Preparing yourself for any storm can be stressful and time-consuming—let alone during a hurricane. Whether it’s a Category 1 or Category 5, heavy rainfall and wind gusts can make their way inland, and evacuation or shelter-in-place orders can suddenly become a very real (and scary) thing. Having a 72-hour grab bag full of vegan-friendly necessities is one thing you can do to set your mind at ease. Familiarize yourself with hurricane preparedness protocols, then use this list to pack your bags and ensure your companion animals’ safety as well.
1. 72-hour bag essentials
- Copy of important documents (and pet documents)
- Three-day food supply (per person)
- Three-day water supply (one gallon per person—to drink only)
- Batteries
- First aid kit
- Solar-powered battery charger
- Whistle
- Medications
- Flashlight
- Tent and sleeping bag/ pillow
- Towel and blankets
- Change of clothes
- Battery-powered fan
- Battery-powered radio or hand-crank NOAA weather radio
- Waterproof bag
- Multipurpose tool kit and utility knife
- Manual can opener
- Vegan cutlery and dishware
- Seven-day supply of medications
- Cash
- Personal hygiene and sanitation items
- Sunscreens and insect repellent
- Rain gear and boots
- Playing cards
2. Vegan food staples
Pantry goods
- Canned soups (try Amy’s Kitchen in Chili with Vegetables or Lentil Vegetable)
- Other canned products like rice and beans (try Eden Foods)
- Shelf-stable tofu (try Mori-Nu)
- Canned vegetables or fruit
- Protein powder (Vega, Drink Wholesome PB Vegan, Lyfe Fuel, etc.)
- Instant coffee
- Powdered plant-based milk (try JOI)
- Bread and wraps
- Dry cereal/dried oatmeal packs
- Nut butter (pack a jar or single-serve packs)
Snacks
- Nuts
- Seaweed chips (Seasnax organic seaweed snacks)
- Vegan chocolate/candy
- Dried fruit (banana, mango, pineapple, apple, apricot, dates, etc.)
- Non-refrigerated fruit (peaches, plums, oranges, lemons, limes, apples, pears, melons, and bananas)
- Nutrient-dense, vegan-friendly bars (Tosi, Crafted Energy, Ricaroons, Larabars, etc.)
Miscellaneous
- Reusable utensils
- Reusable water bottle
- Toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags
- Sanitary wipes
3. Tips for companion animals
- Locate an animal-friendly shelter prior to the storm
- Make sure your companion animal has all shots updated
- Update collars with information and phone numbers
- Bring your companion animal with you—never leave them behind
- Carry a five-day (minimum) food and water supply and collapsable water and food bowls
- Many shelters require a leash and carrier—check in advance
For more updates and information on storm prep, please review the National Hurricane Center website for specific information to your local area. Visit Pets Welcome to locate a companion -animal-friendly hotel or motel and search by state. For disaster assistance relief, visit FEMA to find local resources. All other information by the CDC on hurricanes can be located here.
Ryan Shepard, founder and owner of The Vegan Rhino, is living his best plant-powered life and helping others to do the same.
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