Pre-storm resupply planning

01 — THE PRINCIPLE

Map your supply chain before it breaks

Most households rely on one grocery store, one gas station, and one pharmacy. When that single source closes, loses power, or runs out of stock, the household has no plan B. Ready.gov recommends identifying backup resources as part of household emergency planning.

Before storm season, identify at least two backup locations for fuel, groceries, water, and prescriptions. Note their addresses on paper (not just in your phone) and the routes to reach them.

Consider locations in different directions from your home. A storm that closes roads to the north may leave southern routes open. Geographic diversity in your backup resources improves the odds that at least one is reachable.

02 — FUEL

The most time-sensitive supply

Fuel stations lose power and run dry faster than any other supply. Identify at least three stations on different routes from your home, and note which ones have backup generators.

Keep vehicles above half a tank during storm season. Filling up from half costs less per trip, reduces wait time, and means you always have at least 150 miles of range without visiting a station.

If you have approved fuel storage (for generators or equipment), keep it filled and stabilized before storm season begins. Treated gasoline stores safely for 12 months in approved containers.

03 — FOOD AND WATER

Avoiding the last-minute rush

The 48 hours before a storm produces predictable runs on water, bread, batteries, and canned goods. Households with a maintained rolling pantry skip the rush entirely.

Identify two backup grocery stores or warehouse clubs on different routes. Note whether they have generators (refrigeration and point-of-sale) and their typical stock recovery time after prior storms.

For water: know your nearest municipal water distribution points (published during declarations), and identify at least one hardware store that stocks large water containers and water treatment supplies.