All of us need to do a few things to prepare for hurricane season. It is very important that we be prepared whether we are going to stay or evacuate.

• Review your insurance policies and update your coverage if necessary.
• Cut back tree limbs or branches near your home.
• Stock up on emergency supplies such as nonperishable food, bottled water, insect repellant, sunscreen, baby items, special medications, batteries for radios, TVs, and flashlights. Keep a first aid kit and a manual can opener on hand.
  (Items For First Aid Kit)
• Copy important papers and phone numbers and store them in storm-proof places. Put one set in a safe deposit box and the other in a water-proof container.
• You might want to digitally archive family photos and documents that are not replaceable. Simply scanning or having them scanned and saved onto a CD or DVD can save the memories that you have collected over the years.
• A quick way to do an inventory of your household goods would be to take a video of all your rooms in detail using a video camera. Making sure to capture tapes/dvds and electronic equipment noting the particulars about the equipment being viewed via the audio portion of the tape and various furniture and antiques in their pristine state and then making a copy of that tape and storing it in a secure place and when you evacuate taking the tape you made with you in case of damage to your home or belongings.
• Be prepared to protect windows and glass doors with either shutters or half-inch thick plywood, cut to size and framed or drilled for easy installation.
• If you know you will evacuate, decide now where you will go. If you have pets, make plans to board them. They are not allowed in public shelters.
• If you need special help to evacuate, register with your county emergency management office now.
• If you receive home health care or depend on electrical life support equipment, discuss emergency plans with your doctor. Also contact your power company and inform them with a letter from your doctor stating that you depend upon electrical service so that they might attempt to restore service to your home.