Masking Tape or window film prevents damage and protects families.
Such materials will not protect windows from wind-borne debris from hurricanes. Some people are under the impression that tape or film may help to keep the glass from dispersing - however, even this is questionable. For effective family and home protection, all windows and openings should be covered with tested and approved hurricane shutters or built of impact-resistant materials.

Crack or open windows to let wind pressure inside the house equal the pressure outside the house and to prevent damage.
Opening windows to relieve presure is a myth that has been around for some time because of the way tall buildings appear to fail under the pressure of high winds. Today, experts and wind scientists agree that the most important thing to do is to keep all windows and doors closed to prevent wind from entering and causing internal pressurization.

Protect only windows and doors facing the ocean.
Wind can come from any direction or angle and may change direction quickly. The winds from a tropical cyclone aren't blowing in a straight line.

Sandbags can prevent water from entering a home.
Sandbags can channel or direct water away from a home if they're properly filled and maintained. Sandbags should be filled half-way and pressed into place. Three layers is adequate to do the job.

Light candles if the power goes out.
You should never use candles, gas or oil lanters during a hurricane! They increase the risk of a fire or ignition of damaged, leading gas lines. If a fire starts in your home during a hurricane, firefighters are much less likely to respond in time to save your home. Furthermore.. Candles and other lit items such as barbecue grills can cause deadly carbon-monoxide poisoning without proper ventilation. Use only flashlights or battery-powered lanterns and canned heat or propane cooking sources. Check your local hardware store for batteryless flashlights. They only need to be 'shaken' to generate power to run.