The amendment would require gas stations located within a half-mile of a highway exit or hurricane evacuation route to be prewired for backup generators, which would allow electric pumps to continue to pump fuel in the case of a power outage.

WSJ: Deadline on Evaluations

So the more you can do to be prepared now -- making a plan, make a supply kit, know your evacuation route, follow instructions of your local officials -- the quicker we can focus our resources after the storm on those who need help the most.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama Delivers a Statement on Hurricane Irene