Because I have a lot of nervous energy right now, I'm going to tweet some hurricane tips for those who haven't been through it before. First, let's start with your hurricane kit.

Stuff you don't know you need until you've been through a flood:

Headlamps for everyone -- if you are evacuating at night, you will need to be able to see. They also help to make you more visible to rescuers in storm conditions.

A battery-powered/rechargeable spotlight.

Rubber boots

Pet kit in a waterproof bag -- a couple of days of food, any medications, leashes, puppy pads, calming toys.

Toiletry kit -- You will want a toothbrush, toothpaste, face wipes, Advil, sinus medication (allergies after a storm are INTENSE) while you’re waiting for stores to reopen. Add your vital medication bottles before you evacuate.

Two days of clothes -- This will allow you to change after being in flood water and one extra day of clothes. If you need more than this, people will step up to help. Don’t forget socks, underwear and an extra pair of shoes.

Sealable plastic bags or a water-tight case -- Protect your phones and chargers from rain and floodwater, first of all, but also good for your wallet. Perhaps a larger one for a laptop.

Something to keep you calm -- maybe some headphones to listen to calming music or meditations while in a stressful place.

Other tips!

Move your car. If you are warned of a storm and think that your car might flood, move it to a high area. A parking garage or just a high part of your neighborhood.

If your house is in danger of flooding, turn off your breaker. People have been electrocuted in flood water in their own homes.

Write down a list of important phone numbers. You may find yourself without your phone and need to call family and friends. I don't know anyone's phone number anymore. Also, good to have your insurance company on there. File a claim as soon as possible.

If you're in flood water, take a shower as soon as you can to get it off of you. Flood water has some nasty stuff in it, from poop to chemicals. If you're not up on your tetanus shot, get one as soon as you can after being in flood water.

Take pictures of damage as soon as possible. Take pictures of EVERYTHING because once it's in the trash pile, you'll forget it. You will need a list of everything you lost for your insurance claim. Take pictures of serial numbers on appliances.

You can save more than you think. Anything glass or metal can be cleaned. Wood can dry out if it hasn't been in water too long. Clothes can be laundered. I lost ONE dress in Harvey. It was white and wouldn't come clean. Other than that, everything cleaned up fine.

I have a bunch more stuff about rebuilding after a flood, but I'll save that for now. We have no idea what these storms are going to do, you don't need to hear about countertop removal yet.

Spend this weekend talking to your neighbors. If you have elderly neighbors, make sure they have some kind of plan. Too many people stay in dangerous places because of pets. Make sure they have a plan for their pets, too, so that they will evacuate.

And, lol, we're in a pandemic. Disposable surgical masks seem to be plentiful at stores now, I'd stock up if you only have cloth masks.

If this turns out to be a wind storm, plan for your power to be out for multiple days. Remember, I used to work for a utility. Restoring power to millions takes TIME. It can be weeks for some. It was two and a half weeks for me after Ike.

Food stays good in a fridge without power for four hours. 48 hours for a full freezer, 24 hours for a half-full freezer.

Oh, also, climate change is real.