Let’s start with preparing your home. For most families, it is your largest investment. Shop for window coverings as soon as possible. From shutters, to plywood, you want to shop now and have them pre-measured and cut to size before you need them. If you wait until the last minute, the stores could be sold out. Plan to be without power for some time. If you can, buy a generator now and as the storm grows near, put ice inside coolers to keep essentials cold as long as possible.

Check your insurance policy now. Make sure you have adequate coverage, including flood coverage if needed. And if you have recently added storm shutters, make sure you tell your insurance agent. This could reduce your annual premium! Also, find important paperwork such as birth certificates, passports, insurance and financial records, that you can place in a waterproof box that is easy to carry. If you have room, also place inside some irreplaceable items such as pictures that you cannot replace if your home was destroyed.

Begin to purchase items you will need each time you go to the store. Stock up on bottled water, canned foods, toilet paper and trash bags. Items that don’t need refrigeration are important as you may lose power for many days. Also don’t forget to pick up flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, a non cordless phone and battery powered radio. Make sure you keep your gas tank full, as well as loose gas cans in case the gas stations start running low on fuel. You should keep cash on hand as well. Credit card machines and ATM machines require power, and many times you will need items and vendors will place signs saying cash only sales.

If you have children it’s important to think of their needs. Diapers, formula and jarred baby foods are essential items that could sell out quickly when a storm comes near. Also, pick up a new board game, coloring books or craft items that can be done if the power goes out.

Lastly, make a plan of where you will go if you need to evacuate. Whether it’s a hotel or a relative’s house, it’s important to decide ahead of time. With a little preparation, your home and your family can be ready for a storm. Just plan ahead so you are sure you have as many items to keep you comfortable for as long as needed.