1. Install weather stripping to all doors and windows.

2. Fasten exterior items securely to your home to prevent them from becoming flying debris. Move loose items indoors.

3. Make sure the electric panel/fuse box is elevated above previous flood levels.

4. Make sure the furnace, water heater, washer, dryer and other items in the basement are located off the floor and elevated above previous flood levels.

5. Develop a family evacuation plan and practice it once a year.

6. Keep some cash and a copy of important papers, such as identification, wills, insurance policies and financial records, in a portable waterproof and fireproof container.

7. Inspect your roof for damaged shingles or flashing and remove debris.

8. The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends you take pictures of valuable possessions and store important documents where they can’t be damaged.

9. Know how and when to shut off utilities: Electricity, gas, and water.

10. Find out how to get local warning information, such as outdoor warning sirens or cable TV override systems.

11. Put plugs into sinks and weigh them down with something heavy.

12. Install head and foot bolts on the inactive door of double-entry doors.

13. Check with your local building supplier or garage door retailer to see if a retrofit kit is available for your garage door.

14. Plug basement floor drains with removable grids.

15. Unbolt toilets from the floor and plug the outlet pipe using the same procedure as for floor drains. Shower drains can be plugged this way too.

16. Shut off appliances at the fuse box or breaker panel. Put freezers, washer, dryers and other appliances up on wood or cement blocks to keep the motors above the water level.

17. Move hazardous materials to higher locations. This includes paint, oil, cleaning supplies and other dangerous materials.

18. Discuss safe emergency procedures. Teach adults and older children where electric fuses are.