Hey all,

Growing up in the South and going through my share of hurricanes, in addition to being a flood survivor, here's a few things I've learned:

Preparation before the storm:

~ Buy several days of non-perishable foods
~ Buy a manual can opener if you don't have one
~ Buy a flashlight and candles
~ Stock up on matches, batteries
~ Bring out that portable stereo
~ Get out cash
~ If you have a car, fill up your car
~ Charge your phones, computers batteries
~ Buy some distilled water
~ I would also recommend putting any sharp objects in drawers or cabinets. You don't want knives flying in your house.

When it looks like the the weather is starting to make it's grand entrance:

~ Fill the bathtub with water. You may lose power and water
~ Put a big tape X mark on each of your windows
~ Unplug all electrical devises you are not using, if power is still on
~ Get into any room with no windows and close the door, preferably an inside room of the house
~ Take everything you need into that area
~ Stay comfortable until the storm passes

If we get lucky enough and are in the eye of the storm, there's probably just outside debris. If we are in any other part of the storm, be prepared. It's not fun. It's not pretty. Do not go out and play in it. Take it seriously.

Hope this helps. Just bottom line, really. Stay safe. Be prepared. Think smart and it will, all for lack of better words, blow over us before we know it.