• Determine if you are going to evacuate or ride the storm out based on a predetermined hurricane category level.

• Listen to the National Hurricane Center on your local radio or Internet

• If you evacuate; pull furnishings away from windows, turn off electrical power, gas and electrical and take essential items, documents and phone numbers.

• Go to the store and purchase emergency essentials (print enclosed emergency essential shopping list)

• Telephone – fully charged cell phone and a land line telephone for back up

• Two coolers –one for food and one for ice

• Water – fill bathtubs and containers with water for washing, also stock up on bottled water for consumption

• Have cash on hand – all banks and ATMs may not be available after the storm

• Protect your windows and doors with appropriate hurricane storm protection; storm panels, storm shutters, accordions, or rollups

• Secure outside objects such as patio furniture, plants and grills

• Protect important documents ( financial documents, birth certificates, marriage license, insurance information, photos) and place in waterproof container

• First Aid kit, medicines and prescription drugs

• Special items needed for elderly or infants

• Toiletries, hygiene items

• Keys

• Toys, books, cards and games

• Camera with film or video recorder to document any damages

• Have several days supply of food and water based on the size of your family. Your plan should account for food needed during the storm as well as 1-2 days after the storm. Items to include: non-perishable food, canned food, food for infants, snack foods, non-electric can opener, paper plates and plastic utensils.

• If called to evacuate, do so early in the process because emergency roads will be congested just prior to the storm

• Have a secure room in the house ready for all family members that includes pillows, blankets and comfortable clothes

• Vehicle fuel tanks and generator gas tanks filled

• Test generator – operate outside the home

• Pet care items – food, water, carrier, leash

• Secure household appliances – unplug appliances, computers etc.

• Telephone numbers that include; insurance company, utilities, doctors etc.

• Swimming pool

• Shut down the power
• Cover or protect pool equipment
• Lower water to the bottom of the skimmer
• Add liquid chlorine