A few things I've learned for next time...

Things to do the day before the storm:
1. fill gallon size freezer bags 1/2 full and put them in your freezer. Blocks of ice last much longer than ice cubes.
2. fill your bath tub full of water - check ahead of time to make sure it doesn't slowly leak out down the drain. This can be boiled and used for washing dishes, etc.
3. find where in your house you're going to bunker down and put stock it with supplies to last for up to a six hours, ie: bottled water, snacks, entertainment like board games or a portable dvd player.

Things you have to have on hand:
1. lanterns that light up a room - it's very hard to live after dark if you only have a flashlight, it's especially hard to play games, or find pajamas, or a pacifier.
2. Coleman stove - you have to have a way to cook and the outside grill isn't always the easiest option, especially if you put in the garage during the storm. It rained the whole day after the hurricane so grilling outside wasn't the best option. It seems like life can go on quite normally if you have a good stove. We didn't loose gas so we were able to cook lots of stuff on my in-laws gas stove in their kitchen.

Things you need to know:
1. Your home phone and cell phone might not work for a while. That happened to us. Occasionally, I could get a text out and receive a call, but I couldn't call out.
2. Large chunks of ice stay frozen longer than smaller cubes.
3. You can't siphon gas out of newer cars to use in your generator.
4. Gas stations can't sell gas if they don't have power to pump it.
5. If you have an newer computerized washing machine it stays locked when the power goes off and your wet clothes are stuck inside.