Hurricane hacks for your dog, if you want coffee, in case you lose power or ride the storm

Are you ready?

Hurricane season runs June 1 to Nov. 30, but technically you can be "hurricane prepared" all year long. What does that mean?

Hurricane preparedness usually means having hurricane panels and blue tarp stored in your garage and a hurricane kit in your pantry, ready to go. Hurricane kits typically contain flashlights, bottled water, a multipurpose tool, first aid kit, and nonperishable food.

But if you wanted to go the extra mile with hurricane preparedness, using items you most likely have in your home, consider these hurricane hacks — before or during a storm.

Make ice ahead of time

Freeze bags of water in case you need ice later. Make sure you lay them flat so there's still room in the freezer. You can store already made ice cubes in freezer bags, or freeze water bottles (they make great ice packs). The ice will come in handy if the power goes out.

Bookmark this link: Free database lets you keep up with storm activity in the Atlantic

What are the names for the Atlantic hurricane season 2022 and who decides them?

Turn your washing machine into a mini fridge

Use the time before the storm to catch up on laundry. You'll want your washer free of clothes. If the power goes out during a storm, you can use the empty washing machine as an impromptu beverage cooler. Fill it with ice, and when the ice melts, the water will drain.

Turn a plastic storage bin into a cooler

Save the foam coolers to store food and drinks, and use a storage bin if you have medications that need refrigeration.

Turn your dishwasher into a safe

There's a new meaning for "dishwasher safe" in hurricane season.

Place important documents and treasured photos in freezer bags, label them with a permanent marker, then place in the dishwasher. The appliance can act as a waterproof safe or keep these items dry and off the floor in case water manages to creep in.

Just remember to remove these items before using the dishwasher to, well, wash dishes.

Tree stuff to do before the storm: If you have large trees in your yard, *this* should be on your hurricane to-do list

Fill up the bathtubs with water

The extra water could help flush the toilet.

Get comfy on an air mattress or pool float

Got extra family members or neighbors staying with you to ride out the storm? If you're low on places for them to crash and there just aren't enough beds available, use an air mattress or even a pool float. It'll be much more comfortable than the floor.

By the way, ear plugs and a sleep mask are a good idea, too.

Hungry? There are alternatives to chips, cookies and bean salad

Riding out a storm or dealing with a power outage means a little creativity when it comes to eating. It's good to have nonperishables in your hurricane kit, but if you don't want to fill up on snacky foods or three-bean salad, consider fresh fruit.

Fruit like tomatoes, citrus, melons, apples, bananas, plums, nectarines, and pears are all safe to leave outside of the fridge — maybe on a counter or on your table.

Other foods like uncut avocado, uncut cucumbers, potatoes, peanut butter, unopened canned tuna, unopened canned chicken, unopened jelly, Nutella, and breads can also withstand being left at room temperature.

No power, no coffee maker? No problem

Some of us need coffee to function — even during a storm. If the power goes out and that means no coffee maker or refrigerated coffee creamer, there are other options.

Try instant coffee packets, nondairy creamer, powdered creamer and sugar. You could also make your own cold brew.

Thanks a latte! For coffee lovers, these coffeehouses serve as "Schools of the Wise"

Don't have access to a shower? Try bathing wipes

Turns out bathing wipes come in handy for those long days at the theme park and during hurricane season if you don't have access to a shower. Florida in the summertime is hot, and if the power is out, bathing wipes can help you feel semi-fresh again.

If you have little ones or sensitive skin, consider using baby wipes.

Also, make sure you have plenty of paper towels and tissues.

Got a dog? Prepare a place for him to pee and poop

Our beloved pets need some TLC during hurricane season, too.

If you're riding out a storm and the winds and rain outside are horrendous, it'd be good to have a spot for the dog to do his business. You have some options:

• Puppy pads

• Buy a kiddie pool or save a space in the garage. Buy sod from a home improvement store and place it in the kiddie pool or in a space that's close to the garage door.

• Some pet markets sell "fake grass" or a special matt for potty training.

Did the power go out? Here are some light sources

These tricks will also work during the day if your windows are covered with hurricane shutters. If at all possible, conserve the energy of flashlights if the power does go out.

• Turn a gallon of water into a lantern by shining a light onto it or strapping a head lamp around it.

• You can use a glow stick (or two) in an empty milk jug.

• Have battery-operated LED light bars on hand.

• Got solar-powered lights in the yard? Bring them inside at night and then recharge them in the day.

Other hurricane prep tips

• Make electronic copies of your important documents by taking photos. Then put the original documents in a sealed plastic bag in an easy-to-access place so you can grab them in case of an emergency evacuation.

• Have some cash on you.

• Have a solar power cellphone charger (or two).

• Make sure you have enough water (1 gallon per person per day).

• Make sure you have enough nonperishable food to last a week.

• Have rain gear such as rain boots.

• Pack extra flashlights and batteries.

• Have a stash of utensils and paper plates.

• Stock up on hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes.

• Have a first aid kit and access to at-home COVID tests. Create a COVID kit in case you do test positive — thermometer, cold medicine, aspirin, fever reducer, throat lozengers, etc.

• Keep important documents such as birth and marriage certificates, COVID vaccine passport, passport in a safe place or with you.

Other hurricane prep tips for dogs, cats and other pets

• For pets, have their medical records and micro chip info.

• Have enough pet food and water to last a week.

• Get the carrier or cage ready. Same with a muzzle and leash.

Please consider subscribing to a USA TODAY Network-Florida newspaper at offers.usatodaynetwork.com/network-regional-florida.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Hurricane season hacks: Dishwasher safe, washing machine cooler & pets