Medication: Have your personal medications stored in a convenient location and make sure they are clearly labeled.

First Aid Kit: Collect as many first aid products as possible and put them in a waterproof container. Place this kit in a convenient location and have it ready to take with you in case you need to move to another location.

Pets: Make sure you have enough food, water and medication for your pets. You may not be able to put your pet out to relieve themselves during a storm so you should consider alternative solutions.

Secure Your Property: Make sure objects in the yard are secured or brought inside (they could become dangerous projectiles). Check your gutters to make sure they are clear of debris. Survey your property for tree branches that need to be trimmed. Clear any nearby storm drains of leaves and debris.

Record Images: Take a few minutes to record photos of the outside and inside of your property, making sure to document the contents of each room. These images will become useful if you need to submit an insurance claim or apply for storm relief compensation.

Digital Backups: Consider backing up important digital files to a cloud server or an off-site storage location. Power surges, water or fire damage can destroy hard drives.

Personal Vehicle: Fill your vehicle with fuel (or have it fully charged). If electricity is interrupted you may not be able to refill or charge it.

Cash: Pick up some cash. If electricity is interrupted you may not be able to make electronic purchases or cash withdrawals so a bit of cash might come in very handy. Make sure this cash is in small bills, this will make life easier for you and the merchant.

Alternative Cooking Option: If your power goes out consider using a barbecue or portable propane stove for cooking. Check to make sure you have enough fuel and only use them in well ventilated areas. Never leave open flames like candles unattended.

Flashlights and Batteries: Make sure you have a working flashlight with extra fully charged batteries. These items should be easily located in the dark.

Battery or Solar Powered Radio: This might be your only connection to the outside world so make sure it is working and in an easily accessible place (with extra batteries). Have it tuned to your favorite radio station.

Charge Your Phone: This may sound obvious but if the power is interrupted you may not be able to charge it. During a power outage avoid using your phone for unnecessary calls or data downloads, this will save battery charge and help lessen the load on the cellular network which might be dealing with increased emergency traffic.

Extra Water Containers: Fill as many large containers with water as you feel necessary. These containers could be for drinking water or for activities like flushing toilets (if your water supply relies on electricity). A bathtub is a great place to store toilet flushing water.

Water in the Fridge and Freezer: Place a number of water containers in your fridge and freezer. If the power goes out these containers will help keep the fridge and freezer cold. When your power does go out, keep the fridge and freezer door closed as much as possible to help keep the cold from escaping.

Documents: Locate important documents like insurance, wills, passports, medication information, photographs and other personal information and place them in a waterproof container that can be taken with you if you need to move to another location.

People with Disabilities: If you are responsible for someone with a disability or who requires special care, make sure you have made arrangements for their ongoing care or evacuation if necessary.

Check in with Vulnerable Neighbors: If you know of someone who might not be able to prepare for a storm, contact them to see if you can help. Periodically check in with them during the storm to see if they need assistance.

Evacuation Plan: Create a simple plan to follow in case you need to evacuate. Designate a rendezvous point (or contact procedure) in case a member of your group gets separated.

Generator: If you have a generator, test it before the storm. Make sure you have extra fuel and that it is stored away from the generator. Make sure the generator's exhaust is located well away from a dwelling and never run the generator inside your dwelling.

Prepare for a Flood: Move valuable items off the floor. If you have a sump pump, make sure it is working. Remember the pump won't work when your power goes out (unless it is connected to a generator) so plan on what to do if that happens.

Games and Entertainment: Gather an assortment of games and alternative forms of entertainment. If your power goes out these will help pass the time while you are waiting for it to be restored.

Tools and Repair Equipment: Collect tools like hammers, nails, saws, knives, rope, plastic tarps, buckets, tape and screwdrivers in case you need them. Make sure they are easily accessible.

Extra Clothing and Blankets: Gather extra clothing and blankets in the event you need them. Make sure you have necessary outdoor clothing like rain gear, gloves, hats and boots in case you need to exit the dwelling during the storm.

Unplug Important Electrical Equipment: Consider unplugging equipment like televisions and computers during the storm. Power surges during the storm night damage sensitive electrical equipment.

USB Power Bank: Consider purchasing (and charging) a portable USB power bank. These small devices can be used to charge a cell phone, small flashlight or radio when the power is out. Some even come with solar panels attached.

Stay away from the Windows: Stay away from windows when the storm is raging. Flying objects can come crashing through the window sending glass flying, so it is best to be safe and stay away from them if you can. Sudden gusts of wind can break windows.

Evacuate if Ordered: If you receive an order to evacuate, do so. Don’t unnecessarily put the health and lives of rescue workers at risk when they attempt to rescue you.