Hurricane Isaias: 10 Ways to Prepare Before the Storm Hits

Hurricane Isaias is gaining strength in the Gulf, and the window to prepare is closing fast.

Isaias is headed for a Gulf Coast landfall Friday night, bringing storm surge, flooding rain and high winds before spreading heavy rain inland across the East this weekend. As of Thursday morning, Isaias had sustained winds of 85 mph and was centered just under 400 miles south-southwest of New Orleans, moving east-northeast at 10 mph.

Forecasters say preparations to protect life and property from damaging winds and storm surge should be finished by tonight. Whether you live on the coast or farther inland, here are 10 ways to get ready.

1. Know Your Evacuation Zone

Start with the most important question: Do you live in an evacuation zone? Know if you live in one and where you'd go if local officials ask you to leave. Plan how you'd get there and where you'd stay, whether that's a shelter, a hotel or a friend's home outside the risk area.