Getting prepared
© David Pereiras / stock.adobe.com

Weather the storm

Costco can help you prepare for disaster-related events of all sizes

by WILL FIFIELD

According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, in 2021 there were 20 weather disaster events in the U.S., resulting in substantial loss of life and a significant economic strain on the affected areas. Being prepared for severe storms, fires, flooding or just the standard challenges Mother Nature brings to your corner of the world always pays off, and Costco and Costco.com can help you take smart steps to get ready.

The American Red Cross advises having a plan to evacuate and a plan to shelter in place safely before your household faces a storm. While most power outages are brief, it can take days or even weeks to get power restored following a major weather event, so if you must shelter in place, the organization suggests being ready to live without utilites—power, water, gas, and phone and internet service—for an extended period.

Infinity X1 Bluetooth Work Light (Item 16002760).

Exceptionally high standards

Costco buyers have chosen quality emergency food rations, bottled water, backup power sources and other essential items to prepare for severe storms and power outages.

“We test all prospective items, but when we evaluate products that members will rely on in storm situations, we want to make sure they’re very dependable, and well suited to the task,” says Costco hardware buyer David Tran. “For example, when we think about someone using a flashlight in a storm or a power outage, we make sure the light beam is adjustable, so that it’s useful for seeing up close or at a distance. We also look for innovative products.”

Tran says the Infinity X1 Bluetooth Work Light is a great example. “It’s an effective 700-lumen light, but it also features a Bluetooth speaker, which is perfect for streaming news in a storm if you have internet connectivity, and if you don’t, it also serves as a power bank that can be used to charge up a phone or other device.”

Left: Having a supply of emergency food , water and backup power sources is a good first step in preparing for extended power outages. Right: A LifeStraw personal water filter (Item 1656445) protects against 99.9% of bacteria and parasites.
Left: Courtesy of Readywise; Right: © Austin Trigg

Essentials: food

According to Costco buyer Chang Hee Chong, his team is constantly evaluating new suppliers to find the best emergency meals available for members. The result is a variety of quality emergency food, from two-day meal kits to entire pallets that hold 527 meals.

“We source the best ingredients available so that our meals have real nutritional value, and I think people are surprised at how good they taste,” says Brandon Eriksson, vice president of sales with Costco supplier ReadyWise. He says the meals use freeze-dried fruits, vegetables, chicken and beef, and they’re made in a Safe Quality Food facility. “We have the U.S. Department of Agriculture in our facility every day watching over our production.” Search “Emergency food supplies & kits” at Costco.com to find a selection of available items.

Essentials: water

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recommends that each household keep at least a three-day supply of emergency drinking water on hand—1 gallon a day per person. And it’s not enough to just have the water: It is important to store it correctly.

When bottled water is exposed to direct sunlight or heat for extended periods, algae and/or mold growth could possibly develop, so the International Bottled Water Association advises consumers to store bottled water at room temperature or cooler, out of direct sunlight and away from solvents and chemicals such as gasoline, paint thinners and household cleaners, as plastic bottles are slightly permeable and can allow vapors to negatively affect the taste and odor of your bottled water.

“We want members to enjoy the freshest, cleanest water possible—especially if they are already in a stressful situation,” says Costco buyer Lisa Houlton.

Backup power

“Costco carries a number of generator options to meet our members’ needs, from everyday use to emergency preparedness,” says Costco assistant buyer Tanner Laine. He explains that the buying team takes into account that members may have different needs, depending on the region they live in, their occupations and the type of homes in which they live. “For example, for members who live in an apartment or rental where they don’t need or can’t use a gas generator, there are gasless options, such as power banks of various sizes that can store energy for the exact time you need it. Some of our options even allow solar recharging.”

Having a plan and provisions set aside before you need them can make all the difference during and following a major weather-related event.

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Battery care

Costco stocks a variety of batteries so you can be prepared for all kinds of situations. However, storing them properly can help them hold their charge longer.

“Many of us store batteries loose in drawers or bins,” says Costco buyer Michael Holley. “If the terminals contact each other or touch other metal objects, it can reduce the charge they hold.” To avoid this situation, Holley suggests keeping them in a storage tray or battery case.

Search “Batteries”. and “Battery Case”. at Costco.com.—WF

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Don’t forget these

Here are a few other important emergency provisions Costco buyers suggest you have stored safely away:

• Store food for pets, so they can weather the storm with you.
• Keep a backup supply of prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines.
• Have a supply of cash on hand, as credit cards and ATMs don’t work if the power is out.
• Have a stash of batteries, phone chargers and a battery-operated radio available.
• Keep gloves, warm clothing, waterproof jackets, boots and other clothing items in waterproof storage bins.
• A personal water filter, such as the LifeStraw (pictured above), can help keep you hydrated in an emergency. It protects against 99.9% of bacteria and parasites.—WF

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