We’re just a month into what is predicted to be a busy hurricane season and there already have been five named storms.

None threatened our area. However, we have enough recent experience with hurricanes and tropical storms to know not to rely on the odds of those storms not striking our region.

NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center is calling for between 13 and 19 named storms. Of those, six to 10 could become hurricanes. The Climate Prediction Center also says we could have three to six major hurricanes — those that are category 3 and stronger — this year. On average, there are 12 named storms each year, with six becoming hurricanes and three of those forming into major hurricanes. The Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project Team is calling for 16 named storms this Atlantic hurricane season, with eight of those becoming hurricanes.

It’s never too early to be ready for hurricane season, so with that in mind, we urge residents to review their plans for hurricanes and storms.

The Georgia Emergency Management Agency recommends preparing a ready kit and making a family communications plan.

The ready kit should include at least three gallons of water per person for drinking and sanitation and a three-day supply of non-perishable food. It also should have a can opener and battery-powered  NOAA radio, along with extra batteries. It also should have a flashlight with extra batteries, a first aid kit, moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties, a wrench or pliers to turn off local utilities, maps and yes, face masks. 

Other items that would be good to include are: prescription medications and glasses, infant formula and diapers, pet food and extra water for any pet, important family documents in a waterproof container, cash or travelers checks, sleeping bags or blankets, a complete change of clothing, household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper, a fire extinguisher, matches in waterproof containers, personal hygiene items, paper cups and plates, paper towels and plastic utensils, paper and pencil and books, games and puzzles or other activities for children.

We’ve seen how storms and hurricanes can disrupt lives for quite some time and while being ready won’t stop the power of those storms, it might help you ride it out better.