Tropical Storm Karen is on its way toward the Gulf Coast. The track calls for it to make landfall in Alabama. Metro New Orleans isn’t expected to take the brunt of the storm, but expect some rain.

The city (via @NOLAready on Twitter) has NOT ordered any type of evacuation for New Orleans but has advised residents to shelter in place.

Tips from the city about sheltering in place:

• Get supplies in advance. Stock up on water (1 gallon per person, per day, for at least 3 days) and nonperishable items.
  

  The bottled water shelves at Walmart had a few holes today. (photo by Carlie Kollath Wells/NewinNOLA.com)

• Charge phones and/or purchase extra batteries.
• Enroll in the Special Needs Registry, particularly if you are oxygen-dependent or have health issues that are held steady by electric devices or would be disrupted during a power outage.
• Prepare your home. Keep branches trimmed and gutters clear to minimize damage from flying debris or backed-up gutters.
• Keep a week’s supply of medicine and prescriptions on hand.
• Bring pets in from outdoors and ensure a food and water supply for them.
• Take important steps to prepare for extended power outages.

While sheltering in place:

• Lock doors and windows and close drapes, blinds and window shades.
• Do not call fire or police departments (911) for information. Public safety workers will need their lines open for emergency use. Call 311 or check ready.nola.gov for answers to your questions.
• Monitor Emergency Alert Stations (EAS) and other media for official warnings, messages and instructions.
• Stay inside until officials say otherwise.

The storm at the moment doesn’t seem strong enough to panic – if you live in a relatively sturdy building in metro NOLA – but you shouldn’t ignore it. It’s no fun to be caught offguard at home with no power, no food and no water.

Prepare now. The storm is expected to roll in Friday night or Saturday. Decide if you are going to stay or evacuate. If you decide to stay (most of the New in NOLA crew is), buy the essentials now.

Earlier in the hurricane season, we talked with Judy Walker at NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune for hurricane 101 tips. Here are her tips.

Be safe out there, y’all. And keep in touch. We’re on Twitter (@NewinNOLA) and Instagram (@NewinNOLA).

Some of the storm prep carts we saw at Walmart today:

Full disclosure: Carlie Kollath Wells, the author of this post, works part time for NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune. This information is shared on NewinNOLA.com because we thought it was of interest to new residents.