First, download your utility’s app before a storm heads our way. That way if you have to evacuate, you can see through the app if your power is out or has been restored before you return home.

According to Florida Power and Light, the largest utility in Florida, there’s no need to turn the lights off and wait around with a flashlight when a storm hits. You can leave your power on because it doesn’t affect anything.

But once the power is out, officials recommend unplugging electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges. And battery-powered flashlights and lanterns are preferred over candles, because of the fire hazard.

You can leave a light switch turned on so you know when the power is back.

Staying cool

Make sure you’re stocked up on bottled water so you can stay hydrated to avoid overheating.

You can soak a T-shirt or other clothing with water or spray your skin with water to help your body’s natural cooling effect from sweat.

At night, open windows can help increase air flow, but keep curtains closed if windows are open during the day to prevent direct sunlight from warming the house further.

Food safety

Stock up on nonperishable foods, such as canned goods, that don't require refrigeration before the storm comes.

If the power goes out, the food that's in your refrigerator can keep cold for about four hours if you keep the door closed, and what's in your freezer can keep cold for up to two days if the freezer is full -- 24 hours if it’s half full, Consumer Reports says.

You can transfer food to a cooler. But make sure there is enough ice and cold packs to keep the cooler temperature below 40 degrees, says the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Add more ice as it melts.

Use your grill to cook any raw food before it goes bad, but be sure to use camp stoves or charcoal barbecues outside and at least 20 feet away from windows. You’ll still need to chill the food or you can share it with the neighbors -- but at least it’s not in the trash.

If food that must be kept cold has been exposed to temperatures of at least 40 degrees for longer than four hours (fridge) or 48 hours (freezer), it should be thrown away so that you don't give yourself food poisoning, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

If food in your fridge starts to have an unusual odor, texture or color, it should also be tossed.

Charging devices

Before your phone dies, write important information down on paper like emergency numbers.

One way to preserve your cellphone's battery is to limit calling, texting and app use. Dimming the brightness of the display screen, or putting a phone in low power mode, can also help. Turning it off can also help save battery.

You can also charge your phone in your car. But FEMA warns that you should always run your car outside, and not in an enclosed space like a garage, to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

Generators, which are largely fueled by gasoline and diesel, can be used as an external power source during an outage. But it is essential to know how to use one safely.

Generator safety

Generators should always be used outdoors, at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and garages, according to FEMA.

Those who use generators should install battery-powered carbon monoxide alarms inside their home, FEMA says, as the gas is odorless and colorless. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be deadly.

Generators should be kept dry and protected from rain or flooding, as FEMA warns that touching a wet generator can cause electrical shock. Before refueling, make sure they have cooled down.

Heavy-duty extension cords should be used to connect appliances or devices to generators. And extra precaution should be taken when hooking up a generator to a home power source, as doing so could cause a dangerous surge in electricity, according to FEMA.

Generator transfer switches and any other necessary equipment should be installed by an electrician, per FEMA recommendations.