The Federal Emergency Management Agency offers tips on how to prepare for Hurricane Sandy and other tropical storms. Sandy is expected to be especially disastrous when it merges with a winter storm system, bringing powerful winds, rain, snow and storm surge along the Eastern Seaboard.

Before the hurricane:

• Know your surroundings and whether your home is in a flood prone area. Determine where you would go — and how you would get there — if you were ordered to evacuate
• Cover your home's windows, either with permanent storm shutters or marine plywood at least 5/8 of an inch thick
• Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well-trimmed
• Clear clogged rain gutters
• Secure all outdoor furniture, decorations, trash cans and anything else that could blow away.
• Install a generator for emergencies

During:

• Listen to the radio or TV for information
• Secure your home, close storm shutters, and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors
• Turn off propane tanks
• Avoid using the phone except for serious emergencies
• Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purpose such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other larger containers with water
• Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors

Do not:

• Drive into low-lying areas or over roads and bridges that are already under water

If evacuating, bring:

• Checkbooks
• Driver's license
• Credit card information
• Birth certificates
• Social Security cards