Hurricane season is upon us!
After you are prepared to make it through the storm and have your evacuation plan in place — what should you do to make it through the days?
That’s easy: throw a hurricane party!
What is a hurricane party?
It’s a gathering between friends and neighbors to help pass the time during the storm. In Central Florida, schools normally close to be transformed into shelters for people evacuating from the coasts in the middle of a hurricane. So, with the kids home, a party is a fun way to pass the time. Invite your family, friends, or neighbors. Also, remember that the conditions can always change, so be sure you’ll be okay if you are stuck with these people for an extended period.
When should you throw a hurricane party?
When a hurricane is coming, throw a hurricane party for your family, friends, or neighbors, and it is safe to stay in place. Being in Central Florida often means that we can stay in our own homes during a storm. It doesn’t mean we are without risk during a hurricane, but the chances that we will have to evacuate are lower than those living on the coasts.
**Throwing a hurricane party during an active storm should only be done when local government professionals have deemed it safe for you to remain in place while the storm goes on. If your area has been issued an evacuation order, please follow those guidelines and leave your home for safety**
With that being said, here is what you should do to throw an epic hurricane party:
Talk to your friends and neighbors:
See who is willing to come to your house to pass the time. Neighbors are great to reach out to because they’re so close to you. If your friends are coming to you, please ensure they follow local government recommendations about road safety and obey any travel restrictions.
One of the great positives about a hurricane party is the ability to trade goods. If you are low on supplies, your neighbors and friends may have some to spare. People often use these gatherings as a way to ensure they have all the supplies they need to make it through the storm.
Food/Drinks:
During a hurricane, save non-perishable foods in case you lose power. Use the hurricane party as an opportunity to cook and consume perishable foods you or your guests have on hand. If you are planning to use an outdoor grill to cook, please take precautions when outside in the storm. Always adhere to food safety guidelines when preparing food for your family and others during a storm. A fun way to keep your beverages cool would be a fun addition to your party.
Lighting:
Have your candles or battery/solar-operated lights close by in case you lose power.
Games:
Now is the time to pull out all those dusty games from your game closet and play away! Think big group games like Cards Against Humanity, What Do You Meme? & Questionable. Or set up games (like chess, Uno, and other card games) around the house that require fewer people. Puzzles can also be a fun activity to do with a large group!
Other ideas include LEGOs, magnet blocks, forts, marble runs, arts & crafts, and costumes! Don’t forget about the kids and grab some games that little kids can play to keep them occupied inside.
Decor
A totally skippable step in throwing a hurricane party, but you may as well have some fun with it, right? Why not keep some fun decorations on hand to make the house themed to the storm outside!? You may consider some themed ceiling decor, table decor, paper plates and cups, and hurricane-themed signs.
And what is a party without a themed cocktail?
If you’re throwing a hurricane party, there is no better cocktail than the hurricane.
Hurricane Cocktail
- 4 oz rum (equal parts light and dark rum)
- 2 oz passion fruit juice
- 1 oz orange juice
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- Garnish with a lime, orange, or cherry & umbrella
Safety
Hurricane parties are meant to be a way to pass the time with people you care about during a large storm. Everyone can benefit from gathering if you are using it as a time to trade supplies, entertain the kids, or provide shelter to those who need it. However, when you are gathering during a natural disaster, safety must be everyone’s top priority. If conditions change and you are recommended to evacuate, please follow those instructions. Also, a little old-school, but you should try to keep a radio on hand to stay in the know about the weather and current travel/evacuation recommendations.
