If your home is in the path of a hurricane, protecting windows and sliding glass doors should be your first priority.

If you don't have hurricane on your windows, you should cover them with plywood. It should be at least ½ inch thick marine plywood, marked and cut to fit each window. It should be drilled with screw holes separated by 18 inches.
Taping up windows won’t save them from breaking, but it could keep glass from flying.

If you live outside possible storm surge zones, and your house is sturdy, you should plan on riding out the storm in a “safe room” inside the house.

During the storm, move to a windowless area, if possible. If you don't have a windowless room, you should get in the bathtub with a mattress over you.

The biggest threat for inland residents is the wind which can topple trees, down power lines and cause major power outages.

You can check this map to find out what kind of wind to expect in your ZIP code.

You should be prepared for an extended outage by stocking up on nonperishable food, plenty of water and a disaster supply kit.

Here are some other things you should do before a tropical storm or hurricane watch or warning is posted:

•Fill up your car with gas. Gas shortages are likely during evacuations and gas stations might be closed during an extended power outage.

•Get plenty of cash to last at least a weak. If power it out, ATM machines won't work and stores won't be able to accept credit cards.

•Make sure you have your prescriptions filled.

•Weak and dead tree limbs should be removed to keep them from becoming projectiles in hurricane force winds.

•Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down. These items can become missiles in hurricane-force winds.

•Fill a tub and large containers with water in case of a water loss.

•Have a battery-powered radio, maybe a battery-powered television set for keeping up with the latest advisories.

•Consider buying a generator. Here are some important generator safety tips.

•Keep important papers, like insurance documents, in one place in case you need to evacuate.

After a watch is posted, you should have done all of the things listed above. How you should stay tuned to forecasts and possible warnings. If you are in an area that could be flooded, you should be ready to evacuate.

Of course, if you are living in a mobile home, or a house that isn’t sturdy enough to stand up to the wind, you should evacuate early and avoid the rush.