Stock up on non-perishable food, medicine, baby supplies and pet food.
Purchase bottled water; 1 gallon of water per person per day.
Check emergency equipment (flashlights, battery-operated radios, extension cords, emergency generators, etc.) and purchase extra batteries.
Consider the installation of shutters over windows and doors. Depending on the design of your home, plywood works well, but stock up early.
Monitor official weather bulletins.
Keep extra cash on hand, as automatic teller machines or banks don't operate without power.
Review evacuation routes.
Arrange for safe sheltering for your pet if you must evacuate. Public shelters don't accept pets.
Keep your vehicle's fuel tank full.
Move yard items inside, such as patio furniture.
Electric Tips During Storms
If a family member uses life-sustaining medical equipment, develop an emergency plan for generating power or plan to relocate.
Turn off and unplug the electrical appliances and equipment such as TVs and computers.
Turn refrigerators and freezers to their coldest settings to keep food fresh as long as possible. (Watch for downed power lines. Stay back and consider all lines energized. If possible, call Dominion at 1-888-667-3000. (Read more tips about downed wires and post-storm safety.)
If you must reset circuit breakers, wear dry, rubber soled shoes and stand on something dry such as wood or furniture.
Reset the breaker switches with one hand using a dry wooden tool. Don't touch the metal breaker box or other grounded objects.
If the breakers cannot be reset, call a licensed electrician, as there may be a short-circuit in the electrical system.
Portable Generator Safety Tips
Use only in a well-ventilated area. Don't run it in your garage.
Use a heavy duty, grounded extension cord when plugging appliances into the generator.
Do not connect your power generator to your home's main fuse box or circuit panel.
Don't exceed the generator's recommended wattage.
Turn the generator off at night while you sleep and when you are away
