~Bring all outdoor items, such as lawn furniture or yard tools, inside.

 

~Ensure that all trees and shrubbery are trimmed.

~Ensure that your gutters and drains are clear to prevent flooding during the long bouts of heavy rain that often accompany hurricanes.

 

~Use permanent hurricane shutters on windows and doors, if possible. This is much safer and more effective than taping the glass, which does not prevent breakage. Protect the outside of windows with shutters or plywood.

~Do not drain your swimming pool. Add extra chlorine to the water to reduce contamination. Turn off the circuit breaker to the pool equipment. If the filter pump is exposed, wrap it securely in plastic. Do not put lawn furniture in the pool.

~Park cars in your garage. Back them against the garage door for support. If you do not have a garage, park your car as close to your home as possible. Avoid parking near trees.

~Have blankets or sleeping bags available in case you need to go to a shelter or retreat to the safest area in your home.

~Prepare your disaster supply kit.

~Invest in flood insurance for your home because home owner's policies often do not cover the damage caused by hurricane-related floods.

~Locate and know how to shut off electricity, gas and water at main switches.

~Photograph each room of your house to show the conditions of the rooms, furniture and possessions. 

~Take inventory of your possessions, including an estimated value.

~Store all important documents, photographs and valuables in waterproof containers and place them up high, out of the reach of floodwater. 

~Scrub your bathtubs, and fill with clean water for sanitary purposes.