How you fare during a hurricane can depend on how prepared you are. The key to survival is preparation.

WHEN THE STORM IS FORECAST

* If you live in a mobile home, check tie-downs and plan to evacuate. Be ready to drive 20 to 50 miles inland to find a safe place.

* Check with your insurance company to see what will be covered. Separate policies are needed for wind damage and flood damage.

* Take a full inventory of your personal property to help in filling out claims. List descriptions and take pictures.

WHEN THE STORM THREATENS

* Check supplies and make sure you have on hand: portable radio with fresh batteries, flashlight, candles or lamps, matches, first-aid kit, canned or packaged food that can be prepared without cooking or refrigeration, several days' supply of drinking water (a quart per person per day) and a full tank of gas in your car.

* Make sure you have an adequate supply of essential medicines, particularly prescriptions. Go to the bank if you need cash. Carry your credit cards with you or make sure they are in a safe place.

* Pets may not be allowed in shelters for health or space reasons. Contact your local humane society for information on local animal shelters.

* Teach family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity and water. Teach children how and when to call 911, police or fire departments and which radio stations to tune to for emergency information.

* Develop an emergency plan in case family members are separated. Have a plan for getting back together.

* Ask an out-of-state relative to be the "family contact." After a hurricane, it is often easier to call long distance than locally. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address and phone number of the contact person.

* Prepare for high winds by boarding up or taping windows and other glass, anchoring objects outside, bracing garage doors and lowering antennas.

* Move boats and trailers close to the house and check mooring lines of boats in the water.

* Put important papers in waterproof containers (take them along if you evacuate) and move all valuables to higher levels in your home.

* Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys and garden tools. Try to anchor objects that cannot be brought inside.