As a resident of the central Gulf Coast, I have survived a number of hurricanes over the years, from Betsy to Camille to Frederic to Ivan to Katrina. I know what they are, I know what they can do, and I know they're pretty damn scary. Here are some basic tips, by no means all-inclusive, but I literally grew up in Hurricane Central, so I have some knowledge of these things.
First thing: Be sure any vehicle you're using has a full tank of gas, or as close to full as you can get it. Do it right now if you're in an area threatened by the storm. Also fill any prescriptions you or your family members might need in the next few weeks. Try to have a well-stocked first aid kit on hand. You can buy them at any drug store or Wal-Mart.
If you live within a mile or so of a coastline, GET OUT. Head inland, as far as you can manage. If you have nowhere else to go, go to a public shelter. When you go to the shelter, be sure to take at least two changes of clothes, medications, and diversions for each family member--books, games, laptops, and such. If you have sleeping bags, take those too. Shelters can sometimes get overcrowded. Take a few snacks and bottled water as well. Shelters are supposed to feed you, but the Hilton it ain't.
If you decide to stay at home, put up storm shutters over the windows or board them up from the outside with plywood. It's imperative that you protect the windows in some way, because hurricane-force-driven objects are NO. FUN. Also, stock up on non-perishable food that requires no cooking, and be sure to have lots of water on hand, for washing up as well as for drinking. Fill your bathtub and as many two-liter soda bottles as you can get your hands on. Get alternative light sources such as battery-powered lamps. Candles work in a pinch, but they're dangerous as long-term light sources. (I actually set my hair on fire with one post-Frederic while trying to wash dishes after dinner.) Have a battery-powered radio handy too. Don't depend on the Internet--service could be interrupted.
Most importantly: no matter how determined you are to stay put, if a mandatory evacuation is ordered for your area,
GO. Don't make me come up there.
For those who have never been in a hurricane, there's a great guide on the NOAA website:
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/di ... tion.shtml
"Dolls love to be played with. They are lonesome if you leave them always in a box. How would you like to be left day after day alone, with no one to love you?"