By Gloria Flalach
TAMPA, Fla.– Thirty students living both on and off campus at The University of Tampa were randomly selected to participate in a survey determining the extent of their hurricane preparation. Students were asked what top five items they would buy and bring with them in the event of a hurricane. The results demonstrated that many students are aware of the dire items they need to buy and bring with them before a hurricane evacuation.
Starting with necessities, all 30 students voted that they would buy water as soon as the news of a hurricane spread. 76.7% said they would buy nonperishable foods, like canned goods and vacuum-sealed meals. 63.3% said they would bring a flashlight, but only 50% said they would bring extra batteries.
It is recommended to have two sets of batteries for each flashlight in your home in case of long-term power outages. Having a NOAA weather radio can help you stay updated with the latest, and it also has the ability to charge a student’s phone to stay in contact with loved ones who are not in Tampa.
In addition to water and nonperishable foods, 60% of students said that they would buy snacks, while 0% of students said that they would buy soda. Only 20% of students said they would buy or bring cleaning products and hygiene products like soap, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes.
Taking care of yourself is important but having cleaning supplies is also important in order to help with the post-hurricane relief of a student’s space and community.
56.7% of students said they would bring important documents with them in case of a hurricane evacuation, and only 20% of students said they would bring priceless items. Half of the students said that they would bring cash with them in case the card systems in stores or ATMs go down after the storm surge. It is important to carry cash for purchases before, during, and after a hurricane hits an area and only use credit and debit cards for emergencies.
Social media has the power to influence college students on what they should and shouldn’t buy when preparing for a hurricane and what is important to bring when evacuating. News articles will only tell students verified facts about what they should or should not buy or bring, while TikTok videos will share the random things an influencer is bringing with them even though it is not a necessity.
Students were asked in the survey if they are easily influenced by what others are buying in general, and the results were split fifty-fifty. Many students who are easily influenced by what others buy have a higher chance of paying for things that they do not actually need instead of things that could potentially save their lives.
Hurricane preparation can be difficult for students who have not lived in Florida for a long time and can be easily stressed and influenced by others. It is important to remember the necessities when preparing for a hurricane.