Through the years, several readers have asked for tropical storm and hurricane preparation tips.

Here is a list of recommended steps to take to prepare, including hurricane preparation timeline and pantry essentials.

Other WRAL Top Stories

Here are some tips for preparing for a hurricane from WRAL:

Here are some tips from the National Weather Service regarding hurricane safety and tips:

And here are additional storm prep suggestions from the CDC:

Hurricane Prep Schedule:

Already Completed Saturday - Monday:

* Shop for food and bottled water.

Food items can include canned tuna, canned chicken, peanut butter, crackers, pretzels, tortillas, nuts, trail mix, juice, pineapple, bananas, canned fruit, canned veggies, snacks and other items that will not go bad quickly.

Keep some food in the fridge and freezer to use early in the week and then use it quickly if you lose electricity and it starts to thaw. Gas stoves also still work even if the power goes off. Have have plenty of pasta, pasta sauce, rice, eggs, etc. to cook on the stove. In the photo above, you can see some of the items we will be using during and after the storm.

In addition to stocking up on food and water, have a bag of ice in the freezer and eight 64-oz. used juice bottles filled 3/4 full of water and then frozen. Use these in two coolers if you lose electricity to keep the milk, eggs, yogurt, cheese and some other refrigerated items cold. Also, fill up plastic storage containers (Ziploc, Glad, etc) with ice cubes to use in drinks if the power goes out. If they melt, just drink the water.

Made sure that any needed prescriptions are filled and picked up. Also, have plenty of the over-the-counter medications. Also made sure we have basic first-aid supplies.

Gas up the car for driving. Plus, you can turn on the car outside and charge phones while electricity is out if needed.

Tuesday & Wednesday:

Fill up bottles and containers in the house with water, including some to freeze. Use them to keep items cold longer in the fridge, freezer and coolers if/when the power goes out. As the ice thaws, use the water to drink.

Charge the rechargeable lantern and the portable chargers for cellphones. Set out smaller flashlights, batteries, matches and candles, so they are easily accessible.

Do laundry because you could be without power.

Wednesday:

* Bake some banana bread and cookies to have during the possible power outage. My oven is electric so I will not be able to use it if power is out.

* Put important documents in ziploc bags to protect from any water damage. We live on a hill, so our home does not flood, but if there is a roof leak, papers could be damaged. I also read that you can put items you don't want to get wet in to the dishwasher to protect them. Not sure if that works, but it is an interesting idea.

Thursday Morning:

Fill up the bathtubs and some additional containers with water to use for brushing teeth and flushing.

Charge all cellphones and laptops. Even if we don't have electricity or WiFi, I can still use the laptop to charge the cell phone, if needed.

Make sure the master bedroom closet floor is clear to have a protected, windowless place to go if the winds pick up and you need to go somewhere safe quickly. Put some water bottles and snacks in the closet just in case.

After the Storm:

  • Go through the entire house to make sure there are no leaks (including looking in the attic).
    • Look on the outside of the house to see if any siding or shingles have been blown off.
      • Walk the property to see if any trees have fallen that need to be removed.
        • Contact family and neighbors to check on them and let them know we are OK.

          Please share any other recommendations you have for getting through this storm and good luck to everyone.