Before a hurricane threatens -

Take these steps now, before a hurricane watch or warning is announced:

Check to make sure your emergency equipment is in good working order and that you have enough supplies to last for at least two weeks.

Obtain and store materials necessary to properly secure your home.

Keep trees and shrubs trimmed. Cut weak branches and trees that could fall an bump against the house. Do not trim trees and shrubs after a hurricane watch or warning has been announced. Trash pickup will be suspended and your trash can become dangerous projectiles propelled by the hurricane's high winds.

If you expect to evacuate your home, plan in advance where you will stay and what supplies you will take. Remember, there is only one road out of Key West and plan to leave early.

Keep a list of all prescribed medicines for yourself and your family, photocopies of prescriptions and include them in your emergency plans.

Review your insurance policy to ensure it is up to date and provides adequate coverage.

Remember - shelters will not take your pets. Do not leave your pets at home - either inside or outside. It is too dangerous. Take them with you. Many motels will take pets in carrying cages. Make sure you have a carrier for each of your pets. Include their pet foods and adequate water in your hurricane supplies.

When a hurricane threatens, take these steps -

Food and Water - Set your refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings, opening only when absolutely necessary. Freeze water in plastics jugs and use them to fill empty space to keep food cool (keeping the refrigerator and freezer full will help to keep it colder). Prepare your emergency water supply before the hurricane strikes. Figure one gallon of drinking water per person, per day. Additionally, sterilize the bathtub, jugs, bottles, cooking utensils, and other containers. Scrub thoroughly, sponge and swab with unscented bleach, then rinse. Let the tub and other containers dry, then fill them with water. This water can be used for sanitary purposes.

Property - Begin latching your shutters or installing pre-cut plywood over your windows, sliding glass doors or French doors. Taping windows will not prevent shattering, but may reduce flying glass. Unplug your television before taking down your satellite dish. Do not drain your swimming pool completely. Turn off electricity to your pool equipment and cover pool pump if it is exposed. Add extra chlorine to your pool to prevent contamination. Bring in objects that can be blown away, such as garbage cans, garden tools, lawn furniture, and plants. Anchor objects that cannot be brought inside. Prepare your vehicle. Fill your fuel tank early. Gasoline may not be available for days after the hurricane strikes due to power outages.

Store Valuables and Documents - Place valuables and personal papers in waterproof containers and store them in the highest possible spot. Use plastic bags for large items. Make sure you have adequate cash as ATMs may not be working.

Boat owners - If you own a small boat on a trailer, store it inside a garage or warehouse. If you must leave your boat outside, attach the trailer tongue to something firm in the ground, let the air out of the tires and make sure the boat is secured to the trailer. Remove the plug from the boat so that the water will drain out.