I know that everyone has heard what to do when a storm approaches Louisiana, but I wanted to remind everyone of a few things to do as a storm approaches to prepare your house and your yard.

Turn down the temperature on your freezer and refrigerator as low as possible 24 to 48 hours before the arrival of a storm. This will buy you more time in the event of a power loss. Avoid opening the refrigerator or freezer whenever possible.

Before you evacuate, call at least one person out of state to let them know your plans. Charge electronic devices, for example, computers,

cell phones, rechargeable batteries, razors and the like. Make extra

ice and bag it — this will be useful to use and to keep the freezer

cold.

If you have a generator, do NOT run it inside or near the house. But make sure you have fuel to run it. Make sure your car has fuel, too.

Pick up yard debris — furniture, tools, decorative items, branches — anything loose that could become a missile. We have placed furniture in the pool upon occasion.

Secure boats, trailers, campers, RVs and the like in the safest place you can find. Tie them down, anchor them or do whatever you can to best secure them, but, take into account that there may be a storm surge.

Secure all doors and windows with locks and shutters if available. Plywood, properly secured, can be effective. Don’t forget your garage doors.

Move items that may be damaged by water to higher areas of your home if you cannot take them with you if evacuating. Move them away from windows in case they are broken. Huge items must even be secured in big storms. An engine block was found 40 or 50 feet up in a pine tree in the Homestead (actually Redlands) area after Andrew. Don’t think that something is too big to be moved by the wind. Re-check tie-downs. Bring cars, bikes, scooters and anything like that into your garage if possible. Bring in grills or other cooking items. Bring in hoses, trash cans, hot tub covers, wind chimes and plants.

Caulk and fill bathtubs — extra water comes in handy for toilets and more.

It may sound strange, but do your laundry and dishes and take a shower. Why? Because if you lose power, having as much clean as possible will make a big difference.

Check if your pool pump should be on or off. Close and fasten gates so they don’t swing. Close chimney flues. Close/latch inside doors and cabinets.

If you have time, help your neighbors. Debris in their yards can easily impact your home and yard.

During a storm

Stay inside, away from windows. Be alert for tornadoes. Stay away from flood waters and storm surge. It can be deceptively strong. Be aware of the eye. It may be calm, but winds can and will pick up quickly and could catch you outside. Unplug electronic devices that are not in use to avoid surge damage. This is less likely than during afternoon thunderstorms because lightning is rare in a hurricane, but it is better to be safe.

After a Storm

Know power safety — avoid downed lines.

Know food safety — what is good and for how long.

Chainsaw safety is critical. Generator safety is important, too.

Water treatment — know whether water needs to be boiled or not. Listen to local officials.

Use flashlights instead of candles.

Inspect your home for damage.

Stay off roads as much as possible.

You may need to super-chlorinate your pool

Everyone be safe this hurricane season.

Michael Heath is president of the St. John Professional Firefighters Association.