When a storm enters the Gulf and the forecast says it's headed for US. Planning for a power outage, what to do NOW

​Fill all vehicles up with gas and get extra gas cans, if you have them

Get cash (ATMs cannot work without power)

Check your prescriptions and refill any medicines.

Have an outside contact(s) for friends and family to check in on you….someone you can contact to provide updates. We don’t to inundate our local cell towers, and you will be busy preparing. You won’t have time to answer 50 phone calls.

Charge your cell phones, electronics, battery back ups, weather radios.

Do your laundry!!

Check your disaster kit and make sure everything has working batteries.

Buy water – if you freeze bottles in advance, you can pack your freezer tight. Drink the water when it melts.

Fill your bathtub with water for flushing toilets in case water utilities lose power.

Team up with someone- don’t stay alone.  Play cards, drink wine, whatever!

Bring inside: patio furniture, pots, yard ornaments and even water hoses need to come in  (flying hose nozzles can do real damage).