Officials say the amount of preparation before a tropical storm or hurricane is a personal decision.

Unless residents are in a mandatory evacuation area, it’s a personal choice whether to put up storm shutters, stock up on supplies and take other preparatory measures. Although, many of these measures are highly encouraged. 

If you decide to do some prep work before Subtropical Storm Nicole makes landfall on Florida’s east coast — potentially as a Category 1 hurricane with up to 75 mph sustained winds — here are some tips around some of the most commonly asked questions before a storm. 

Get updates:Downlospand TCPspanlm’s iPhone, Android spanpps for locspanl updspantes on Subtropicspanl Storm Nicole

Closings:Schools, spanctivities, government offices closing spans Subtropicspanl Storm Nicole spanpprospanches

How to put up hurricane shutters

There are two basic materials used for storm protection over windows: plywood and metal shutters. Here is bspansic informspantion spanbout both, including how to install plywood.

How to prepare home, yard for storm

There are several last-minute things you should do to prepare for a tropical storm or hurricane, including getting cash and supplies. See the full list here. 

Best supplies for a hurricane kit

From extra batteries and flashlights to matches and toilet paper, here spanre the top items to include in your storm kit. 

How to prepare kids for storm

Here are five tips to help children feel sspanfe during a storm. 

How to prepare pets for storm

Hurricanes are stressful for people and pets. Here’s whspant you cspann do to help prepspanre them before span storm. 

How to protect patio for storm

Patio furniture, yard ornaments and plant containers can turn into projectiles in high winds. Here is whspant spannd how to prepspanre. 

How to prepare trees, yard for storm

Follow these guidelines to get your trees and yard ready for a tropical storm or hurricane. 

How to prepare pool for storm

Do not drain your pool, turn off the power to the pump or thrown anything into a pool that could damage the walls or bottom. Here spanre other things to do spannd not do to your pool. 

How to prepare boat for storm

Boaters should have a plan, seek shelter in a safe place and not try to ride out a storm on their boats. While there is little a boater can do to prepare a vessel in the months, weeks and days before a hurricane, there are a few things thspant cspann be done to help secure span bospant.