Hurricane Season
Hurricane season in this area begins in May and ends in November. The most important thing to know about hurricane season is to be prepared. There are many supplies and considerations to think about way before a hurricane is coming. Each household has special needs depending on the members, location, and contents. Prepare ahead of time!

Tracking a Hurricane
You can track a hurricane on paper that has a grid. Mark the grid with latitudes and longitudes. Listen to a radio station that gets reports from the National Hurricane Center, and use the latest position and latest strength to write on the paper. Note the time and other charateristics, too.

What You Need 
What you need depends on your household situation, but in general you need the following items: water jugs, first aid kit, battery-operated radio, flashlights for everyone, plenty of extra batteries, non-perishable foods, can opener, plain bleach, medications, baby supplies, cellular phone and charged batteries, gas in the car, camera and film, blankets, valuable papers and insurance information, identification, clothing and shoes, camping stove, and cash. For after the hurricane, you will need items for cleaning up, such as brooms, mops, towels, duct tape, carpentry supplies, rope, wheelbarrow, and trash bags.

Evacuation Plan
If the order is given to evacuate, you must do so immediately. Be prepared and leave as early as possible, because you life depends on it. Have a plan that includes what to bring, where to stay, and the locations of other shelters as a back-up plan. Take care of your pets before you leave, as most shelters will not take them. Bring maps to find alternate routes, if necessary. Also, eat before you leave or while you are leaving, because it may be 24 hours or more before meals are provided at shelters.