Preparing for the worst

If a huge force of nature with the energy of several hundred hydrogen bombs comes barreling toward the Lowcountry, residents should be prepared for decisions and deadlines.

Here are some guidelines:

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO NOW

• Put together your hurricane kit in an easy-to-carry container.
• Decide where to go in the event of a hurricane evacuation and how to get there.
• Assign each family member a task to cut down on chaos.
• Make arrangements for pets — American Red Cross shelters won’t take them.
• Catalog your possessions.
• Photograph valuables. Make sure you have enough film or disk space for “Before” and “After” photos. There are several online tools, including smartphone and tablet apps, that can assist you.
• Have adequate insurance. Read your policy.
• Keep a list of emergency phone numbers nearby.
• Keep family records and documents accessible and protected.
• If you have a boat, consider safe anchorage options.
• Purchase a cooler that keeps things cold for up to five or six days.

IF A HURRICANE THREATENS

• Make sure your car is filled with gas.
• Refill prescription drugs.
• Have cash or travelers checks available.
• Pack irreplaceable items, such as photo albums, to take with you. Put important family documents and records in a waterproof container.

AROUND THE HOUSE

• Close windows, doors and hurricane shutters. If you do not have hurricane shutters, close and board up all windows and doors with plywood.
• Put loose outdoor items in storage.
• Turn off propane tank.
• Unplug small appliances.
• Turn refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting. Keep them closed as much as possible so food will last longer if power goes out.
• Check for loose gutters and spouts.
• Move valuables to higher levels.
• Move furniture away from windows and cover with plastic.
• Remove valuables, such as furniture and rugs, from floor of house.
• Secure windows and doors from the inside.
• Trim dead branches.
• Anchor small sheds.
• Put chlorine in pool; protect filter motor.
• Dangerous chemicals, insecticides, herbicides and gasoline should be put in watertight containers and in a high spot.
• Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs and bottles. You should have enough water on hand for seven days.

TIPS FOR YOUR CELLPHONE

• Program emergency contact numbers.
• Designate someone out of the area as a central contact.
• Make certain all family members know whom to contact if they become separated.
• Keep phone batteries charged at all times.
• Forward your home number to your cellphone number in the event of an evacuation.
• Often in an emergency, text messages will go through quicker than voice calls.

WHEN YOU EVACUATE

• Turn off electricity at the main breaker and shut off gas.
• Towels or rugs should be put around openings to reduce seepage.
• Lock all doors.
• If there’s something that’s really valuable to you, stick it in the dishwasher and close the door.
• Register yourself as “safe and well” at www.redcross.org/safeandwell or by calling 1-866-GET-INFO. Concerned family and friends can search for their loved one’s name, an “as of” date and the messages selected.

This story was originally published May 27, 2016 at 11:51 AM with the headline "Preparing for the worst."