Stock up on items that you may need and keep them handy.

Often times with a storm begins to form and move inland people flock to stores to stock up on necessary items. It you live in an area that is prone to evacuation and has an active storm season try and keep items with a long shelf life on hand to avoid having to go out at the last minute to retrieve them. Often times stores run out of items and become overwhelmed with frantic shoppers. Item that are not perishable can be bought out of season when they are often cheaper and stored together in a common place in case of an emergency. Some items that are often needed during a disaster include but are not limited to:

Food. Non-perishable food to last for several days. Don't forget to make sure you have a can-opener, which is not electrically operated. If you have cats or dogs, dried food is preferable, which remains fresh for several days after being opened. Food in a refrigerator can last several hours without power and for about a day in the freezer, with no power. If your power is out any longer than that, it is safer to discard it.

Flashlights. You may want to make sure you have several flashlights, in the event of a power failure they can be kept and used in different parts of the house. Make sure the flashlights actually work and that you have plenty of spare batteries. Candles are useful as well.

A basic first aid kit. This should ideally contain Band-Aids of different sizes, antiseptic cream, scissors and tweezers, thermometer, safety pins and a needle. You may also want to carry ibuprofen or other pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medicine. Don't forget any prescription medicine that you will need.

Cell phone. Make sure your cell phone is charged up and ready to use, with a fresh battery if applicable. You may want to have important numbers, for example local emergency services, programmed in so that you can speed dial them. Check that the reception on the phone is adequate in and around the area you may be using it. Have the telephone number of your electricity company handy in case of a power outage.

Blankets, pillows and warm clothes. Be prepared for lower temperatures due to power outages or a prolonged stay in your designated hurricane-safe room.

Books, cards and board games. These will help while away the long hours if you have no power and are without TV, radio or the computer. Especially recommended if you have children.

A portable camping stove that uses propane; you can buy these at camping supply stores. It should be used in a well-ventilated area. This is not an essential, but it is nice to be able to make a hot drink or basic hot meal, if you have no electricity. Make sure you have matches or a lighter, as well as plenty of fuel.

The above list is meant to be a guide and is not exhaustive. Take some time to get organized now so you are not frantically trying to lay your hands on these things at the last minute!