The Federal Emergency Management Agency offers tips on how to prepare for Hurricane Sandy and other tropical storms. Sandy is expected to be especially disastrous when it merges with a winter storm system, bringing powerful winds, rain, snow and storm surge along the Eastern Seaboard.

Before the hurricane:

- Know your surroundings and whether your home is in a flood prone area. Determine where you would go - and how you would get there - if you were ordered to evacuate

- Cover your home's windows, either with permanent storm shutters or marine plywood at least 5/8 of an inch thick

- Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well-trimmed

- Clear clogged rain gutters

- Secure all outdoor furniture, decorations, trash cans and anything else that could blow away.

- Install a generator for emergencies

During:

- Listen to the radio or TV for information

- Secure your home, close storm shutters, and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors

- Turn off propane tanks

- Avoid using the phone except for serious emergencies

- Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purpose such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other larger containers with water

- Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors

Do not:

- Drive into low-lying areas or over roads and bridges that are already under water

If evacuating, bring:

- Checkbooks

- Driver's license

- Credit card information

- Birth certificates

- Social Security cards