Top 10 things you should do now.
Before
Make a plan: Decide whether to stay or go
If you haven’t done so already, make a plan for the entire family, right down to the dog. When a storm threatens, will you stay home, head to a shelter, or flee the area? Each scenario requires some forethought. For instance, if you stay home, will your house stand up to the storm? If you head to a shelter, which one? And if you depart the region, where will you go? Making such critical decisions should be top priority now, before winds start howling.
Stock up on emergency supplies
Plan to be self-sufficient for at least three days — better yet, five — in the event power is out, roads are blocked and you can’t get groceries. The single-most important item: drinking water, at least a gallon a day for each person. Keep lots of canned goods and nonperishable foods on hand and make sure your first-aid kit is up to date.
Fill up car, get cash
Lines at service stations can be long the day before a storm hits and worse in the days — and weeks — after. Fill up as soon as a storm looks like a possible threat. Similarly, don’t wait to get cash because you might need to purchase supplies after the storm.
Check shutters, clear the yard
Make sure your shutters are in good order. If you have panels, practice putting them up to ensure they fit and can be properly secured. If you have accordions, make sure their tracks aren’t obstructed and practice locking them shut. In the days before a storm, you’ll want to bring in potted plants and store pool or lawn furniture.
Get insurance in order, protect paperwork
Read over your insurance policy, ask your agent questions and update your policy as needed — now. If you don’t have a policy, buy one now; most insurers suspend selling policies when a storm threatens. Also, store important financial and personal documents in plastic bags.
Protect electronics, digital data
Back up important digital information, whether you use flash drives or online backup services. Update the apps on your smartphone and insert some sites that will help you through the storm. When a storm is on the horizon, unplug computers and other electronics, move them away from windows and cover them in plastic, such as garbage bags. Store cellphones and accessories in plastic bags.
During
Hunker down
All family members should be in a strong interior room without windows. Make sure the gas and all appliances, mainly the kitchen stove, are turned off. Unplug any unnecessary or sensitive electrical equipment. Don’t go outside until you’re sure the storm has ended; winds will temporarily subside when the eye of a hurricane passes over but will start howling again.
After
Be aware of hidden dangers
People too often die after a storm subsides because they’re unaware of hidden dangers. They fall from roofs or ladders during clean-up. They’re electrocuted after wading into puddles hiding downed power lines. They drown after driving into water-covered holes. Or they’re killed from carbon-monoxide poisoning while running a generator in the house. Make sure all appliances are thoroughly dry before plugging them back in.
Make sure water, food are safe
Adhere to any boil-water orders because water plants often lose pressure and can have tainted supplies after a hurricane. For drinking, rely on the water you saved before the storm. Be careful with food, particularly items that normally would need refrigeration.
Beware of gougers, expect disruption
Be careful of people who show up at your house, offering to fix your roof or make other repairs. They might be price gougers or lack the skills and licenses required to do the work. Before hiring anyone, check with your city and county’s licensing divisions. Otherwise, expect disruptions, from blacked out traffic lights to sketchy cable service.