Keep an eye on this heavily trafficked Web site: Houston Hide From the Wind. It shows potential Ike wind damage in each ZIP code of the city.

If you do not have time to reinforce any of those areas with prebuilt plywood and anchoring, there are some things you can do in the face of high winds. Information below and more available from the Red Cross, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Bluesky Foundation. Here are 10 tips for what to do in the face of strong winds:

1. Find out where the nearest Red Cross shelter is and be prepared to go there before the storm hits.

2. Have enough cash if you leave the area for several weeks. Have a predetermined destination in mind. Select a common meeting place or single point of contact for all family members. Charge cell phones fully.

3. Move anything near your house that could be tossed by high winds — tree branches, lawn furniture, barbecues, birdbaths, potted plants, bicycles, toys, trash cans, hanging plants – and put them in your garage or basement, or far away from your house. Tie down other loose items that could become projectiles. If limbs are broken or damaged, remove and move them, or remove branches so wind can blow through the tree. Taping windows provides no protection from breaking glass.

4. Identify a shelter room in your home: on the first floor, central part of the house, no windows. Stay away from windows and doors. Bathrooms have the bonus of a water supply, toilet and tub.

5. Collect jewelry, valuables and essential personal documents, inventory them and put them in as safe a place as possible — a waterproof container stored in an interior closet. If there is time, take photographs. Important documents include legal papers, financial documents, personal items such as birth certificates and marriage licenses, and especially insurance information.

6. Fill your car with gas. Back your car up against the inside of your garage door to keep the door from twisting due to high winds.

7. Move furniture and household fixtures away from exterior doors and window. Cover them with plastic if you can. Unplug appliances, computers and put whatever of those you can into cabinets or interior closets.

8. Have one gallon of water (minimum) per day, per person, for at least a week. Two quarts are for drinking and 2 are for food preparation or sanitation. Fill empty containers and a bathtub with water as an additional emergency supply. Have rain gear and sturdy shoes/boots. Have a one-week supply of non-perishable food (a non-electric can opener, cooking tools, a camping stove, paper plates, plastic utensils. Don’t forget pillows and blankets and a few changes of clothes. Don’t forget dog or cat food.

9. First aid kit should have all necessary prescription medications to last at least a week, also painkillers (aspirin, Tylonel, Advil), bandages, gauze pads, antiseptic, latex gloves, first aid cream, scissors, tweezers and a thermometer. Also, bleach and antibacterial soap, toilet paper/personal hygiene items, plastics bags, matches. Grab a tarp if you have one.

10. Get a battery operated radio or a crank radio, and plenty of flashlights or camping lights (plus extra batteries). Find where the NOAA Weather Radio station is on the radio. Grab a wrench to turn off gas and water. Do not use candles. If you have a gas-powered back-up generator, test it. Use it minimally, as power can be off for weeks.

Related lists:

• States With Most Hurricanes
• Deadliest U.S. Hurricanes
• Deadliest Hurricanes in Texas History
• The 5 Categories Of Hurricanes
• What To Do in Hurricane-Force Winds
• Tips For Protecting Pets In An Emergency