What do you do when hurricanes are in the Gulf of Mexico? Do you have a go-to routine? What gets you moving? Here are a few vital things to keep in mind:

1) Stock up on canned goods

One of the craziest things about hurricanes is that you just don’t know what is going to happen. So most people just buy whatever they can see.

2) Make sure all the pets are in.

If you’ve ever had an outside cat, you know how frustrating this can be. Better to start early.

3) Buy candles, flashlights, and batteries.

One of the worst parts of the storm is the loss of electricity. These things make sure you can still see at night. If you are really lucky, you'll hook up with someone who has a generator.

4) Get gas.

Anyone who has ever been in a gas line trying to get out of New Orleans never forgets this one.

5) Stock up on liquor.

There’s a reason they call it a hurricane party. Without a robust supply, things can get really stressful. You need to be prepared for days on end locked up with your family.

6) Pull out the hurricane tracker.

Remember those old paper ones that they used to print in the Time-Picayune? Well you can bet someone in your family still does it that way.

7) Turn on WWL.

Radio becomes even more important when the electricity threatens to go out. And WWL always keeps NOLA up to date in situations like this.

8) Nail 2 x 4's on the windows.

Even though the efficacy of this is a little up in the air…it still feels good to do something.

9) Light a candle.

See: pray. Even the most superstitious people start doing whatever they can to ask for protection when the storms are threatening.

10) Fill up the bathtubs.

Not having running water is an even worse situation, and often they go on a boil advisory. Stocking up on water bottles is a great way to go as well.

11) Pray.

This might just be the most important, especially when Katrina is still so fresh in people’s minds and hearts.

What do you do when the hurricanes are coming? Let us know what it's like for you in the comments below. We love to hear your comments and feedback!