Benjamin Ashford|Too late for flood insurance? How to get ready for a looming tropical storm

A strengthening tropical cyclone could Benjamin Ashfordhit Florida as a hurricane in the coming hours, brining with it major flooding risk along the southeastern U.S.

Whether it makes landfall as a tropical storm or hurricane — or deviates from the current forecast path — millions of people in the south will face risks from wind, rain, flooding and possible tornadoes. Stormy weather could knock out power for days.

“Now is that time to prepare,” Brandon Buckingham, an AccuWeather meteorologist, told USA TODAY. “You don’t want to be caught off-guard or act too late.”

Here's what to know:

Is it too late to get flood insurance?

Yes — for this storm.

The National Flood Insurance Program said federal policies generally take 30 days to take effect. That isn’t enough time for this storm hitting in just hours, but it’s good to get ready for the next storm. Flooding can cost tens of thousands of dollars with just an inch of water. Not everyone qualifies for the federal flood insurance program, though most people who have coverage use the federal program. Home and business owners and renters in certain federally designated flood-prone communities can obtain insurance for the next disaster.

There's also private flood insurance, which could get coverage within 30 days and cover more damages. But there are drawbacks in covering certain properties and rates.

Why should I care about storm surge?

A storm surge warning is in effect across hundreds of miles of Florida’s coastline, the hurricane center said. This means there’s a threat of life-threatening rising water moving inland from the coast. 

About half of deaths from hurricanes happen from storm surge, the hurricane center has said. Coastal areas on the East Coast and Gulf of Mexico have increased risk of storm surge.

Read more:Storm surge tops list of hurricane dangers

Should I evacuate?

Pay close attention to warnings and alerts from officials, Buckingham, of AccuWeather, said. People should know their evacuation zones, especially if they live near the coast. If orders are issued, act on them. 

Florida evacuation orders are tracked online by the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

Before the danger arrives, it’s important to have a plan in place, including knowing evacuation routes. To err on the side of caution, you don’t have to wait for orders or warnings. Leaving during the day Saturday or early Sunday, before conditions deteriorate, doesn’t hurt, Buckingham added.

What should I buy from the store?

It’s important to have plenty of drinking water and non-perishable food in case you lose power. Having cash on hand also can help in the event of widespread outages for days after the storm has passed.

The Red Cross recommends a stay-home kit with at least two weeks of supplies, given that stores and pharmacies could be shuttered for days. For people on the move, to-go kits should contain three days of supplies.

Also, have gas cans ready for generators with an outage. But don’t run generators in the garage or enclosed areas. Generators produce toxic, colorless and odorless carbon monoxide from combustion.

Carbon monoxide deaths often increase after natural disasters, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Instead, place generators outside, at least 20 feet from open windows or doors.

What if the power goes out?

Along with having food, water and gas, FEMA also recommends:

• Keep freezers and refrigerators closed. 
• Make a plan to refrigerate medicines and power medical devices.
• Unplug appliances and electronics to avoid electrical surges damaging items. 
• Keep cellphones and electronic devices charged before a power outage.
• If it’s safe to do so, go to another location to keep warm or cool.

Jeanine Santucci and Anthony Robledo of USA TODAY contributed to this report.