How ready are you? Hurricane preparedness starts now

Monday, May 7, 2018, 10:29 AM - June 1 marks the official start to the Atlantic Hurricane Season, but officials say the right time to prepare is now.

Residents living in hurricane-prone areas must have an emergency route mapped out and supplies ready at all times -- but especially during the hurricane season. 

To help keep you and your family safe this season, the National Hurricane Center presents some helpful tips below.

(SEE ALSO: Emergency Preparedness Week - tips on how to prepare for and survive natural disasters)

PREPARING YOUR FAMILY: BASIC PREPAREDNESS TIPS

• Know where to go. If you are ordered to evacuate, know the local hurricane evacuation route(s) to take and have a plan for where you can stay. Contact your local emergency management agency for more information.
• Put together a go-bag: disaster supply kit, including a flashlight, batteries, cash, first aid supplies, medications, and copies of your critical information if you need to evacuate
• If you are not in an area that is advised to evacuate and you decide to stay in your home, plan for adequate supplies in case you lose power and water for several days and you are not able to leave due to flooding or blocked roads. * Make a family emergency communication plan.
•  Many communities have text or email alerting systems for emergency notifications. To find out what alerts are available in your area, search the Internet with your town, city, or county name and the word "alerts".

WATCH BELOW: HURRICANE SIMULATOR: WHAT DOES A CAT. 2 HURRICANE FEEL LIKE?

PREPARING YOUR HOME

• Hurricane winds can cause trees and branches to fall, so before hurricane season trim or remove damaged trees and limbs to keep you and your property safe.
• Secure loose rain gutters and downspouts and clear any clogged areas or debris to prevent water damage to your property.
• Reduce property damage by retrofitting to secure and reinforce the roof, windows and doors, including the garage doors.
• Purchase a portable generator or install a generator for use during power outages. Remember to keep generators and other alternate power/heat sources outside, at least 20 feet away from windows and doors and protected from moisture; and NEVER try to power the house wiring by plugging a generator into a wall outlet. * Consider building a FEMA safe room or ICC 500 storm shelter designed for protection from high-winds and in locations above flooding levels.

SUGGESTED DISASTER SUPPLIES KIT

• Water - one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation * Food - at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Extra batteries
• Whistle to signal for help 
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation 
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Manual can opener for food
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS: IF A HURRICANE IS TRACKING TOWARD YOU, FOLLOW THESE STEPS