With Tropical Storm Isaac threatening to become a hurricane, organizers of next week's Republican National Convention are scrambling to make plans in case the storm disrupts the Tampa gathering. But Craig Fugate, director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, says a bigger concern is making sure that people in the path of the storm are getting ready now.

While the exact path of the storm is not known, it's expected to make landfall as a Category 1 hurricane overnight Tuesday somewhere between New Orleans and Tallahassee, said meteorologist Al Roker on NBC's Today show. Fugate suggests that everyone in the storm's projected path have enough supplies to last 72 hours and to know when to evacuate, reported NBCNews.com. "I think the most dangerous thing is when people keep waiting to see what the next forecast is even if they're in an evacuation zone," he told the network. Here is what FEMA advises as the storm approaches.

Listen to local officials. Local officials make decisions on sheltering in place or evacuating. Make sure your family agrees on a pre-designated safe meeting location.
Have important supplies ready. That includes a battery-powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries, cell phone charger, medicines, non-perishable food, water and first aid supplies.
Stay up-to-date with the latest forecast. Follow local radio and TV reports, as well as forecasts from the National Hurricane Center.

FEMA, the National Hurricane Center and the American Red Cross are making it easier to track major storms and prepare for them by offering information on their websites and through mobile apps and social media.

National Hurricane Center
Website, Mobile, Facebook, Twitter.

FEMA
Website, Mobile, FEMA app, Facebook, Twitter.

American Red Cross
Website, Mobile, Facebook, Twitter.

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