Building a Hurricane-Ready Mindset

Living in Puerto Rico is a dream—until the skies darken. For those of us new to the island (hi, me!), the concept of a hurricane was once distant and vague. But as summer 2025 approaches, forecasts are clear: this will be an above-average season. Experts expect around 17 named storms, 9 hurricanes, and 4 major hurricanes, with a 56% chance of a Caribbean strike. Which means more than ever, it's time for me to adopt a preparedness mindset. Here’s how I’m getting ready—and why I started stocking up even before the storms begin to roll in.

Why I Didn’t Wait to Prep

For my first hurricane season in Puerto Rico, I admit—I have no idea what to expect. I keep pushing canned foods and batteries to the back of the pantry, thinking “I’ll deal with that if I have to.” But when I saw NOAA’s storm outlook: a 60% chance of an above-normal season and a trend near record warmth in the Atlantic as someone raised in the city (Chicago), I knew I had to treat this with a little urgency.

Without any storm experience emergency preparedness has felt overwhelming. What do I buy? How much is enough? Will the generator really start when I need it? Spoiler: we tested the generator and it did not start and had to have it serviced.

Expect Power and Water Outages (1–5 Days Likely)

Whether it’s Maria-level devastation or a brush-by tropical storm, one thing Puerto Rico reliably shows us: electricity and running water could be gone for days. For New Year’s Eve (2025) and Easter weekend (2025) Puerto Rico had no electricity or clean running water for several days. That jitters the beginner homesteader in me—but it also sparks creativity. After all, building resilience means walking the talk.

What’s in My Emergency Prepped Home

By not waiting, I’ve been able to source thoughtfully without a last-minute panic buy. So, in preparing for my first real hurricane season in Puerto Rico, I’ve built out a pantry and kitchen setup that feels a little like storm survival meets cozy island camping. At the heart of it is a heavy-duty manual grain grinder—because even if the lights go out, we can still grind coffee beans, grains into flour, nuts into nut butter, etc. you get the idea. I stocked up on organic rolled oats, a Costco size bag of raw almonds, canned tuna and spam (yes, I do like spam) and shelf-stable milk and other powdered drinks, which gives me flexibility for breakfast, baking, or just a comfort meal when the weather’s moody.

My coffee setup includes a pour-over dripper and plenty of local coffee, because I refuse to ride out a storm without a proper cup in hand. We’re cooking with a propane camp stove (plus backup fuel), and my trusty Dutch oven is ready for anything from soup to bread. I’ve swapped paper for biodegradable, compostable plates, cups, and utensils to keep things simple and eco-friendly. For hydration, I’ve got a Brita filter pitcher and bottled water for backup, and battery-powered mini fans and cooling towels to keep the heat from turning us all feral. Add to that: shelf-stable snacks, popcorn and chocolate candy for morale, LED table lamps, Clorox wipes for keeping surfaces clean, and what I like to call batteries for days.

Still, there are a few essentials on my to-buy list before the next weather alert pops up. Board games and a classic deck of cards are a must—not just for entertainment, but for keeping sanity when the WiFi inevitably drops. I also need heavy-duty gloves and contractor-grade trash bags to handle post-storm cleanup like a boss. Fly fans and mesh meal covers are next on my list; because if we’re eating outside by lantern light, I’d like to do it without a swarm of uninvited guests. And since the fridge might take a break, I’m picking up extra reusable ice packs to keep the cooler chilled and the cheese safe. With a few more Amazon orders, I’ll be storm-season ready, calm, and maybe even a little smug about it. 

Don’t Forget Pets!

As hurricane season creeps closer, I’ve come to realize that preparing isn’t just about food and flashlights—it’s also about my animals and pets who trust me to keep them safe. I have two cats who behave more like indoor royalty and have zero survival instincts. So I’ve made sure they have enough food, clean litter, and a soft hideaway where the thunder won’t feel quite so apocalyptic. I have a pair of carriers I bought from Amazon when I adopted each one that will serve as a safe zone during a storm if I need to contain them whether for stress management (panicked cats tend to bolt out a door or hide in dangerous spots) or if we have to evacuate (worst case scenario).

Then there are the chickens—three dramatic chickens who absolutely refuse to get their feathers ruffled. I’m ready to bring them inside during a big storm to keep them safe and prevent them from flying around unintentionally. Their coop is reinforced for extra protection, food and water are securely sealed, and a solar-powered light automatically turns on at dusk. I may add a battery-operated fan nearby to keep the air moving when the wind decides to disappear. Making sure their water stays clean and cool without power meant picking up a recycled  bucket as a waterer I can fill ahead of time. It’s not glamorous, but if everyone’s fed, dry, and vaguely unbothered, I call it a win isn’t just about tools—it’s also about comfort. After all, if I’m riding out a storm without electricity, I want everyone—furred, feathered, and human—to feel like they’re glamping, not surviving.

And because the garden is my pride and joy, I invested in a misting system that can cool plants and pets during power outages. Plus, my rain barrel is almost always full, giving me options for irrigation or flushing toilets even without running water.

Why Mindset Matters Most

Building a hurricane-ready mindset goes beyond gear—it’s about confidence and not panicking. When the wind starts, I won’t be scrambling. I’ll have routines in place, a coffee ritual (thanks to manual grinds), a cast-iron skillet meal under candlelight, and a stress free place to sit and play cards. And at the first lull in the storm, I’ll refill the rain barrel, cook more, and affirm that hope, not fear, is what defines this season.

Puerto Rico’s summer will bring storms—maybe fierce, maybe brief. Regardless of your experience, emergency prepping early, stocking your pantry, and building resilience kits (electricity, water, pet needs, mental health) isn’t paranoia—it’s empowerment.

If you’re a fellow homesteader or island newcomer like me, start now. Embrace the slow-living prep routine. Pack your pantry, test your supplies, and remember: that deck of cards might just be what brightens the storm.

Ready to feel calm, confident, and fully prepared before the next storm hits? I’ve created a free Hurricane Emergency Preparedness Checklist designed especially for small homesteads and island living. It’s packed with practical, storm-tested essentials—plus a few cozy comforts to make hurricane season a little more bearable. Just fill out the info below, and I’ll send the printable checklist straight to your inbox.

REQUEST A FREE COPY OF MY HURRICANE READY CHECKLIST BELOW