Prepare for Hurricane Season with These 5 Costco Buys

Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30 each year, and NOAA is predicting that this year will be a difficult one. Even though we are already in hurricane season, it is not too late to prepare for the next big hurricane: there are still several months left before the season ends.

That’s why I’ve put together a list of some of the best Costco buys that can prepare you for whatever hurricane season has in store.

1. Lanterns

If the power goes out, you have a few options. You can sit in the dark and be sad until the sun comes back out. Or you can try lighting the place with candles, but it’s hard to know how long a power outage will actually last — and besides, they’re a fire hazard.

The best option is to buy LED lanterns. I bought a few for myself a few years ago because I live in an area prone to tornadoes and ice storms, both of which can knock out the power grid.

Costco has a couple of really cool lanterns, including the Duracell 2000 Lumen Tri-Power Lantern ($24.99) and the GE 1500 Lumen Dual Powered LED Lantern ($27.99). Both can be charged with a USB cable, but can also use optional batteries, which Costco also sells. It’s kind of a win-win, really.

2. Power banks

Power banks are a hugely underrated tool until you can’t find anywhere else to charge your phone other than your car. They’re a terrible idea when there’s no certainty about when the power will come back.

However, power banks can hold a lot of phone charges, they are easy to store, and you can carry them and charge them anywhere there is electricity, like a library or public restroom. They are also great for camping, so you don’t need to take them out in an emergency.

Costco has basic options like the Anker MagGo Magnetic Power Bank with Stand in a two-pack for just $39.99. Each unit packs 5,000mAh of charge, enough to juice up a newer phone for up to 16 additional hours.

However, if you want something a little bulkier that can do more than just charge your phone, the Type S Portable Jump Starter and Power Bank with Multi-Mode Emergency Floodlight might be better, with an 8,000mAh capacity on sale now for just $59.99.

3. Camping meals

Hurricanes aren’t as much fun as camping (or maybe if you really hate camping), but you can still eat well during bad weather and handle the cleanup afterward with camping meals. You’ll need bottled water to keep them going, but you can get some seriously mouthwatering bulk meals like chicken curry, beef stroganoff, turkey chili, and even cookies from brands like ReadyWise and OMEALS.

If you feel an even greater need to be prepared for Armageddon, Costco offers Augason Farms Emergency Food Supply, which contains enough food to feed one person for 30 days, for just $120. Each five-gallon bucket contains 226 servings of food and will last up to 30 years.

4. Scales

Hurricanes are dramatic and tend to create a lot of damage to all levels of your home. You’ll definitely need a ladder to fix gutters or remove branches from your roof, among other tasks in the days following the event. If you’re only buying one ladder, choose a multi-position ladder like the Little Giant MegaLite+ 18-Foot Ladder with Leg Levelers.

For just $189.99, you’ll get a ladder that can do it all, no matter where you need to go, and it’s super handy when you don’t really have the time, energy, or inclination to pull out three different ladders to reach everything you need to reach. When you’re done, simply fold it up and it’ll easily store just about anywhere.

5. Whole-house backup generators

If your home is hooked up to natural gas or liquid propane, one of the best things you can do for yourself is to install a full-home generator before the next hurricane. Not only will it continue to power your home and keep your devices charged through the elements, but essential electronics like your work computer (or medical devices) won’t lose power or be subject to brownouts or other power fluctuations.

Costco offers installed Generac generators that come with a 10% Costco Shop Card, as well as Honeywell generators that come with a transfer switch that you can have installed by your favorite electrician, starting at just $4,899.

Costco Has Your Back This Hurricane Season

Preparing for a storm isn’t the most fun thing you can do on your weekend off. But at least if you do it with Costco, you know you won’t break your budget and you’ll probably find some really cool things to help you pass the time while the storms rage outside.