How to Throw a Hurricane Party

When choosing guests, snacks, and entertainment for your hurricane party, you must keep a few key points in mind. Once the party starts, it doesn't stop until the hurricane is over, so you must be prepared.

1. Invite guests you trust can keep their cool.

During a hurricane party, you need to invite guests who will be fun, but calm at the same time. Some storms can be very stressful. Part of the reason to have a hurricane party is to help everyone get through this time without the stress or worry. As long as your guests can handle a few drinks by candlelight without running out the front door screaming, then you've chosen the right guests.

2. Buy snacks that won't need refrigeration.

Often the power will go out during a hurricane. A stray branch or a strong gust of wind will knock out the power, possibly for days. When choosing your snacks for the party, have things on hand that won't involve refrigeration. Think chips and dip or cakes and cookies.

3. Have plenty of ice on hand.

Have plenty of ice on hand to keep those drinks cold when the hurricane knocks out your power. A few bags of ice in a large cooler will definitely last you the nice. Also, if you plan on having a few mixed drinks, you may want to keep a bag in your freezer.

4. Candles, Flashlights, and Batteries are a must.

Keep candles and flashlights nearby so that when those lights begin to flicker, you can light up your own torches. Sadly, your shining personality will not be enough to keep your hurricane party lit.

In addition, batteries are not just for your flashlights, but also will run your private DJ equipment (read: your boombox). In fact, make sure you have a portable radio that runs on batteries. If you are an MP3 player aficionado, then purchasing a docking station that runs on batteries can keep the partying rolling all night long.

5. Have low-tech entertainment available.

Board games, cards, a Texas Hold'em tournament are great ways to pass the time. Most likely the power will go out, so unless you want to buy a generator to run your surround sound and 50" plasma screen TV, then you better have some low-tech entertainment on hand. Hurricanes are unforgiving when it comes to electronics.

6. Sleepover gear ready to go

Make sure to have lots of blankets, pillows and sleeping bags (have folks bring their own). If the hurricane lasts all night, your guests might too. It's not safe to be outside a structure during a major hurricane, so collecting the keys at the door might be a good idea (blame it on the drinking).

7. Hurricane readiness kit.

Keep your hurricane readiness kit nearby. Have a first aid kit ready for when you're bumping around in the dark. This is for your protection and your guests.

8. Bottled Water and Canned goods.

As with any hurricane, make sure to have all of your emergency supplies on hand in case things go bad. As with all major storms, roads can be closed and power can be out for days or even weeks. Make sure, especially with guests, that you have all the materials you need for real survival if the hurricane becomes highly destructive in your immediate area.

9. Hurricane parties don't just have to be for adults, they can be for children too.

Hurricane parties can also help kids keep their minds off the storm blowing around outside. Having some fun activities on hand can help the children have a little fun rather than cowering in fear.

10. Have fun, but stay safe.

Most of all, hurricanes can be dangerous and you need to keep this in the back of your mind.

When your area is called to evacuate during a hurricane, it's time to end the party and get to safety. A good party can be fun, but as I'm sure you've seen in the news, a hurricane can be deadly.

Finally, if you follow these few simple steps, your hurricane party will be fun, successful, and safe.