Hurricanes: What to Do Before The Power Goes Out

Aug. 27. 2011 — -- Safety officials have long warned that if you are caught in a hurricane like Irene, you cannot count on immediate help. You need three days' worth of food and water, flashlights, a battery-powered radio and a supply of your medications.

Here are three things you may not have thought of that you can do right now, if you're in a place where the hurricane has not yet hit. I've added an important reminder for when the power goes out.

And when the storm knocks out power to your house:

Never run a generator inside a basement, garage, or other enclosed structure, even if the doors or windows are open, unless the equipment is professionally installed and vented. Many people buy generators right before the storm and don't know how to properly operate them.