I have solar powered Christmas lights that are great for overall area light. Hand crank radios are super cheap and a great addition. Don't forget to have plenty of pet food for your furry little friends.

I fill up the bath tubs but they don't always hold 100% and that water really isn't good for people drinking no matter how clean your tub is. I have 2 large plastic "muck buckets" that are great for people water. They hold about 55 gallons each and can also work as a cooler when empty. They are about $12 at any feed store. Fill up the gas grill. I don't worry about fuel for the fire pit - it will be everywhere (even if its wet). Lots of canned food that won't spoil. A couple 24 packs of bottled water are always in the back of the coat closet too.

We had 3 in 6 weeks back in 2004 and I never want to go thru that again. I only lost power for a grand total of 8 hours but my family lost power at their houses for over a week. Anyone want to guess who they were staying with??? Anyone want to guess who lost their bedroom, their guest bedroom and their couch??? Anyone want to guess who was sleeping in a sleeping bag on the floor of her own apartment with the dogs???

Hurricanes are a nightmare, but the only big natural disaster that you can see coming from a week out.