To lessen the worry-filled blow of hurricane season start gathering supplies, preparing your home and planning for a possible emergency well before the season starts.

Use these guidelines to start preparations before disaster strikes

Create a family disaster plan. Identify ahead of time where you will go if you’re told to evacuate. The best choice is a friend’s home outside of your area, or at one that’s well away from coastal areas. Other options include a motel or an approved hurricane shelter (remember that during an evacuation, primary and many secondary roads may be clogged with traffic, making leaving very difficult - allow ample time to get out). Have local and regional road maps available in the event you must travel unfamiliar roads and keep handy the phone numbers of the places to which you intend to evacuate.

Ask an out-of-state friend to be your "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Other family members should call this person and tell them where they are. Everyone must know your contact's phone number. Discuss what to do in an evacuation. Plan how to take care of your pets.

Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for a disaster. Explain the dangers of fire, severe weather, and earthquakes to children. Plan to share responsibilities and work together as a team. Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to happen. Explain what to do in each case.

Locate important papers and documents and have them ready to take with you should you need to evacuate, or protected in plastic storage bags if you’re remaining in your home. Driver’s licenses, Social Security cards, proof of residence, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates, tax records and photos of your home (exterior and interior) should be included.

Check your hurricane supplies from last season and replace what’s needed. Here’s a checklist to help you get started.

Conduct a home hazard hunt and make your home as safe as possible. Be sure you’ve done all you can to protect your home from further damage that may occur as a result of wind or water intrusion:

Check for electrical hazards

• Replace frayed or cracked extension and appliance cords, loose prongs and plugs.
• Make sure there is only one plug per outlet. Avoid using cube taps or overloading outlets. If you must use an extension cord, use a cord that's rated for the electrical load and no longer than is really needed.
• Remove electrical cords that run under rugs or over nails, heaters, or pipes.
• Cover exposed outlets and wiring.
• Repair or replace appliances that overheat, short out, smoke or spark.

Check for chemical hazards

• Store flammable liquids such as gasoline, acetone, benzene and lacquer thinner in approved safety cans, away from the home.
• Place containers in a well-ventilated area and close the lids tightly. Secure the containers to prevent spills.
• If flammable materials must be stored in the home, use a storage can with an Underwriter's Laboratories (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM) approved label. Move materials away from heat sources, open flames, gas appliances and children.
• Keep combustible liquids such as paint thinner, kerosene, charcoal lighter fluid and turpentine away from heat sources.
• Store oily waste and polishing rags in covered metal cans.
• Instruct family members not to use gasoline, benzene or other flammable fluids for starting fires or cleaning indoors.
  

Check for fire hazards

• Clear out old rags, papers, mattresses, broken furniture and other combustible materials.
• Move clothes, curtains, rags and paper goods away from electrical equipment, gas appliances or flammable materials.
• Remove dried grass cuttings, tree trimmings and weeds from the property.
• Clean and repair chimneys, flue pipes, vent connectors and gas vents.
• Keep heaters and candles away from curtains and furniture.
• Place portable heaters on level surfaces, away from high traffic areas. Purchase portable heaters equipped with automatic shut off switches, and avoid the use of extension cords.

Insurance Tips

These measures are recommended to prepare for a potential insurance claim:

• Create an inventory of your personal belongings with videotape, photos or a written list. Store in a fireproof safe or safe deposit box. Consider purchasing extra coverage (known as "endorsements") for computers, jewelry, art and other expensive items.
• Review your insurance coverage. Talk to your insurance agent to make sure you have adequate coverage under your homeowners insurance policy. Re-check your insurance coverage limits annually. Make sure your coverage is adequate to repair or rebuild in the current building market.
• Check your insurance policy for a windstorm or hurricane deductible. These are expressed either as a dollar amount, or as a percentage of the insured value of the home — not as a percentage of the amount of the loss. Insurers offer a range of deductibles; the higher the deductible you choose, the lower your premium will be.
• Consider buying flood insurance. A separate policy available from the National Flood Insurance Program covers flooding resulting from hurricanes. Flooding, including wind-driven water and storm surge, is not covered by your homeowners insurance policy.