Spring is just around the corner, which means that summer will soon be here as well. While summer weather means warmer temperatures and plenty of sunshine, it also means that hurricane season will soon be here as well.

Beginning as early as May and ending as late as November, hurricane season typically peaks in September, however, devastating storms can occur anytime throughout the season. Therefore, it’s important to begin preparing for hurricane season as soon as possible in an effort to reduce home and property damage, and more importantly, to keep you and your loved ones safe.

Preparation for hurricanes isn’t difficult, however, it does require you to remain focused and organized. Perhaps one of the most important aspects of hurricane home preparation is creating a family hurricane preparedness plan or guide. Consider this your hurricane “Bible” of sorts. Your hurricane preparedness should contain vital information, such as exactly what your family should do in the event a hurricane is approaching, the names and locations of all nearby shelters, as well as the contact information of friends and relatives.

The information contained in this guide should be reviewed frequently with all members of your family, especially younger children. Some families find it helpful to create a buddy or partner system to ensure no one is left behind in the event of an evacuation.

Proper preparation for hurricanes also involves stocking up essentials such as non-perishable food items, water, lighting, and more. During the winter, grocery stores and retailers often have specials on canned food in preparation for holiday feasts. This is the perfect time to stock up on these items, however, it’s never too late to start.

In addition to food and water, it’s also important to stock up on other goods such as flashlights, batteries, first aid kits, matches, and fuel. Stocking up on these items early allows you to enter hurricane season with confidence.