The following information is provided by the American Red Cross.

Know the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning.

• A Hurricane Watch means hurricane conditions are a threat within 48 hours. When a Hurricane Watch is issued, review your hurricane plans, keep informed and be ready to act if a warning is issued.
  
• A Hurricane Warning means hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours. When a Hurricane Warning is issued, complete your storm preparations and leave the area if directed to do so by authorities.

Hurricane Supplies Check List

• Water—at least a 3-day supply; one
  gallon per person per day
  
• Food—at least a 3-day supply of
  non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food
  
• Flashlight
  
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
  (NOAAWeather Radio, if possible)
  
• Extra batteries
  
• First aid kit
  
• Medications (7-day supply) and medical
  items (hearing aids with extra batteries,
  glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane)
  
• Multi-purpose tool
  
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items
  
• Copies of personal documents
  (medication list and pertinent medical
  information, proof of address,
  deed/lease to home, passports, birth
  certificates, insurance policies)
  
• Cell phone with chargers
  
• Family and emergency contact
  information
  
• Extra cash
  
• Emergency blanket
  
• Map(s) of the area
  
• Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby
  food, diapers)
  
• Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food,
  carrier, bowl)
  
• Tools/supplies for securing your home
  
• Extra set of car keys and house keys
  
• Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes
  
• Rain gear
  
• Insect repellent and sunscreen
  
• Camera for photos of damage

  What to do when a hurricane threatens...
  

  • Listen to a NOAAWeather Radio for
    critical information from the National
    Weather Service (NWS).
    
  • Check your disaster supplies and
    replace or restock as needed.
    
  • Bring in anything that can be picked up
    by the wind (bicycles, lawn furniture).
    
  • Close windows, doors and hurricane
    shutters. If you do not have hurricane
    shutters, close and board up all
    windows and doors with plywood.
    
  • Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the
    coldest setting and keep them closed as
    much as possible so that food will last
    longer if the power goes out.
    
  • Turn off propane tanks and unplug
    small appliances.
    
  • Fill your car’s gas tank.
    
  • Talk with members of your household
    and create an evacuation plan.
    Planning and practicing your
    evacuation plan minimizes confusion
    and fear during the event.
    
  • Learn about your community’s
    hurricane response plan. Plan routes to
    local shelters, register family members
    with special medical needs as required
    and make plans for your pets to be
    cared for.
    
  • Evacuate if advised by authorities. Be
    careful to avoid flooded roads and
    washed out bridges.
    
  • Because standard homeowners
    insurance doesn’t cover flooding, it’s
    important to have protection from the
    floods associated with hurricanes,
    tropical storms, heavy rains and other
    conditions that impact the U.S. For
    more information on flood insurance,
    please visit the National Flood
    Insurance ProgramWeb site at
    www.FloodSmart.gov.

    What to do after a hurricane...
    

    • Continue listening to a NOAAWeather
      Radio or the local news for the latest
      updates.
      
    • Stay alert for extended rainfall and
      subsequent flooding even after the
      hurricane or tropical storm has ended.
      
    • If you evacuated, return home only
      when officials say it is safe.
      
    • Drive only if necessary and avoid
      flooded roads and washed-out bridges.
      
    • Keep away from loose or dangling
      power lines and report them
      immediately to the power company.
      
    • Stay out of any building that has water
      around it.
      
    • Inspect your home for damage. Take
      pictures of damage, both of the building
      and its contents, for insurance
      purposes.
      
    • Use flashlights in the dark. Do NOT
      use candles.
      
    • Avoid drinking or preparing food with
      tap water until you are sure it’s not
      contaminated.
      
    • Check refrigerated food for spoilage. If
      in doubt, throw it out.
      
    • Wear protective clothing and be
      cautious when cleaning up to avoid
      injury.
      
    • Watch animals closely and keep them
      under your direct control.
      
    • Use the telephone only for emergency
      calls.

    Let Your Family Know You’re Safe
    If your community has experienced a hurricane, or any disaster, register on the American Red Cross Safe and Well Web site: RedCross.org/SafeandWell. If you don’t have Internet access, call 1-866-GET-INFO to register yourself and your family.