Hurricane season officially kicked off on June 1st and goes through November 30th. Hurricanes can seem scary but being prepared will help keep your family and property safe. When a storm is approaching and becomes a potential threat to your area, the National Weather Service will issue watches and warnings to keep you up to date on how to prepare. 

A "hurricane watch" indicates the possibility that you could experience hurricane conditions within 36 hours. This watch should trigger your family's disaster plan and protective measures should be taken, especially those actions that require extra time such as securing a boat, leaving a barrier island, etc. Many of us live on a barrier island which means we need to start preparing now, if not sooner.

A "hurricane warning" indicates that sustained winds of at least 74 mph are expected within 24 hours. Once this warning has been issued, your family should be in the process of completing protective actions and deciding the safest lo ...