Residents are urged to be prepared ahead of Hurricane Gonzalo and heed safety advice to protect your homes and families.

Meet with family members to plan ahead and identify the best place to be during the hurricane — a strong room and away from windows.

Have a battery-operated radio handy to listen to emergency updates and pre-pack a disaster supply kit.

This should contain prescription medication and essential food, water and supplies for at least three days, and should be kept in a designated place.

Basic supplies you need include a gallon of water per person per day, ready-to-eat meats, fruit and veg; canned or boxed juices, milk and soup; high-energy foods such as peanut butter, granola bars and trail mix; vitamins; food for infants; instant coffee, cereals and powdered milk.

Perishable foods should not be held above 40°F for more than two hours. Do not open the refrigerator or freezer during a power outage and turn them to the coldest settings beforehand if not instructed to turn off utilities. A freezer that is half full will hold for up to 24 hours and a full freezer for 48 hours.

Perishable items such as dairy products can be stored in a cooler packed with ice. If storing foods in a cooler, the first foods packed should be the last used. Pack raw meat or poultry below ready-to-eat foods to prevent drips. Store foods in watertight containers to prevent contact with melting ice water.

Ensure you have a first-aid kit, flashlights, candles, basic tools, a bucket and rope, and kitchen items. Important household documents such as wills, insurance policies and contact numbers should be kept to hand in waterproof containers, along with cash.

If you need to evacuate, consider where you can go and what you need to take with you — have a bag ready that contains a change of clothes, sturdy shoes, hygiene products, rain gear, blankets or a sleeping bag.

To help to secure your home, close all storm shutters and cover exposed windows, such as sliding glass and French doors. Ensure all latches, locks and closing devices on windows and doors are secured, and block gutters with clean rags to prevent leaves or other contaminants from getting into your water tank.

Bring in outdoor furniture and items that can be wind-tossed, and remove outdoor antenna if possible.

Indoors, turn off and unplug electrical devices and fill a bathtub with water for flushing and use a bucket to fill the cistern.

Bring all pets inside and pack a disaster bag for your animal containing food, bowls, medications, leashes or carriers and current photos in case they get lost.

An Emergency Plan for the General Public, produced by the Department of Health, is available online.

The Emergency Broadcast radio station is on 100.1FM.

The Emergency Measures Organisation can be called on 295-0011; ambulance, fire, police and marine rescue are on 911 and Belco is on 955.