An alert: 

• Check emergency supplies and items for securing your home. Stock up.
• Assess your home and make necessary repairs.
• Remove overhanging limbs and fruit from trees.
• Decide whether you need to stay with friends or relatives or go to a shelter.
• Find out which shelter is closest to you and how you will get there if you need to.
• Fill vehicles with gas and, if necessary, withdraw some cash from the bank.
• Make arrangements for your pets in case you have to go to a shelter.
• Stay tuned to radio and television stations as well as www. caycompass.com/weather for updated information from the National Hurricane Committee.

 A watch: 

• Stay tuned to radio and television stations as well as www. caycompass.com/weather for updated information.
• Prepare your property for high winds:
• Take lawn furniture inside along with trash cans, hanging plants and anything else that can be picked up by the wind.
• Prepare to cover all windows and doors with shutters or other shielding materials.
• Moor boat securely or move it to a designated safe place.
• Stock up on prescription medications.
• Check your disaster supply kit.
• Sterilize bathtub, pans, jugs and bottles and fill with water.
• Have extra cash on hand
• Fuel and service family vehicles

A warning: 

• Before storm strikes:
• Stay tuned to radio and television stations as well as www. caycompass.com/weather for updated information and official instructions.
• Listen to the advice of officials and evacuate if necessary.
• If you intend to stay with relatives or friends, go to a shelter, or take pets to a kennel, go now.
• Remove outside antennas and satellite dishes to prevent damage or loss.
• Stay away from beaches and other low areas.
• Close storm shutters.
• Close curtains and blinds to minimize danger of flying glass if windows are broken.
• Do not make any unnecessary phone calls.
• Put your food and other hurricane supplies in plastic bags.
• Bring pets indoors.
• If you are remaining at home, go indoors and stay there.
• Park vehicles inside the garage or away from trees.
• Close all interior doors. Secure and brace exterior doors.
• Have a supply of flashlights and extra batteries handy.
• Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest setting. Open only when absolutely necessary and close quickly.
• Turn off utilities if told to do so by authorities.
• Turn off propane tanks.
• Unplug small appliances.
• Raise furniture, appliances and other valuables off the floor. Cover and secure with plastic sheets. If your house has more than one storey, take valuables to upper floors.
• Disconnect downspouts from cisterns and close all cistern openings.
• Fill bathtub and large containers with water in case tap water is unavailable. Use water in tubs for cleaning and flushing only. Do NOT drink it.

During the hurricane: 

• Do not leave your house during the storm.
• Stay on the leeward (downwind) side of the house, away from windows.
• Do not go outside while the eye is passing, unless absolutely necessary.
• If your roof or walls begin to fail, go to an inner room (preferably one without windows), or to a cupboard passageway and shield yourself with a mattress.
• If winds become strong:
• Take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway.
• Close all interior doors. Secure brace external doors.
• If you are in a two story house, go to an interior first floor room.
• If you are in a multi-story building and away from water, go to the first or second floor and stay in the halls or other interior rooms away from windows.
• Lie on the floor under a table or other sturdy object.