Checklist: What to do when a hurricane threatens

Here’s your checklist for when a hurricane threatens:

• Store drinking water in any clean containers – bathtubs, bottles, pots, etc., as the water supply may become contaminated.
• Secure outdoor objects that may blow away or move them inside the house or garage.
• Fuel up your car. You may need to evacuate quickly and/or sit in traffic for hours. Service stations may also become inoperable.
• Secure homes and buildings by boarding up each window. Tape is not adequate.
• Moor your boat securely or move it to a designated safe place.
• If in a mobile home, check tie-downs and evacuate. Historically, manufactured homes suffer the greatest amount of damage during hurricanes.
• Move valuables, personal papers, family photos, and important computer drives to a waterproof container on the highest level of your home or pack them to take with you. Create password-protected digital copies.
• Turn off utilities if told to do so by authorities. Unplug small appliances.
• Turn off propane tanks.
• Turn fridge and freezers to the coldest setting and only open if necessary.