(Part 3) Top products from r/TropicalWeather

Even if your wife is planning to breastfeed, have formula on hand just in case. I'd recommend the ready-to-feed (RTF) stuff that comes in the little bottles (like this). That way you don't have to worry about your water source, or washing/sterilizing bottles. You can get individually wrapped nipples for them, too (Amazon link). One of the other commenters said you have to refrigerate the RTF formula, but that's only true once it's been opened.

If your wife *is* planning to breastfeed, i'd recommend a manual breast pump and/or a haaka in case baby has trouble latching and she wants to express milk. They have electric pumps with battery powered options, too, if you want to look into that. (in this case you'd obviously also need bottles and a way to wash/sterilize them).

Obviously diapers and wipes too. Another thing is we do so much freakin laundry, which, in the event of an extended outage, wouldn't really be possible. So more onesies and swaddles than you think you need and burp cloths/rags in case you have a spitty baby.

Some items we Amazon Primed in the first week or two that we didn't know we needed: simethicone gas drops, probiotics, vitamin d drops, velcro swaddle, different size pump flanges, slow flow nipples, saline spray/drops, miracle blanket swaddle, and a partridge in a pear tree.

Newborn babies are hard, and I hope you don't have to deal with a hurricane at the same time! Praying for calm weather in your area!

Amazon sell these awesome reusable washable pads. They're huge and really durable. Highly recommended. I also like the grass/sod in the kiddie pool idea. Could even lay grass on top of these reusable pads too.

Medline Softnit 300 Washable Underpads, Pack of 4 Large Bed Pads, 34" x 36", For use as incontinence bed pads, reusable pet pads, great for dogs, cats, and bunny https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FED594/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_UYpCDbK1P3KW5

I know of two, purchasable options that exist:

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Security window film on the inside of windows - won't stop glass from breaking, but will control glass particles and could prevent something like a branch breaking all the way through the glass: https://www.amazon.com/Security-Window-Film-Wide-Roll/dp/B004LDBPY2

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Hurricane clips exist, which let you place plywood in the window casing without drilling (not an option on all window types, but pretty great if it works for your space): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014PYV0P0/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_AlBADbHFM1CCB

I’ve been reading an amazing book about Polynesian settlement. You should check it out. It’s fascinating and a really good read. The problem is it’s led to a google earth and Wikipedia binge where I’ve learned about islands formed by a god doing goatse to captain cook to the physics of sailing and now I’m ready to leave my family and buy a sailboat.

One suggestion from past experience, buy a tire plug kit like this or this. If your area is hit by a serious storm there will be roofing nails and other debris on the roads. The plugs will usually do a good job with nail punctures and it's easy to do.

You can buy a 12v fan that runs off of a cigarette charger in a car. Then you can buy a $100 deep cycle marine battery and run the fan for almost two weeks. You can also use the battery to charge your phone. All in, for less than $150, you can charge your phone and have a fan for over a week without power.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003SS62PS/
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G8WLX78/

Try going to your local camping/outdoor supply store. They often have large water containers to set up in your campsite. The ones I got are flexible plastic containers that fold up flat, but inflate like a giant water balloon into a cube shape when full.

Here’s an amazon link to one similar to the ones I have:

Reliance Products 5 Gallon Poly-Bagged Fold-A-Carrier Collapsible Water Carrier https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001QBZI90/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_k0RzDb25BXN7E

A windup radio is important (something like this).

Candles & Books.

Don't let your dreams be dreams!

EDIT: Even better option, 10 gallon for same price

Whatever works for you. :) Personally I'd rather go to the dentist than WalMart.

Kirkland batteries are also available on Amazon...

https://www.amazon.com/Kirkland-Signature-1-5V-Alkaline-Batteries/dp/B003FZ4RQA

They are more expensive there though (I think they are $11 at Costco vs. $22 at Amazon). But probably still cheaper than 48ct. Duracells.

Same, with the difference being I keep my bin in the closet given I don't have a garage, and instead of the water containers, I have a two large party-pitchers (like this ), some kitchen pitchers, and a cooler. I only have to prep for one usually, so this does me fine.

Over $20 from amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/DASANI-water-16-9-24-Count/dp/B000T9SZOU

Walmart is over $40: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Dasani-Purified-Water-16-9-Fl-Oz-24-Ct/14940709

Staples is cheapest at $15.99: https://www.staples.com/Dasani-Water-500mL-Bottles-24-pack/product_219201

Buy water storage jugs from camping supply sections or amazon prime and fill them with tap water.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001QC31G6/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_x_0jSRzb8EWX3BY

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GKDFH4/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_x_0kSRzb4TS9GW0

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KX1DLCY/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_x_CjSRzbVPGKN0C

Would these work?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BD8MRO/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

Do I need to predrill the hole? If so what size drill bit do I need?

During an extended blackout your rechargeable batteries will be flat and you'll have... nothing.

Highly recommend a small DC-AC inverter so you can charge your toys from your car. like this guy for $20 arrives 9/12

There's also something to be said for having a few Duracells for the flashlight. They're all sold out by now though.

You might want to [try this on it: OdoBan Ready-to-Use 32 oz Spray Bottle and 1 Gal Concentrate, Eucalyptus Scent - Odor Eliminator, Disinfectant, Flood Fire Water Damage Restoration] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000ZOQ9HY/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_h.eNBbB9G0G3V) - after you clean it of course!

That stuff is a lifesaver when it comes to mold and smelly random crap.

Yeah, you don't need anything heavy to smash a car window. They're made of tempered glass, so all you need is a sharp object with a concentrated point that is harder than the glass (e.g. an icepick or punch tool). That's why you can shatter a car window with just a tiny smashed piece of ceramic from a spark plug ("ninja rocks").

Using something as a lever works too since it applies so much force into an extremely concentrated area, and it's probably also going to be near the edge of the glass, where tempered glass is weakest.

I highly suggest investing in one of the specialty tools though. They're super inexpensive and take up no room in your car. I keep one in my center console and one in my dashboard. They do make larger ones too if you're worried about a keychain-sized one getting lost.

https://www.amazon.com/Talstar-11452-PL-Granules-Insecticide/dp/B006GHV9B0/ref=sr_1_11?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1537105204&sr=1-11&keywords=talstar+professional+insecticide

No more battle.