The warning
Fill your car's petrol tank.
Make sure you have adequate emergency food supplies, containers of water, a radio, a torch, extra batteries, candles and a first-aid kit stocked with the family's special medicines.
Cover small windows with masking tape; nail plywood or shutters over large panes and doors. Wedge sliding glass doors shut.
Bring all loose, heavy outdoor objects inside or anchor them down.
If you have a boat, moor it securely or bring it onto land and fill it with water to weigh it down.
Stay indoors, away from windows and glass doors.
Leave low lying areas that may be caught by high tides and waves.
Stay tuned for weather bulletins.
Evacuation
Some low-lying coastal areas are prone to flooding and you may be advised to evacuate them.
Take food, water, warm clothing, blankets, a first-aid kit, a battery-operated radio and important papers, such as birth certificates and insurance policies.
Lock all doors and windows. Switch off gas, water and electricity if told to do so by the authorities.
The aftermath
Don't be fooled by the calm in the eye of the hurricane; the powerful winds will return after it passes. Listen for the official all-clear and for other emergency information before venturing out or going home.
Avoid loose or dangling wires; report them to the electricity company, the police or the fire brigade.
If the power has been switched off, make sure that refrigerated and frozen food has not spoiled
