The National Hurricane Center has designated this week to remind people in hurricane prone areas to get prepared for possible hurricanes. Here are some safety and preparedness tips:

• Know your home's vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind.

• Locate a safe room in your home for each hurricane hazard (storm surge, flooding, wind etc.).

• Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet.

• Have an out-of-state contact person, so your family members have a single point of contact.

• Make a plan now for what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate.

• Post emergency numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call 911.

• Check your hurricane insurance coverage.

• Make a disaster supply kit, and stock non-perishable emergency supplies.

• Use a NOAA weather radio. Remember to replace the battery every 6 months, just like smoke detectors.

• Take First Aid, CPR and disaster preparedness classes.

• Check your Disaster Supply Kit--See if there's anything you need to add to your kit. Replenish your water.

• Activate your Family Hurricane Plan--Protective measures should be started, especially those that require extra time (securing a boat or leaving a barrier island, for example).

• Ready your Disaster Supply Kit for use--If you need to evacuate, bring your kit with you.

• Use your Family Hurricane Plan--Your family should be in the process of completing protective actions and deciding the safest location to be during the storm.

No one wants to think of a hurricane destroying their home. But if you have homeowners insurance, then you're already protected--hurricane insurance coverage is standard in most home insurance policies.

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