Take care of this now

Here’s your checklist of priorities

Here is a checklist of what you should be doing as Hurricane Irma approaches.

Today

Make a visual record of your home and possessions using a still or video camera. This will help establish your insurance claim.

Protect your electronics, back up your data and load contact numbers into your cellphone. In addition, write them down on paper and keep the list in a sealed plastic bag.

Bring out a corded phone in your home if you have one. It will work if power goes out but phone lines remain open.

Six hours before storm hits

Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings and keep them closed as much as possible. If you lose power, food will last longer.

Close your permanent storm shutters. Charge your cell phone. Make sure the gas is turned off.

Unplug unnecessary or sensitive electric equipment.

When it hits

Stay inside and stay calm. Everyone should go into the strongest interior room, preferably without windows.

Turn off electricity or circuit breakers if you’ve noticed leaks in the roof or windows of your home or if there is flooding.

In highrises, avoid the upper floors, where wind is strongest, and the ground floor, where flooding is likely.

Don’t leave your shelter at any time unless you must deal with situations that could be fatal without your intervention.