Preparing before the storm

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. (WAVY) - It's time to start preparing now for the possibility of a major hurricane. What folks need to be doing right now is getting your emergency kit ready.

Items to include in your emergency kit include:

• Water
• Flashlights/batteries
• At least a 3 day supply of food
• Weather radio
• First aid kit
• Local maps
• Cell phone charger
• Prescription medications
• Important home documents
• Supplies for family pets
• Emergency numbers for utility companies

It's also time to begin securing your home:

• Keep all trees and shrubs well trimmed, clean out gutters
• Bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.
• Call your city and make sure storm drains are cleaned out in your neighborhood
• If you have a generator make sure it's ready to go if needed

Also don't forget to plan for elderly pets and neighbors. If you have a boat it's time to prepare for the possibility of high water and strong winds.

Boat owner James Mason says he'll double his lines and add another fender or two to keep his yacht protected at the pier in Portsmouth. He says he's concerned about possible higher than normal tides.

"Can't come down to the pier to get to your boat. In the last Nor'easter, water on the stationary pier was knee deep. That's a challenge. The worst thing is the floating dock will come up and it will float away."

Some who own house boats say they plan to stay put for now, but if it gets bad - they plan to ride out the storm at a friend's house.

Emergency workers say you should also make sure your car is gassed up and ready to go in case an evacuation is ordered. Also, clean out your gutters around your homes and make sure you have a weather radio in case the electricity goes out.

On Thursday, make a plan. Will you stay or go? Decide how your family will get in touch with one another and identify an out of town contact. Contact family members and let them know what your plan is and where they can find you. And lastly, use common sense to make sure you and your family are safe.