Even farther inland, a hurricane can make life miserable. Heavy rains may bring local flooding. Highly destructive tornadoes can spin out of the forward storm bands. Trees and limbs fall, power outages are often widespread, and it can take days or even weeks for life to return to normal.

If the hurricane is headed your way, these tips may help:

• Monitor tropical weather advisories on radio/TV or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration(NOAA) weather radio.

• If needed, make arrangements for disabled family members.

• Assemble a three-day supply of nonperishable food and a "disaster kit" with spare clothing, prescription drugs, flashlights, radio, batteries, credit cards, and extra cash.

• Screw plywood over windows or use tape to reduce shattering.

• Fill vehicles' gas tanks.

• Shutter windows and tie down or bring in objects, such as lawn furniture and grills.

• Move or secure vital records/high priority items.

• If you aren't sure of the evacuation route, learn it immediately.

• Flooding far in advance of a storm can cut off roads and streets leading to evacuation routes. Don't wait until the last minute to heed evacuation warnings.

• When you evacuate, take pets with you. Make sure they have current identification tags on their collars, and transport them in secure pet carriers or on leashes or harnesses.