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Nov 29, 2023

Hurricane Idalia Essentials: Chocolate, Coffee, Liquor, Board Games

TAMPA BAY, FL — With Hurricane Idalia forecast to hit Florida as a major storm, Tampa Bay-area residents are in prep mode Tuesday to wait out the storm with necessities on hand. Of course, seasoned

TAMPA BAY, FL — With Hurricane Idalia forecast to hit Florida as a major storm, Tampa Bay-area residents are in prep mode Tuesday to wait out the storm with necessities on hand.

Of course, seasoned residents know to stock up on drinking water, grilling supplies, batteries and pet food. But what helps folks weather the howling winds can vary.

When considering non-perishable food items, Buddy Baker of Pinellas Park has two must-haves: chocolate and Spam.

“Neither requires refrigeration and you can eat them straight out of their containers,” he said.

“Hurricane snacks” are a must, Alyse Benjamin of St. Petersburg said, “since there’s a lot of stress eating. We got burgers to grill, popcorn, Oreos, etc.”

Morgan Wilson ensures she can get her coffee fix during bad storms.

“I stock up on instant coffee, jugs of STOK cold brew (black) and drinking water to make more coffee,” she said.

There are basics that everyone should have in their disaster supply kit, according to the Florida Department of Emergency Management. This includes:

Beyond the basics, some Florida Patch readers shared their must-have essentials for riding out the storm, whether they're for entertainment or comfort.

Victoria Heacock of St. Petersburg said she always buys disposable aluminum pans ahead of a storm.

“Anything that you would normally cook on the stove (rice, pasta, vegetables, etc.,) you can put in a pan, cover with aluminum foil and throw it on the grill,” she said.

St. Petersburg resident Brandy Stark always ensures her furry friends are taken care of.

“Well, one does have to stock up on pet supplies, from pug food to rat pellets,” she said, adding, “As a paranormalist, I have to bring in all of my skeleton-themed flamingos.”

Rather than focusing on purchasing specific items, Melissa Stevens Fultz gives herself an at-home spa treatment right before a hurricane.

“I will take one last really lux shower or bath with all the good-smelling moisturizing lotions and balms after, particularly face mask and hydrating serums right before it hits to mentally prep with relaxation and strategically be as clean as possible before losing such options for potentially days or weeks when the utilities go out,” she said. “(I) also love the smell of a completely clean house with all the laundry and dishes done right before the ‘last shower.’ (It) brings a sense of peace and control in a chaotic time.”

Then, there’s entertainment to consider.

Dianne Dombrowski of St. Petersburg makes sure she has board games within reach “to pass time.”

“Of course I need fun, entertaining things,” Meg Hollingsworth of Tampa said. “I got a little crossword book. I have some things to catch up on my reading. And I definitely downloaded a Netflix movie.”

Others focus on alleviating their stress during a storm.

Marjorie Stout always makes sure that she has Excedrin on hand.

“The pressure from rain or storms always gives me a migraine at some point,” she said.

Crystal Farina added, “Sedatives. Sedatives for me. Sedatives for the cat.”

And others focus on having a good time during hurricanes, stocking up on alcohol.

Kim Livengood of Sarasota always makes sure she has beer from Sun King Sarasota and Big Top Brewing Company.

And Sandra Rinaldi has reading materials and liquor on her list.

“Last hurricane I went through, I read a lot of books, drank a lot of rum and cuddled with my cats,” she said.