MORE STORIES

• SHUTTERS

  Season brings lower prices, shorter waits

  Folks with bare windows, take note. The bad economy makes this a good year to buy shutters, impact-resistant windows and other hurricane protection products.

• GENERATORS

  Avoid deadly fumes, use proper wiring

  Here are tips for running portable generators: Never run generators inside your home or garage, as they produce potentially deadly carbon monoxide fumes.

• Your plan for survival, step by step

  Making a survival plan THINGS TO DO NOW Establish a family emergency plan. Discuss how to prepare for and respond to a hurricane, what to bring if you are evacuated.

• Hurricane Guide '09: Get ready

  Are you ready?

• Drone aircraft used for storm predictions

  The U.S. government is experimenting with a new weapon in its quest for more accurate hurricane tracking and predictions: unmanned airplanes.

• Opinion: Long-range storm forecast a tarot reading

  There's a little bit of the control freak in every scientist. And perhaps no profession is immune from the illusion that any problem eventually will yield to diligence and intelligence. But in the case of hurricane forecasting, human folly has given way to humbling hilarity.

• Working with contractors: avoiding scams

  Be sure the business hired to install a generator is reputable and responsible.

• Storing important papers

  Among the important items to protect during a storm are your documents. Have a reliable system for storing important documents even without the threat of a hurricane. If possible, documents that can't be replaced should be stored in a bank safety deposit box.

• Pool and patio enclosures

  A hurricane approaches and what's the first thing to go? A screened pool or patio enclosure. But there are precautions a homeowner can take.

• Useful websites

  • America’s Emergency Network: www.aen911.com/beta/

• If a hurricane warning is issued

  Follow instructions issued by local officials.

• Special instructions

  Pregnant women in their last month or at high risk must ask their doctors if hospitalization is necessary. Most hospitals will not admit pregnant women without authorization from a physician. If approved, make arrangements for children; hospitals likely won't allow children or spouses to come along.

• After a hurricane

  If you evacuated, return home when local officials tell you it is safe. Officials on the scene are your best source of information on accessible areas and passable roads.

• Reconnaissance aircraft

  Forecasters rely on data collected by three different aircraft to monitor a hurricane's intensity and motion. Two are highly specialized planes operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; the third is operated by the U.S. Air Force Reserve.

• When the grid goes, it all goes

  A hurricane's winds can tear down transmission lines and power poles.

• Choosing the right type of shutter

  A combination of shutter types can be used to protect a home against hurricane winds.

• Choosing a generator

  Plenty of South Floridians go about their regular household routine when a storm knocks out the electricity. Generators power up and these folks are heating soup, playing video games and enjoying hot showers.

• Water

  Store a two-week supply -- at least one gallon per person per day.

• Protecting your pool

  Storm damage to a swimming pool can be expensive to repair. So, take the proper precautions before a storm hits.

• Things to do now

  Establish a family emergency plan. Discuss how to prepare for and respond to a hurricane, what to bring if you are evacuated.

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