A Family Evacuation Plan should be in place before a hurricane: Pick two places to meet: one near your home and one outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home. Plan a safe route and an alternate route; ask an out-of-state relative or friend to be your "family contact." After a disaster, it is usually easier to call long distance and family members can call this person and tell them where they are. Have a map to areas in each direction from your town/city.
Animal shelters should be contacted well in advance of a hurricane to find out if they have a disaster plan for the animals.
Legal documents should be encased in waterproof plastic or Ziploc bags and placed within easy reach if you have to leave in a hurry.
Charcoal or gas grills can be used without electricity. Be sure to have a supply of dry charcoal, lighter fluid, fuel for the gas grill, and matches.
Swimming pools should not be drained; super-chlorinate the water; cover pumps, filtrations systems, and intakes; store patio furniture in the pool if you do not have room in your home.
Garage door openers do not work without electricity, so find out where the manual release lever is located and how to operate it.
Make a list of necessities to take with you when you need to evacuate (personal identification, extra clothing and shoes, cash, special needs items for babies and elderly persons).
Photograph or videotape all rooms of residence, vehicles, boats, tools, jewelry and other valuables.
Purchase and store a minimum 3-day supply of food, water, medicines, battery-operated radio, flashlights, and extra batteries.
Secure small boats or move them to shelter; or place boats on trailers, locate near home, and fill with water.
Test smoke detectors monthly and change batteries every 6 months.
Tie down mobile homes, store lawn furniture, garbage cans, wind chimes, and anything that can become airborne missiles during the storm.