Hurricane season begins June 1 and ends November 30. Unfortunately, it only takes one storm to cause a tragedy. People need to develop family disaster plans and compile kits with the supplies needed to be prepared. Your family needs to develop a plan and know how to stay safe in a hurricane. Learn about the hurricane rating scale. They are classified on a scale of 1 to 5 depending on the winds. The most important thing is to prepare your family. Discuss what to do when a hurricane makes landfall and where you might go in the event of an evacuation. Don’t forget your pets. Identify a person in another state or city to serve as a point of contact in the event family members become separated.

Before a hurricane forms, be sure to prepare an emergency evacuation kit. The kit must be in an easily transportable container and stored in a safe place. Must include non-perishable food and water; a radio and flashlights with batteries; matches; a first aid kit with bandages, adhesive tape, scissors and medicine; a manual can opener; a list of emergency telephone numbers; hygiene and personal care articles; and cash or credit card. Make sure your homeowners and flood policies are up to date. It’s also a good idea to take videos or pictures of furniture and items inside your home to have with you in case of loss.

Once the storm is forecast for your area, stay tuned to the weather channel for up-to-date information. Board the windows and prop up the doors of your house. Fill up your cars with gas and make sure you have enough cash on hand. Move additional boats, trailers, and vehicles, weather permitting, out of the storm’s path. Secure outdoor furniture, awnings, trash cans, and other items that can become projectiles in high winds. Tape and seal all soffit and roof vents to prevent wind-driven rain from splashing into the vents and flooding the attic.

You must be prepared to evacuate. If local authorities direct you to do so, be sure to follow their instructions. Evacuate if you live in a mobile home, temporary structure, or high-rise building. If you live on the coast, near water, or in a floodplain, you will most likely be ordered to evacuate. If you can’t evacuate, go to a safe room and stay inside during the hurricane, away from windows and glass doors. When a hurricane has come and gone:

* Stay away from downed or dangling power lines and accumulated puddles of water
* Boil water before drinking
* Discard food that may have spoiled
* Make emergency repairs to prevent further damage to your property if possible. Save receipts.

Some of the information provided by Travelers Insurance in its “Tips to Prepare for Hurricanes” brochure. The author has distribution rights as an Independent Travel Agent.