Hurricane Preparedness Week begins on May 24, 2009 and ends May 30^th. According to the National Hurricane Center, "By knowing your vulnerability and what actions you should take, you can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster."

The goal of Hurricane Preparedness Week is to inform the public about the hazards of a hurricane and provide knowledge that can be used to take action in an effort to save lives at work, home, on the road, or on water. NOAA and the National Hurricane Center (NHC) provide a website where you can learn about the history, hazards, forecasts, and what preparations to make.

The website provides historical data on hurricanes as far back as the Galveston hurricane of 1900. Information on hurricane hazards such as storm surge, high winds, and flooding is given along with tips on how to protect yourself from those hazards.

Living in Florida, the threat of a hurricane is upon us every summer. It would seem logical that the residents would make necessary preparations. However, every year thousands wait until the last minute to deal with an impending storm. Many wait until it is too late and suffer the consequences.

Disaster prevention, according to the National Hurricane Center includes:

• Develop a Family Plan
• Create a Disaster Supply Kit
• Secure Your Home
• Have a Pet Plan.

During a hurricane warning, Miami Beach is almost always in an evacuation zone. Due to its low-lying area, the threat of storm surge and flooding is high. Even with the advances in technology, hurricanes can be unpredictable. One of the most difficult things to forecast is a storm's strength. With the warm waters off our coast, storms can strengthen quickly as that warm water is like pouring gasoline on a fire. The stronger the storm, the bigger the threat is of storm surge and flooding.

Don't be one of the ones standing in line waiting for the government to pass out water and ice after a storm. Floridians typically have plenty of notice regarding an impending storm, as much as two weeks, and should use that time to get their supplies and affairs in order.

Before the Hurricane Season

• Determine safe evacuation routes inland.
• Learn location of official shelters.
• Make emergency plans for pets.
• Check emergency equipment, such as flashlights, generators and battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio and cell phones.
• Buy food that will keep and store drinking water.
• Buy plywood or other material to protect your home.
• Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
• Trim trees and shrubbery.
• Decide where to move your boat in an emergency.
• Review your insurance policy.

According to hurricane expert Bryan Norcross, for those tourists that might have their vacation threatened by a hurricane, "Staying may seem like it would be fun, but there is a chance you will get trapped... and be pretty uncomfortable." If the storm looks like it might come, GO HOME! If a storm hits, the roads may be blocked and the airport may be shut down, and gasoline for your car may be in scarce supply. And remember, if there is a storm, your vacation will be blighted by bad weather anyway.

Keep up with the Miami and South Florida weather as well as hurricane updates on our weather page. There you will find the local forecast, hurricane updates from the National Hurricane Center, and links to local television stations and other hurricane resources.