1. Keep your radio, television or NOAA Weather Radio on and listen for the latest Weather Service advisories, as well as special instructions from your local government. Also listen for tornado watches and warnings. Tornadoes spawned by a hurricane are among the storm's worst killers.

2. Plan your time before the storm arrives and avoid the last-minute hurry which might leave you marooned or unprepared.

3. Leave low-lying areas that might be swept by high tides or storm waves.

4. Leave mobile homes for more substantial shelter. Unless properly anchored, mobile homes are particularly vulnerable to overturning during strong winds.

5. Moor your boat securely before the storm arrives or move it to a designated safe area. When your boat is moored, leave it and don't return until the storm has passed your area.

6. Board up windows or protect them with storm shutters or tape. Danger to small windows is mainly from wind-driven debris. Large windows may be broken by wind pressure.

7. Secure outdoor objects that might be blown away. Garbage cans, garden tools, toys, signs, porch furniture and a number of other harmless items become missiles of destruction in hurricane winds. Anchor them or store them inside before the storm strikes.

8. Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs, bottles and cooking utensils. Your town's water system may be contaminated or damaged by the storm.

9. Check your battery-powered equipment. Your radio may be your only link with the world outside the hurricane. Emergency cooking facilities and flashlights will be essential if utility services are interrupted.

10. Keep your car fueled. Service stations may be inoperable for several days after the storm strikes because of flooding or interrupted electrical power.

11. Stay at home if it is sturdy and on high ground. If not - and especially if local authorities order an evacuation of your area - move to a designated shelter and stay there until the storm is over.

12. Remain indoors during the hurricane. Travel is extremely dangerous when winds and tides are whipping through your area. Don't be fooled by the "eye" of the hurricane. If the storm center passes directly overhead, there will be a lull in the wind lasting from a few minutes to half an hour or more. Stay in a safe place unless emergency repairs are absolutely necessary. But remember, at the other side of the "eye" the winds will increase rapidly to hurricane force and will come from the opposite direction.