Gas storage requires caution

Facilities

Every week, consumers take their portable generators to local stores hoping for good news.

Is your door rated for wind? For debris impact? If you don't know, most likely it isn't. Look for indications a door will perform poorly.

How is the best way to keep your pool undamaged during a storm?

If you own a boat, you'll need to make sure it is secured before a storm.

Certain roofs weather the storm better than others.

Protect your windows before a storm rolls in.

When a storm threatens, preparation is key.

During a storm, more people are trying to use their phones at the same time. 

If you do not feel safe during the storm, head immediately to the "safe room" in your home.

When a hurricane hits, do everything you can to protect yourself:

Contact loved ones, if possible, so it's known that everyone is OK.

Never run your generator in a garage, carport, crawl space, shed or porch.

Many hurricane-related deaths result from accidents after the storm. Among the dangers: fires from candles and gas canisters; carbon-monoxide poisoning from generators; traumatic injuries from power tools, nails and chainsaws; and heat-related injuries from no air-conditioning.

A hurricane's lingering calling card.

When the power goes out, you may be cooking on a charcoal, propane or natural gas grill, or a hibachi.

Protect your family, home

Here’s how to do the deep cleaning and deodorizing needed to eliminate foul odors in the refrigerator or freezer.

Avoid being victimized by following these steps.

The U.S. Small Business Administration offers low-interest disaster loans to help firms and nonprofit groups recover after a storm.

If a storm is threatening, there's a good chance schools will close - usually around the time a storm watch has been issued for the area.

If you've never operated a chain saw, don't start using one after a storm. Hire someone, ask neighbors or wait for emergency crews.

You may be able to save smaller trees of less than 10-inch diameter that are down or partially blown over.

One of the largest tasks after a storm will be collecting debris.

Do NOT depend on smell or taste to determine safety of foods.

Be cautious following a storm.