Hurricane Matthew has devastated the Bahamas and is beginning its potentially catastrophic, rare Category 4 -- or perhaps even Category 5 -- siege on Florida. President Obama has already declared a state of emergency. And storm surge, destructive winds and flooding rainfall threaten Georgia and South Carolina by the weekend.  

As the destruction makes its way up the East Coast, it's time to prepare. Here are some common mistakes people make in the wake of severe storms. It's key not to underestimate Hurricane's Matthew's strength and to, in most cases, prepare more than you think you'll need to. Here are our tips.

Don't Ignore An Evacuation Order

• Whether voluntary or mandatory, being told to evacuate means your home and your safety are at risk, and you should leave as soon as possible. More than 1.5 million Floridians are currently in evacuation zones. 

Don't Under Pack

• Having to evacuate is a stressful, fast-paced situation. But you should always pack more than you think you'll need.
• According to the CDC, essentials include a first aid kit, medicine, food, five gallons of water, formula and diapers (if you have small children), toiletries, cell phones, radios and batteries. Also, be sure to bring extra cash and copies of important papers and insurance policies. 
• And let's not forget man's best friend. For cat and dog owners, bring along pet food and pet health records as well. 
• As far as comfort goes, items like extra blankets, sleeping bags, books and games can go a long way. 
• Fill up with gas as soon as possible. If you can do so before evacuation is ordered, you'll face a much shorter line at a time you should be on the road. Same goes with groceries. The sooner, the better. 

(MORE: WATCH OUR CONTINUING COVERAGE ON THE WEATHER CHANNEL)

Don't Leave Your Home In Disarray

• It's needless to say that hurricanes bring floods. Before evacuating, ensure your home and valuables are as flood-ready as possible. Lock the windows and doors of your home before evacuating. Also, unplug appliances and turn off utilities such as electricity and your main water source to avoid additional aggravation. Bring loose objects in from inside, and if you have a mobile home, secure tie downs before evacuating.
• According to FEMA, rolling up area rugs and storing them on higher elevations will reduce the chance of them being ruined. Same goes for electronics and valuables. Clearing debris from gutters and  up area rugs, where possible, and store them on higher floors or elevations. This will reduce the chances of rugs getting wet and growing mold. 
• For damage control, make sure your sump pump is working and that you have battery-powered backup in case of an outage. 

For Next Time: Take Inventory of Your Home

• Plan for future storms. According to FEMA, a useful way to keep track of all important items is to keep a written or visual (via photos or video) inventory of all your valuables. Create files that include as much information as possible, from serial numbers to receipts, and even have jewelry and artwork appraised. This way, filing insurance claims will go much more smoothly. 

MORE ON WEATHER.COM: Preparing for Hurricane Matthew