WFLA

How much does a hurricane kit cost? What to know as you prepare for Dorian

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Hurricane Dorian is forecast to make landfall in Florida as a major hurricane and if you aren’t prepared, we have compiled a list and breakdown of how much a hurricane kit could cost you.

“Having worked through several hurricanes with Home Depot…it’s an absolute madhouse down here,” said Lee Forbes, assistant store manager of Home Depot in St. Petersburg.

8 On Your Side went to Home Depot and shopped for items recommended to assemble a proper hurricane kit. We used the ‘Emergency Kit Essential’ list compiled by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Home Depot had most of the items on the agency’s list, including water, a flashlight, batteries, a battery-powered/hand-crank radio, a first aid kit and tools as well as sanitation and personal hygiene items. 

Ultimately, the grand total for our hurricane kit came to $179.41.

Here is the full list of items FEMA recommends to build a hurricane kit:

Forbes also recommends making a post-hurricane kit.

“The second kit is stuff you are going to need after the storm has blown through,” said Forbes.

Forbes suggestions for a post-hurricane kit:

8 On Your Side priced the cost for the duct tape, work glasses and gloves and tarp. Our total came to $104.19.

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