Just in time for Halloween, Frankenstorm is coming. Meteorologists have described the storm system surrounding Hurricane Sandy as “unprecedented” and predict it could cause up to $1 billion in damages. Like all other East Coasters, we hope the hype is mostly hyperbole and the destruction ends up at a minimum. But also like everyone else on the Atlantic Coast, we’re scrambling to make sure we are prepared, just in case those dire forecasts are right. What do you need to make it through a storm? Here are some essentials we’re stocking in our emergency kit.

Ice: Every government organization out there tells you to stock up on water, but water does not help chill your drink. A few extra bags of ice will go a long way in making your sequester at home more pleasant.

Lemons and Limes: Yes, you should get both. When you’re having cocktails during a stormpocalypse, you don’t want to get bored, and these two types of fruits do make very different drinks. Limes are good for gin and tequila, lemons go well with whiskey or vodka. If you want to go all out, throw some oranges in your shopping bag, too.

Cooler: If and when the power goes out, this extra storage will come in very handy. You can fill it with the ice and citrus mentioned above and still have room for a six pack and one choice bottle of booze you like to keep chilled. Dig out your tailgating special or pick up a new one — even a disposable styrofoam container will do.

Bitters: These secret-recipe additives (we’re partial to Angostura or Fee Brothers) can turn a boring mixed drink into a seriously satisfying cocktail — your palate will think you’re out at your favorite bar. And because the flavors in these are so concentrated, just one bottle will suffice to enliven drinks for your whole household throughout the duration of the storm.

Soda Water: Similar to the ice situation, all that flat water your mayor is urging you to buy does not a great cocktail make. Stock up on a few bottles of your favorite fizzy stuff, or go all out and scoop up a do-it-yourself SodaStream home soda maker (you’ll enjoy this one even after the storm is gone).

Gin or Vodka: When it’s blustery and dark in the morning, and you can’t make it out to your favorite brunch spot, you’ll want to have one of these clear spirits on hand. Which one you choose depends on personal taste: if you like to taste just your juice or mixer, go vodka; if you enjoy strong herbal notes that make the liquor noticeable, go gin. Either will suit day-drinking just as well.

Eggs: We agree with the conventional wisdom that includes eggs as unquestionably necessary to have in your house during any storm. Why? Hangover cure, anyone? When you have a perfect excuse for drinking all day but can’t go out for brunch the next morning (see above), you’ll have to make your own breakfast, and eggs should be part of it.

Bourbon or Rye Whiskey: When it comes to the evening — and darkness settles early when thick storm clouds are overhead — something with deeper flavor is called for. Pick up your favorite brown liquor to help you get through that night at home, and ease your way into sleep.

Cheese: Not only does cheese keep well in a cooler if you lose refrigeration, it pairs well with just about any drink. Pick up a few types to keep your tongue excited between sips of your storm-appropriate libations and you won’t get bored.

Beer: You can’t drink gin and bourbon all day long. Scoop up a few bottles or cans of your favorite craft brew to enjoy with your meals or during the game, or cop a growler of fresh draft and you won’t even notice you’re not at the pub.

What’s in your emergency kit?