Can you believe that it's already April? Unfortunately, June 1 will be here in just 2 months...and you residents know what that means - the start of Hurricane Season. Ick. Well of course they are saying this will be another 'above average' year for storm activity. Hmmm. In other words...they have no idea yet. In my opinion there is no way to tell until we get well into the season. Remember the last 2 years? We got lucky and there were hardly any storms that hit land. 

While we can't worry about what might happen, we should always be prepared. Here are some early tips to help get ready for this Hurricane Season.  Please feel free to add comments with your tips and suggestions. 

Get shuttered. If you do not have hurricane shutters...get them. There was a rush after the 2005 season and prices were high and you had to schedule the contractor many many many months ahead. In the past year of so, the demand has slowed and prices have relaxed a bit. Accordion shutters are easy to close and maintain. Remember:  The main problem during a storm happens when windows shatter and the wind and rain get in your house.  It's not fun when things are flying in your windows.  Trust me on that one. (Thanks Wilma)

Tarps and duct tape. You should have a few tarps on hand. You never know what can happen and they can be used for many different things.  In case you do have a leak, you can cover items and protect them from water damage.  Duct tape can help secure a tarp if you are using one inside the house. 
TIP: These items are covered under the 'sales tax' holiday that is usually held before hurricane season.  Lets hope we still get one this year. 

Have an evacuation plan.  Depending on where you live...some evacuations are mandatory, but if a category 3 or higher storm is on it's way...you might not want to ride the storm out in your house. I f you have family that is a few hours drive (and out of the path) touch base with them. You can use each other as an evacuation option. It's more comfortable to be at a friend's/family's home than a public shelter.
TIP: You should also make a list of items you will need to bring with you (Medication, papers, etc.). I would plan on 7 days worth of supplies.

Update your hurricane 'kit'. Everyone in a hurricane prone state have one.  Here are some items you should have in the kit:  First aid kit, battery powered radio, flash lights, batteries, canned goods, nonperishable items with a long shelf life (chips, snacks, etc.), cooler(s) to hold ice, grill of some sort (if you live in a condo or apartment...you might not be allowed to have one, check with your Association), water-water and more water.  Suggestion: you should pull out all of your food items now as they do have an expiration date. Anything that expires between April 7 and Dec 1, 2008 should be used now (anything that expires prior to today's date...throw away).
TIP: Since we are a few months away from hurricane season, start to look for coupons in the Sunday papers to replenish your food items. Face it, we all need the help when it comes to saving money.  Also, BJ's Wholesale takes all coupons along with Target.

Check your batteries.  Batteries expire and most have the expiration year printed on them. What good is a battery with no charge?
TIP: Buy a battery tester at Lowes. While there are expiration dates on most batteries, they can be wrong.  The tester will show you how much of a charge is left in the battery.  This could save some money down the road. Also, you might want to put off buying new batteries until the 'sales tax' holiday is offered soon.

Check your insurance policy.  Be sure your policy is up to date and you have adequate coverage.  Also, make sure that any home improvements or new purchases are accounted for in your policy.  If a storm is on it's way...Insurance companies freeze any actions on a policy, so make any changes now. Keep the policy and claims number in a safe place in the event you will need it after a storm.  You might want to bring it with you if you evacuate as well.
TIP: If you own a condo, check your policy to see if there is 'Loss Assessment' coverage. The payout is usually quite a low, but would be helpful if you have to pay your Condo Association for any repairs from the hurricane. **I hear that this coverage might be dropped on most policies...so if you don't see it, ask your agent.