems. In preparation of the storm, I have put together a list of things my roommates and I have collected to stay safe. 

1. Pack a Travel Bag 
In case of evacuation I put together an overnight bag with snacks, toiletries, and other travel essentials (Sam Hunt cd is a must). I probably won't need the sunglasses, but you never know... 

2. Binge Watch Netflix 
With classes being cancelled, no work, and not being allowed to leave the house we definitely need some activities. If you have not seen Bates Motel yet, I highly recommend checking it out over the next few days (Michael Kors slippers are optional). 

3. Stock up on Wine 
This amazing wine subscription called Winc gets delivered right to your door! If you order it pre-hurricane like I did, you don't even have to leave your house (I love the twenty-first century). I got a four pack with two whites, one rosé, and one red. Take a brief taste test online upon signing up and they will send the perfect bottles to suit you. 

4. Get Battery Operated Lights 
As much of a sucker I am for Yankee Candle, it makes a lot more sense having battery operated lights. I picked up a few strands at Target that will last up to 48 hours. The last thing we need is a hurricane and a fire? #amIright?

5. Buy Non-Perishable Food 
​It is very convenient when you work for a snack company, and this sort of thing happens. Thankfully I have enough non-perishable food to last until 2020. #kindawesome

6. Have Clean Water 
Clearly I procrastinated in this area... By the time I went to the grocery store everything from canned food, bread, and water was cleaned out. I drove to gas stations, Target, CVS Pharmacy and all I could find was single bottles. Twenty dollars of over-priced water later, and I am set. 

7. STARBUCKS 
I put this in all caps because, I can simply not live without coffee. All the locations near us are already closed, so I made sure I stocked up on the pre-bottled kind. 
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8. Find Hurricane Buddies 
 My roommate is also from the northeast and has never experienced a hurricane either. Luckily we have Lizzy from Miami to guide us through the storm. We even blew up our proper floatation devices just in case (haha). 

9. Have a Hurricane Party 
This one goes without saying... Turn up your favorite Drake album and make some stormy drinks to get you through the weekend. Hurricane cocktails might even be on the menu here... 

10. Stay Positive 
There is only so much we can do in this time of crisis. Luckily, the storm will pass in just a few days. We are praying that people in South Florida do not face severe damage. I hope that everyone stays safe and keeps a positive mindset during this time. Please hope for the best ♥ 

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© Copyright 2017 Rachael Maurais