A tropical storm warning has been issued for parts of North and South Carolina as Ana approaches the U.S. coast.
The storm formed nearly a month before the Atlantic Hurricane season officially kicks off. The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said Friday that Ana's maximum sustained winds are near 45 mph (75 kph) with slight strengthening forecast during the next day or so.
1. Refill special medications.
2. Get cash (ATMs may not work for days after). Don't charge credit cards to the limit; you might need extra cash after the storm.
3. Get supplies, extra food and water.
4. Don't fill gasoline cans until right before the storm; they are a fire hazard.
5. Fill vehicle fuel tank. Gas stations could run out and some will not have power to run pumps. Check your car's battery, water, oil. Make sure you have a spare tire and buy aerosol kits that fix and inflate flats.
6. Check fire extinguishers.
7. Set the refrigerator to its coldest setting in anticipation of the power failing.
8. Check flashlight and radio batteries and have extras on hand.
9. Charge rechargeable cellphones, drills, power screwdrivers, flashlights, lanterns and batteries.
10. If you plan to leave, start packing. Don't wait until the storm is almost here to get on the road.
