9-point checklist of things to do for your family’s hurricane plan

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1. Determine your risk: It is important to stay informed during severe weather.

2. Develop an evacuation plan: Review the FEMA evacuation guidelines.

3. Get an insurance check-up: AAA suggests that you round up your records, figure out flood insurance and ensure you're covered. Also, make an inventory your assets and their values.

4. Shop for supplies: Canned food, bottled water, batteries. Click here for a slideshow shopping list of things your family could use during severe weather.

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5. Strengthen your home: Improve the strength of your roof deck attachment, install hurricane-rated window shutters, replace a standard garage door with a hurricane-rated garage door, and secure loose rain gutters and downspouts and clear any clogged areas or debris to prevent water damage to your property. Read more preparedness tips

6. Keep a list of emergency contact information: Family emergency communication plan

7. Fill up your gas tank

8. Turn on your TV/radio or check your city/county website in order to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.

9. Before the power goes out: Fill your bathtub with water, unless you have young children. The water can be used for drinking, washing, and flushing the toilet. Water supplies are often compromised by hurricanes and either become undrinkable or stop flowing.