It’s never too early to prepare.

It's Hurricane Preparedness Week and it's never too early to make sure you're ready. Florida sees more hurricanes each year than any other state, making it essential for our community to prepare for the many hazards these storms can bring to our homes.

Here's some steps you and your family can take to plan and prepare for the upcoming hurricane season:

• Create a necessity kit (batteries, food, water, blankets, flashlights, medication, pet supplies, first aid kit, etc.)

• Keep important documents (birth certificate, social security cards, etc.) in waterproof cases.

• Arm your home with hurricane proof doors, windows, and garage doors.

• Ensure your car is equipped by having up-to-date tires, oil, charged batteries, and a full tank of gas.

• Develop a family evacuation and preparedness plan and practice this plan in the event of a hurricane or other natural disaster.

• Explore county-wide information and resources that are available, including shelters and alerts in your area:

• • Martin County:

  • • https://www.martin.fl.us/EM

  • Palm Beach County:

  • • https://discover.pbcgov.org/publicsafety/dem/Pages/Preparedness.aspx

  • St. Lucie County:

  • • www.stlucieco.gov/eoc

• Sign up for emergency and weather alerts: download the FEMA mobile appfor weather alerts and maps of open shelters, among other important resources.

• Sign up for emergency alerts in Martin County, Palm Beach Countyor St. Lucie County.

If past hurricane seasons have taught us anything, it's that just one storm can devastate an entire community. I hope you and your family stay safe this hurricane season and find these preparedness tips helpful.

For more information, check out the detailed hurricane resource guide here.