Hurricane Katrina hit as a category 4 storm, winds exceeding 130 miles per hour. But most of the damage and threat to life was done by storm surge: the wall of water that can cause destruction miles from the coast.

If you have to evacuate to a shelter during a storm, bring your hurricane survival kit. Shelters provide you and your family a safe place to ride out the weather. But you need to provide your own supplies, enough to last 3 or 4 days.

If our area is threatened by a hurricane...what should you do? When should you evacuate? What about your pets? Your supplies? Fact is: the best way to protect your family is to make a plan right now.

If a storm hits this season, your family could be without electricity for several days. if you use a portable generator, remember never run it inside the house or garage. plan for cooking with a gas or charcoal grill. And be sure you have enough water: at least a 3 day supply.