re: Your Hurricane Preparation - what worked, what could be improved and any tips

20 kw whole home natural gas generator with 200 amp transfer switch installed 2 years ago when I built my house worked really well. Was able to keep everything running with no problem. I did only run it at night because I didn't want to have a huge gas bill.
I didn't board/shutter anything and I should have. During the storm my east facing front door was pushed open at the top and wind driven rain was forced into the house. Shutters are definitely budgeted before next season. Water was no problem because I had plenty of bottled and I have a 600 gallon spa to use for flushing if necessary. However, water service never had an issue. Biggest thing I didn't think about was how to watch TV and didn't have a digital antenna That was fixed as soon as stores opened. Overall, I was well prepared and did fine. We were without power for 7 days.