Find the answer and the history of hurricane names.

If you lost power, find out how to tell if your food is safe once power is restored.

Hurricane Sandy is expected to bring life-threatening storm surge flooding to the Mid-Atlantic coast, including Long Island Sound and the New York Harbor. Winds are expected to be near hurricane force at landfall.

If you’re in an area that will be impacted by the storm, follow the instructions from your state and local emergency management officials.

Make an Emergency Kit and Plan

If you haven’t done so already, put together a family emergency plan and emergency kit.  Some of the items in a basic emergency kit include:

• one gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation,
• at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food,
• battery-powered radio and a NOAA Weather Radio,
• flashlight and extra batteries, and
• First Aid kit.

Learn more about how to prepare for a hurricane.

Follow the Weather Forecast

The National Weather Service is the official source for weather information and severe weather watches and warnings. You can follow the forecast at Weather.gov or on their mobile site.

Tropical Storm Isaac is churning in the Caribbean Sea, and the storm is currently tracking south of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. We will have a better idea if and where it might hit the United States mainland in the next 12 to 24 hours.

If you live in an area that is in the current path of the storm or in coastal regions that could be affected, the Federal Emergency Management Agency advises you to listen to your local news to monitor weather updates and warnings and follow the instructions of local officials.

FEMA offers the following tips to prepare for tropical storms:

• Tropical weather systems can bring heavy rains, flash flooding, and high winds, so if you haven’t already, visit Ready.gov for tips on creating your family emergency plan and getting an emergency kit.
• Rains from tropical storms can cause flooding. A mere six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes only two feet of rushing water to carry away most vehicles. This includes pickups and SUVs.
• High winds from tropical storms can cause power outages. The Consumer Product Safety Commission and U.S. Fire Administration urge consumers to use portable generators outdoors. Never use portable generators indoors or in garages. The exhaust from generators contains high levels of carbon monoxide that can quickly incapacitate and kill.
• Everyone should also familiarize themselves with the terms that are used to identify a severe weather hazard. A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within 36 hours. If local officials give the order to shelter in place, take action immediately; and if the order from local officials is to evacuate, leave immediately. Monitor local radio and television news outlets or listen to NOAA Weather Radio for the latest developments.

Visit Ready.gov for more information on how to prepare for a tropical storm and check the National Hurricane Center to find the projected path of the storm.

Hurricane season starts in June and runs through November. Before a hurricane strikes, visit Ready.gov’s hurricane page to find out what you need to do before, during, and after a hurricane.

Check with the National Weather Service for weather watches and warnings.