— Stocking up on an emergency supply of water and non-perishable foods. &uot;From what we learned from Isabel, each family should have at least a five day supply per person,&uot; Judkins said.

— Have a good supply of batteries needed to power flashlights and battery-powered radios.

— Also keep a first-aid kit, extra prescription medications, and maintain an adequate supply of fuel for your home on hand. He also recommended that families have an alternate heat source, such as a wood stove, kerosene or fireplace, which can operate without power.

&uot;During past ice storms, sections of Suffolk were without electricity for almost two weeks,&uot; Judkins said.

— Anyone using a generator needs to make sure it is properly connected to the appliance, he said.

&uot;It is important that you do not connect the generator directly to your home’s circuit breaker unless you consult a certified electrician first,&uot; he cautioned. &uot;Remember to place the generator outside in a well-ventilated area to prevent fumes from collecting in the home.&uot;