There are a number of things that you can do to minimize damage to property and increase your comfort, and your ability to stay informed prior to any natural event. Some suggestions are:

• Stay indoors. If you need something, plan ahead and get it before inclement weather.
• Secure any lawn furniture, deck furniture, or items that may blow around or over in high winds prior to inclement weather. Objects with a large surface area can act as a sail in high winds. Secure those object ahead of time.
• If you have an an emergency, call the police or fire departments. A power outage or a downed tree on your property is not an emergency. A tree through your roof is an emergency.
• Don't travel in inclement weather.
• Don't drive around barriers on the roadway. They are there to keep you safe.
• Don't approach downed electrical wires, even if the power apperas to be out. Electrical, telephone and cable wires can contain dangerous electrical current even if you have no electric service.
• Don't attempt to clear downed limbs, trees, etc until after the inclement weather has passed. You don't want to be struck by the second limb to fall.
• Don't bring portable generators, propane stoves, charcoal grills, or any gas-powered equipment into the home or garage, you will poison yourself with Carbon Monoxide and could die..
• Don't idle a car in a closed garage.

Suggestions to make watching the storm more comfortable. gather/locate the following.

Water

— at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
— If you have your own well, clean and fill a bathtub prior to a power failure for flushing toilets and personal hygene.

Food

— at least enough for 3 to 7 days
— non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
— foods for infants or the elderly
— snack foods
— non-electric can opener
— cooking tools / fuel. Gas stoves (Natural and propane) may work without electricity, make sure that you can light the stove withot electricity. Don't cook with charcoal indoors.
— camp stove/ fuel (Never cook indoors with a camp stove - use it outdoors)
— paper plates / plastic utensils

Food Safety

— keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed and only open them when necessary. Poultry, fish, cooked pasta, potatoes, rice, beans, custard and pudding spoils quickly when the temperature rises over 45° Farenheit.
— When in doubt about whether your food is safe, throw it out.

Blankets / Pillows, etc.

Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes

First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs

Special Items - for babies and the elderly

Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes

Flashlight / Batteries - Test flashlights, purchase extra batteries.

Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio, with extra batteries

Telephones

- Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set

Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards

- Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods

Keys

Toys, Books and Games

Important documents

— in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag
— insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.

Tools - keep a set with you during the storm

Vehicle fuel tanks filled

Pet care items

— proper identification / immunization records / medications
— ample supply of food and water
— a carrier or cage
— muzzle and leash