Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Roommate goes food shopping ahead of hurricane, everyone is baffled

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A roommate preparing for an approaching hurricane has left internet viewers in stitches with what many are calling a misguided attempt to brace for the storm.

Kaitlyn (@kaitlynnnn93), a Florida native, shared a video on TikTok showcasing her housemate’s eager yet misguided hurricane preparations. Anticipating the arrival of Hurricane Milton, her roommate decided to stock up the freezer—packing it completely full. Kaitlyn’s TikTok quickly went viral, racking up over 181,000 likes and more than 2.2 million views.

“My roommate who has never been through a hurricane went shopping and stocked the freezer of all things,” Kaitlyn wrote in text overlaying the clip. “Hate to break it to you babe, but we losing power,” she added in the caption.

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The video shows Kaitlyn’s unimpressed expression before revealing the freezer, packed tightly with frozen pizzas, fries, pies, and more. Clearly amused, she showcases her roommate’s overzealous stockpile. Newsweek reached out to @kaitlynnnn93 for comment via TikTok. We could not verify the details of the case.

“3 Tony’s pizzas?? That’s insanity!!!” commented one viewer, Sapphire. “Getting blizzard and hurricane mixed up,” another user joked.

One TikTok viewer shared a similar story, saying, “This is like when my roommate went shopping for supplies because there was a chance of a tornado. Bro, we can’t eat anything if there’s a tornado. Our food’s going to be blown away.”

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Kaitlyn’s TikTok sheds light on an important reality for hurricane preparation: power outages are almost a given.

With Hurricane Milton expected to make landfall in Florida, stocking up on perishable frozen goods might not be the best move. Instead, experts advise preparing with essentials such as non-perishable foods, bottled water, and a first-aid kit—keeping safety and practicality in mind.

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The National Weather Service says that effective hurricane preparation involves various critical steps:

  1. Assemble an Emergency Kit: Pack essentials such as a first-aid kit, flashlights, extra batteries, and a portable phone charger. Include non-perishable food items—such as canned goods, granola bars, and peanut butter—that don’t require refrigeration or cooking.
  2. Secure Important Documents: Store vital documents, like IDs, insurance papers, and medical records, in a waterproof container. Having copies of these documents can be invaluable if you need to evacuate.
  3. Plan for Water Needs: Stock at least one gallon of water per person per day for a minimum of three days. This includes water for drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene.
  4. Prepare Your Home: If you are staying home, secure outdoor items such as furniture and bring them indoors. Protect windows with storm shutters or plywood, and consider investing in sandbags to mitigate flooding around vulnerable areas.
  5. Stay Informed: Keep an eye on local weather updates and emergency alerts. Make sure you have access to a battery-powered or hand-crank radio in case of power outages, allowing you to stay updated on storm progress and evacuation orders.
  6. Plan for Evacuation: Identify potential shelter options and create a plan for where to go if evacuation orders are issued. If you have pets, make sure you know which shelters accommodate them, and bring enough pet supplies to last for several days.
Stock image of a freezer full with food containers. Internet viewers have ridiculed a woman’s attempt at preparing for Hurricane Milton.

Nadezhda Mikhalitskaia/iStock / Getty Images Plus

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