Here’s a last-minute checklist to prepare as Hurricane Michael heads into Georgia

With Hurricane Michael moving into parts of west and middle Georgia late Wednesday night, the window to prepare is quickly closing. Here’s our list of tips and tricks for last-minute storm preparation.

1. Batteries

Make sure you have all your batteries in one place in case the power, your flashlight, or weather radio goes out. This allows you to get those batteries in and out in timely manner so you aren’t missing any key information or stumbling through the dark. Check out this story for more information on power outages in our area.

2. Flashlights and candles

Speaking of light, make sure you have flashlights and candles handy in case the power goes out in your home. This will allow you to navigate during the dark as the storm as night falls.

3. Move your cars to safety

With winds gusting over 70 mph in parts of Georgia, make sure your cars in a safe and secure location. If you have a garage, park your vehicle inside and close the door. If not, be sure to move the car away from trees and power lines.

4. Secure outdoor furniture and appliances

Everyone enjoys grilling out a warm summer day, but that grill should not be flying around in a hurricane. Make sure all your chairs, tables, swings, furniture and any other outdoors fixtures are secure so that they do not turn into flying projectiles.

5. Store water

During hurricanes you could find yourself without running water. If this is the case, ifill up some jugs and buckets with quality H2O. This will allow you to brush your teeth and flush your toilet during the storm. Filling up your tub also provides a source of water if need be.

6. Charge devices

Make sure that your smart phone, iPad, iPod, laptop and any other electronic device is charged up for the storm. You can also use your laptop to charge your other devices as the batteries tend to drain faster on those. If you have a 12-volt DC battery charger then you can go out to your car and charge them up as well -- but only if conditions outside are safe.

7. Backup your photos and documents

Oftentimes we hear stories of people losing valuables like photos and videos during major storms. If you have the ability, you can have those emailed to yourself or on a USB. This can be used to save your valuable memories or for insurance claims.

8. Close up those blinds, shutters and curtains

With the possibility for high winds and flying objects, this will help with potential glass flying around inside your home. This goes hand in hand with the “stay away from windows” warning that we all hear during severe weather.

9. Have a plan

Make sure you and the love ones in your home know the plan in case severe weather directly impacts your home. Know the safe zone in your house like a hall with no windows, a bathroom or an interior closet. Bring pillows and mattresses to take cover under if your home suffers catastrophic damages.

10. Fill up!

Hopefully, it won’t be too late for you to go fill up the tanks in your vehicles as well as spare gas cans. This will allow you to have additional gas for your generator in case the power goes out but also for your car in case the gas stations close.

11. Food and water

Make sure you have few days supply of food and water just to be safe. This includes bottled water and non-perishable foods such as goldfish, canned meat, canned fish, nuts and dried fruit. Odds are that you may not be able to find anymore milk, eggs or bread as those fly off the shelves at the first sign of a potential storm.

12. Grab your emergency supply kit

This may include your flashlight and phone charger but items like prescriptions and first aid kits are also essential. Other items may include baby and pet supplies. The weather radio mentioned earlier could also be a key tool. Toilet paper and other toiletry items are also good to have as well.

13. Stay inside

With a major hurricane like this you do not want to take any chances. Heed the warning of the experts in your city and shelter in place. Only travel on the roads if it is an emergency. Not only are you a potential danger to yourself but you could be a potential danger to others out on the roadways.

This story was originally published October 10, 2018 at 6:45 PM.