I'm by no means an expert, but you may want to change some things. I am basing this off of what I have seen in South FL. I'll try to list them in an understandable order, "when I make lists they tend to get a little convoluted"

"HurCon 4.
1. Go to Home Depot and pick up a sufficient quantity of 2" deck screws (if in short supply), 1"x4" and 1"x12" pine boards to install shutters over the windows and doors (1"x4") that have them and to board up over the few windows that don't have shutters (1?x12?)."

It may already be too late by then. Home Depot/Lowes can be a madhouse when there is a hurricane threat, all types of screws will be sold out, and the lumber will be gone. You want to have both screws and wood on hand already, and the screws you get should be based on what your house is made of. If you have a wood frame house, then deck screws should work fine. If you have a masonry, or concrete house, then you may want tapcons, concrete machine screw anchors, or wedge anchors, "Keep in mind that with wedge anchors, they are permanant, once they are set, there in there for good, the idea though is to have holes pre-drilled in the wood or shutters, so you can mount them with wing nuts."

If you use wood, it's a good idea to seal it first, either with some good outdoor grade deck stain, or anything that will really hold against the water, "a friend of mine coated his with fiberglass resin, 'before you ask, he's a boat builder' he has had those panels for 10+ years, and they still show no signs of water entry"

"3. Go to the grocery store and top off the pantry with normal foodstuffs."

Idealy this should be done already, if you have the room, it's a good idea to buy this stuff before hand "spread it out over time "a few cans here, a few there" and begin stocking up beforehand. This can even be done off season.

I suggest it be done early as it will be subject to the same exact rush as the hardware stores. If you don't have the room to store it, make room. Get a big storage container, fill it with canned food, and place it in an internal closet. While everyone is out rushing to get stuff, you can rest assured that you already have basics ready.
4. Insure that all propane bottles are topped off.
This can be done in HurCon 5, you will avoid the huge lines that way.

5. Insure that battery supplies are sufficient.
This is the same, idealy done in HurCon 5, there will be a run on batteries in 4 and below
6. Insure that flashlights and lanterns are working.
Same, I have seen Wal-Mart sell out within hours of a 72 hour possibility being broadcast.

HurCon 3:
1. Review checklists for any missing items or chores that remain to be done.

Idealy this should be done with 4, you have a better chance if you need to buy something.

2. Top off all vehicle fuel tanks.
This is fine, however be prepaired for lines. If you have a gen, you can fill your gas cans now as well, !!!DO NOT KEEP THE GAS CANS INDOORS" Keep them in a seperate shead, or a garage. If you have a natural gas furnace or water heater in the garage, keep the cans elsewhere.

Be prepaired to drive around for a bit, as this is the time that gas stations will run out. Tempers will also run high during this time, you may see cutting in line, and arguments/fights may break out, they certanly did around here.

HurCon 2:
Everything good on this one.

HurCon 1:
Same, though keep in mind that if you do have to run, don't forget the storm is still out there.


I hope everyone has a safe 2007 season.