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Five days without power during Rita taught me some hard lessons (many were reminders of lessons I had forgotten). I've spent the last 3 years focused on not going through that again. Some of the items that worked are:

• A gas grill is a lifesaver, especially if you have a side burner for boiling water. Keeps the heat out of the house and provides an escape for dad to perform necessary chores in peace.
  
  Batteries are your friend. You can't have too many.
  
  Bottled water. Put a few cases in your freezer before the storm and, after they freeze, they may hold the temperature down for a few extra days. Once they melt you can add them to the stockpile for consumption.
  
  Everybody needs a flashlight. Give everybody their own cheap LED flashlight for bathroom runs at night. Place the larger ones strategically around the house so you always have one close by for emergencies.
  
  Hurricane lamps are great. I used one nightly for reading (always read before going to bed). Much more efficient than a flashlight although they do give off heat.
  
  A generator is a must in Houston. I went the first 8 days without one and then another 8 with. Never thought I'd go 16 days without power, but Centerpoint had other plans.
  
  Inventory and check your stuff occasionally. My 2-way radios did not work and my wife had been camping with friends and I was missing my wind up radio, several extension cords and a large circuit protection bar. Luckily my daughter had a battery powered radio and I had backups for the other items.

All in all it wasn't too bad. I'll be better prepared for the next one.