When a hurricane threatens your area, evacuating is the smartest move.  These storms are highly unpredictable and can strengthen rapidly in a matter of hours.  Prepare and make your evacuation plans well in advance. Review this checklist before you leave.

• To protect your home, whether you are staying or going, put up shutters or plywood on all windows and openings. Winds are stronger at higher elevations, and high-rise apartments or condos. 
• Move patio furniture, hanging plants and gas grills inside. If your home is vulnerable to rising water, move valuables and furniture to a higher level. 
• Notify relatives and friends about evacuation plans and confirm reservations if planning to stay at a hotel. 
• Be familiar with other places to stay between your home and destination should roads become clogged. Do not ride out a hurricane in a car. Know where emergency shelters are along the route.
• Turn off electricity at the main circuit breaker or fuse box to protect appliances from power surges and reduce the risk of live dangling wires after the storm. 
• Make a final walk-through inspection of the home before closing the door.
  
• Your emergency preparedness kit should include radio and flashlight with extra batteries, extra eye glasses, medications and special products for babies and elderly family members, bottled water, non-perishable food, dry clothes, bedding and important documents in waterproof containers. 
• Do not try to tow a trailer or boat in high winds. It is too hazardous.