Hurricane preparation checklist

Editor's note: If you live in the mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions, stay safe. Anderson Cooper will report on the impact of the storm on Monday at 8 and 10 p.m. ET. 

Here are recommendations on what to do before a storm approaches:

- Download an application to your smartphone that can notify people where you are, and if you need help or are safe. The Red Cross has a Hurricane App available in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. A First Aid app is also available.

- Use hurricane shutters or board up windows and doors with 5/8 inch plywood.

- Bring outside items in if they could be picked up by the wind.

- Clear gutters of debris.

- Reinforce the garage door.

- Turn the refrigerator to its coldest setting in case power goes off. Use a cooler to keep from opening the doors on the freezer or refrigerator.

- Fill a bathtub with water.

- Get full tank of gas in one car.

- Go over the evacuation plan with the family, and learn alternate routes to safety.

- Learn the location of the nearest shelter or nearest pet-friendly shelter.

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