The National Hurricane Center says that Hurricane Arthur isstrengthening as it heads toward the North Carolina coast, and anumber of beachfront communities are preparing for flooding andevacuations. For residents and visitors who need to evacuate, hereare the items to take:

Evacuation Checklist:

1. Insurance policies and any critical irreplaceable papers –e.g., checkbooks, marriage and birth certificates, wills, socialsecurity cards, stock certificates, proof of residency. Store thesein a plastic, zip-type bag to keep them dry.
2. Wallet, credit cards, cash, identification
3. Cell phone, laptop, tablet. Charge before leaving and bring thechargers with you.
4. Medication, prescriptions, eye glasses, dentures, first aidkit
5. Car keys, house keys, GPS
6. Toiletries – toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, hand sanitizer,diapers, baby wipes, tissues, paper towels, toilet paper, feminineproducts
7. Clothes – socks, shoes, extra underwear, gym clothes forsleeping, jackets, sweaters, clothes for 1-2 days, sturdyshoes/boots
8. Bottled water (one gallon per person per day), non-perishablefood (e.g., peanut butter, protein bars, canned food), manual canopener, pet food for any pets
9. Games and toys for kids – e.g., cards, board games
10. Sharp knife, duct tape, electrical tape, heavy work gloves
11. Flashlights, batteries, portable radio, paper & pen
12. Sleeping bags and pillows for each family member, air mattress,folding chairs
13. Photos, irreplaceable mementos, jewelry
14. Small shovel

If there is time before you leave:

1. Take photos of each room with your phone or digital camera todo a visual inventory. If doing a written inventory, include modelnumbers for major appliances.
2. Move items in a basement or lower level to an upper floor orraise items several feet off of the floor if possible.
3. Move all papers to filing cabinets or desk drawers to protectthem.
4. Put plywood or storm shutters over the windows
5. Back up computers.
6. Unplug electronics except refrigerators and freezers in case ofa power surge. Some sources recommend turning off the electricitycompletely.
7. Move electronics away from windows to higher levels in the homeand cover with blankets
8. Bring in items that could blow away or secure them in somemanner – e.g., trashcans, furniture, trampolines, toys, hangingplants
9. Protect your valuables by placing in a safe or safety depositbox.
10. Turn off propane gas service and the main water valve to thehouse.

Safety should be the first priority and residents should monitorlocal news stations for weather updates and evacuationinformation.

As of 11 a.m., according to the National Weather Service, ahurricane warning is in effect for the area from Surf City, N.C. tothe North Carolina/Virginia border. A hurricane watch is in effectfor Little River Inlet, S.C. to Surf City, N.C. A tropical stormwarning is in effect for the area stretching from South SanteeRiver, S.C. to the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay.

According to the NOAA:

• A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions areexpected somewhere within the warning area. Preparations to protectlife and property should be rushed to completion.

• A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions are possiblewithin the watch area. Any deviation in the storm's track couldchange the hurricane watch to a hurricane warning for all or partof the watch area.

• A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditionsare anticipated within the warning area.

NOAA recommends that interests along the United States EastCoast north of the warning area, primarily in southeastern NewEngland and Nova Scotia, should monitor Arthur's progress.

Sources: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,Restoration Industry Association, Louisiana Office of HomelandSecurity and Emergency Preparedness