Were you here in 2004 when Hurricane Charlie was a possible threat? Most people I know including myself didn't think it was really coming and halfheartedly prepared for that storm. That turned out to be a mistake. It was midnight when the power went out. The wind clocked in at 130 mph. It was pitch black bringing in the items left outside that were starting to fly. Memories.....and then 3 days with no power.
As Hurricane Matthew is starting to head our way now is the time to start to take some extra precautions.
Have an evacuation plan and a family meeting place ahead of time. Make sure all the cars have a full tank of gas.
Have a contact person outside the affected area. Give their contact info to everyone is the family so they can serve as a point of contact if you get separated. Bring in anything from outside that you think can fly. Put pool furniture in the pool.
Core Items for your Emergency Kit: (3-7 days worth)
Water - 1 gallon per person per day
Food - non perishable with a non-electric can opener
Daily medications
Persona hygiene items
Flashlights with extra batteries
Battery powered radio
Extra clothing and blankets
First aid kit
Cash
Electronic chargers and don't forget the ones for the car
Copies of personal documents, such as home/auto insurance policies, wills, trusts
Bug spray
Important phone numbers
Baby supplies and pet food
You can monitor the storm here: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/#MATTHEW
GOOD LUCK AND STAY SAFE!