Here is a checklist of things to have in preparation for a hurricane:

At least two weeks supply of non-perishable or special dietary foods.

Batteries: Flashlight or battery-operated lanterns -- most medium-to-large flashlights take "D" cells, but check to make sure -- and get several sets.

Battery-operated clocks.

Bleach (without lemon or additives)

Camera and film.

Camera batteries -- You may need your camera ready to photograph storm damage for insurance purposes.

Camp stove or grill and extra fuel.

Candles

Cards, games, books

Cash (With no power, banks may be closed temporarily, checks and credit cards not accepted, and ATMs may not be operational).

Cellular telephone, if possible

Charcoal and lighter -- For use only after the storm, and only outside, never in your home.

Clean clothes and towels.

Clean-up supplies (mop, buckets, towels, disinfectant).

Compass.

Coolers, two recommended (one to keep food; the other to go get ice).

Drinking water -- at least 1 gallon per person per day for two weeks.

Duct tape.

Gas up your car.

Eating utensils.

Emergency phone numbers.

Extension cords (heavy duty, three-pronged)

Fire extinguisher.

First-aid book and kit, including bandages, antiseptic, tape, compresses, non-aspirin pain reliever and anti-diarrhea medication.

Flashlights and batteries for each member of the family.

Four-week supply of prescription medicines.

Ice (a precious commodity before and after a storm).

Infant necessities (food, medicine, sterile water, diapers, ready formula, bottles).

Inflatable raft.

Lantern.

Life preserves.

Map and directions to evacuation routes or shelter locations.

Mosquito repellent and netting.

Non-electric can opener.

Paper plates and cups, plastic utensils, paper towels, napkins, etc.

Pet food.

Plastic tarp for roof or window repair, screening, roofing paper, boards, caulk, garbage bags, tools and nails, etc.

Plastic trash bags.

Portable radio and at least seven sets of batteries.

Rope (100 feet).

Sleeping bags.

Toilet paper and pre-moistened towelettes.

Tools (crowbar, 4 lb. sledgehammer, handsaw, leather gloves, hammer and nails). Water purification kit (tablets, chlorine (plain), and iodine).

Waterproof matches.

Wind-up or battery-operated clock.

Woolite or another hand-washable clothes detergent.

If there's a computer in the home, turn it off. Unplug it and the modem line. You may also want to make sure it is up off the ground.