You’ve prepared, and now the hurricane is closing in. You’ve decided to ride out the storm at home. Here’s some ideas to help you stay safe.

• Prepare and mark clean containers for water storage. There should be a minimum of 1 gallon per person per day for 7 days.
• Check your disaster-supplies kit again. Do you know where the manual can opener is?
• Recharge to full capacity all electronics and then unplug them.
• Offer your home to family, friends, and neighbors who may live in a vulnerable area or house.
• Stay inside away from windows.
• Stay tuned to radio and TV. Wait for the “all-clear” announcement. Remember, after the calm “eye” passes over, there is more storm to come.
• Keep small pets in carriers. They will be more comfortable and are ready to transport quickly if necessary.
• Turn your refrigerator and freezer temperature controls to their lowest settings.
• Put bicycle helmets on the children.
• Close all interior doors to limit flying debris

It’s the middle of hurricane season. You’ve already done your pre-hurricane preparation. Among other things, you know your evacuation routes, and you have a 5- to 7-day supply of food and water for each person in your family. Now a hurricane watch has been declared. What should you do?

• Listen for weather updates.

• Get your car ready with gas, oil and other maintenance issues.

• Make sure your evacuation supplies are easily accessible and up-to-date with medication needs, etc

• Board up your home’s windows.

• Secure the flying missiles in your yard like lawn furniture, bicycles, and grills.

• If you have a swimming pool, make sure it’s full and super-cholorinated. Cover the pump and filtration systems.