Surviving a hurricane requires you to be prepared and ready for the storm to come. Since nobody can predict the weather with a hundred percent accuracy, you should be ready for the worst possible hurricane, which is a Category 5.

Here are some of the most important Category 5, or less, hurricane tips that every home and business owner should read and implement immediately if they haven't already.

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1. Keep all of your important papers, photos and other documents secured in a plastic bag of some kind. This mainly includes birth certificates, school diplomas, property deeds and other similar documents.
   
   
2. Take photos or video of your property before the hurricane comes. This is obviously for insurance purposes, and will ensure you get back everything you lost.
   
   
3. If for some reason you cannot stay with a relative, or that relative is in the area of the hurricane, then try to book a hotel or motel room in another city that is nearby, but has a smaller chance of being hit. Watch the weather to see what cities are safe and which ones could be hit. Also, be sure to get directions to the hotel or motel, and don't forget to put them in your vehicle. There is also the option of using a temporary hurricane shelter that your local area might provide.
   
   
4. If you have a pet, make sure that you have some place it can go and be sheltered. Most hotels and motels do not allow pets, so you will not be able to take them with you. There might be pet friendly hotels though around you, it just depends on your location.
   
   
5. Keep a spot in the house where each family member has a bag of clothes and sleeping gear like blankets and pillows. You might also want to put amenities in there like a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, razor, etc. When it is time to leave, all you have to do is grab your bag and you are all set to go.
   
   
6. You will also want to have a kit made up of mostly this kind of stuff: Bottled water, toilet paper, flash lights, extra money, batteries, battery operated radio/television, non-perishable foods, canned goods, can opener, a small cooler, candles, prescription medicines and any other over-the-counter remedies somebody might need. For families with babies, be sure to pack diapers, baby wipes, formula and plenty of baby food.
   
   
7. As mentioned above, some extra money should always be stored away since most likely power will be lost during the hurricane, and that means no ATM's. Keep this cash in your personal bag or in another safe place, so long as you can remember where it is.
   
   
8. For entertainment, you should bring some games that are non electronic, like board games, a deck of cards, drawing paper with pencil, or some good books. These items should be kept in the trunk of your vehicle, so you can be sure they will not be forgotten.
   
   
9. If you do try to stay in your home during the hurricane, stay away from the side of the house that the wind is hitting. This pretty much ensures that you won't be near any broken windows or other debris that is coming inside.
   
   
10. Another tip for people who decide to weather the storm is to board your windows up with plywood. Of course though plywood is only strong enough for light to medium winds, so if you want stronger protection you should get a professional to install hurricane shutters or learn how to properly install plywood correctly to protect against strong winds.
    
    
11. Last but not least, if you do decide to stay at home during the hurricane make sure you never go outside, and stay indoors until you get the all clear from your local TV or radio station.