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Beware the 'Frankenstorm'

It sounds like the premise of a Halloween movie, but folks, we’re not making this up – just in time for Halloween, the Frankenstorm is coming. (Cue the scary music.) Hurricane Sandy, nicknamed the “Frankenstorm” by the National Weather Service is making its way toward the Eastern Seaboard. The hurricane could hit anywhere from North Carolina to New England, though there’s a small chance it could drift harmlessly out to the Atlantic Ocean. Although it is currently a category 1 storm, it may become the worst to hit the U.S. Northeast in 100 years if current forecasts are correct. And while it sucks that it might be too wet for trick or treating, losing power = the perfect atmosphere for a hauntingly good time indoors! Here are five tips on what to do before you hunker down.

Put together a storm emergency kit. This should include items such as non-perishable food, water, cash, filled prescriptions, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, first aid kit, flashlights and extra batteries.
Decide which room is best to withstand flooding and/or high winds. Consider a room with no windows in a central part of the house, such as a walk-in closet
Choose an out-of-state friend or relative that your family or group will contact if anyone gets separated.
Save emergency phone numbers (not just 911) to everyone's cell phones.
Make sure everyone in your family knows the location of all possible exits in your house or apartment should you need to evacuate.

For more tips check out our action guide.