• Check often for official bulletins on radio, TV or NOAA Weather Radio
• Ensure your car has a full fuel tank
• Check mobile home tie-downs
• Securely moor small craft (double lines) or move to safe mooring.
• Stock up on canned provisions
• Check supplies of special medicines and drugs
• Check batteries for radio and flashlights. Have plenty of spare batteries.
• Secure lawn furniture and other loose material outdoors.
• Tape, board, or shutter windows to prevent shattering
• Wedge sliding glass doors to prevent their lifting out of their tracks
  

When a Hurricane Warning is issued for your area:

• Stay tuned to radio, TV, or NOAA Weather Radio for official bulletins
• Stay in your home if it is sturdy and on high ground
• Board up garage and porch doors
• Move valuables to upper floors
• Bring in pets
• Fill containers with several days supply of drinking water
• Turn up the refrigerator to maximum cold and don't open unless necessary
• Use the telephone only for emergencies
• Stay indoors on the downwind side of the house away from windows
• Beware of the eye of the hurricane. The winds will die down and the sun may shine for about 15 to 30 minutes. But the winds will resume very rapidly as the opposite side of the hurricane approaches. Don't get caught unprotected.
• It is wise to evacuate mobile homes. Even with tie-down straps, very strong hurricanes can destroy these types of homes.
• Evacuate areas which might become submerged by storm surge or stream flooding.
• Move far inland and/or to high ground as soon as possible.
• Plan ahead. Leave early - in daylight if possible.
• Shut off water, gas, and electricity to your home at the main shutoffs.
• Take small valuables, credit cards, and important papers but travel light.
• Leave food and water for pets (shelters will not take them in with you).
• Lock up house securely.
• Drive carefully to the nearest designated shelter using recommended evacuation routes.

Assemble your family's Disaster Supplies Kit

• A battery-powered flashlight, radio, and plenty of extra batteries
• A first-aid kit, prescription medicines for your family, and extra pair(s) of eyeglasses
• A battery powered fire alarm
• Your family's immunization records, and other pertinent medical records and medical cards
• A list of the style and serial numbers of medical devices such as pacemakers
• A supply of water for three days (one gallon per person per day). Store water in clean, unbreakable containers
• A supply of non-perishable food and a non-electric can opener, plus any special foods you require (baby or diabetic special diets, for example)
• If you have a baby, include extra diapers and other infant care items.
• A change of clothing, rain gear, rubber boots and sturdy shoes for each family member
• Blankets or sleeping bags for each family member
• Books or quiet games that your children enjoy, to keep them busy
• If you have a pet, include your pet's vaccination record, food, medication, leash, collar, pet carrier and favorite toy.

(Information provided by Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management).