Don’t Get Caught in the Dark: How to Build a Storm-Ready Emergency Kit
When the lights go out and the wind kicks up, your emergency kit becomes your lifeline. Whether you're riding out a hurricane in Florida, prepping for power outages in the Pacific Northwest, or bracing for Gulf Coast storms, having the right gear makes all the difference.
Here’s a no-fuss guide to building a storm-season emergency preparedness kit—with dependable gear you’ll actually want to keep on hand.
1. Long-Burning Emergency Candles
Candles are a classic backup for a reason—but not all candles are created equal. Skip the scented store-bought stuff and stock up on UCO 15-Hour Candles (3-pack). These are designed for emergency use, with:
- Up to 15 hours of burn time per candle
- Clean, reliable flame with minimal smoke
- Perfect fit for UCO candle lanterns
- Made for power outages, prepping kits, and hurricane season
Want something even more natural? Try the Natural Beeswax Candles (3-pack) for a clean burn with a naturally sweet scent and slightly longer burn.
2. Matches That Laugh in the Face of Wind & Rain
Rain, wind, and humidity don’t stand a chance against UCO’s survival-ready matches. These aren’t your average book matches—they’re built for real emergencies.
Best picks for storm kits:
- Stormproof Matches: Windproof, waterproof, and relight even after being submerged.
- Titan Stormproof Matches: Our longest-burning match—ideal for hurricanes, floods, and blackout situations.
- Stormproof Match Kit: Comes with 25 matches and a waterproof container for grab-and-go readiness.
- Hurricane Matches: Specifically designed with hurricane zones in mind. A must-have in Florida and the Gulf Coast.
3. Candle Lanterns: Light + Heat + Ambience
Flashlights are great—but lanterns offer warm, steady light and a bit of emotional comfort too. The Original Candle Lantern is a go-to for preppers, campers, and off-grid adventurers.
Why it belongs in your storm kit:
- Uses UCO candles (up to 15 hours per candle)
- Provides soft, ambient light for reading or moving around safely
- Generates a small amount of radiant heat
- Folds compactly for easy storage
Need more light or heat? The Candlelier Lantern burns three candles at once and throws off enough warmth to gently take the chill out of a room.
4. Other Must-Haves
Don’t forget to round out your kit with:
- A basic multi-tool or fixed blade knife
- Extra batteries
- Portable power bank for phones
- Dry food + water for at least 72 hours
- First aid supplies
- Copies of important documents in a waterproof pouch
🧭 Final Tips for Your Region
- Florida + Gulf Coast: Stock extra Hurricane Matches and waterproof containers for frequent flooding. Keep candles and matches in a high spot.
- Pacific Northwest: Long power outages are common—stash a Candlelier and extra candles to warm and light your space.
- Everywhere: Test your gear before you need it. You don’t want your first strike of a match to be in the dark.
Ready to Prep?
Stock up on essentials now—before the forecast turns. Explore our full collection of emergency candles, stormproof matches, and lanterns here.
