If you haven’t already, now is the perfect time to prepare your home for hurricane season. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30 of each year. It’s much better to prepare in advance than be caught unawares.

All predictions aside, no one knows when the conditions may suddenly become optimal for spawning a hurricane. Preparing your home for hurricane season and knowing what to do if a hurricane is on its way is just one element of hurricane preparedness.

Doors, Windows & Gutters

If you don’t have shutters to protect your windows against wind-blown debris or haven’t installed shatterproof glass, it’s a good idea to keep plywood on hand to board up windows and applicable doors. Plywood will be in short supply once a hurricane is on its way. Clean gutters to ensure water is directed away from the house and doesn’t back up.

Trees

With high, sustained winds from a hurricane, damaged, diseased and weak tree branches and limbs can easily break off. They can fall on the roof or become windblown missiles that cause damage to outbuildings, fences and other homes. Have trees checked regularly and have potentially dangerous limbs removed.

Outdoor Items

Outdoor furniture will be blown away by hurricane winds. If a hurricane is headed your way, place outdoor furnishings in a garage or outbuilding. The same is true for children’s toys, trash receptacles and other items that can easily be blown about. Be sure vehicles are secured inside a garage.

Outages

There will always be power outages during a hurricane and there’s no guarantee that generators won’t be swamped by rain and storm surges. When the storm arrives, unplug appliances even if you have surge protectors. It’s a good idea to shut off the power and water to your home.

Mobile Devices

Keep phones and mobile devices fully charged. They’re essential in an emergency, but don’t be surprised if cell service is spotty or interrupted during a hurricane.