Prepare: Before a Hurricane

After the , Lowcountry residents probably need few reminders this week that Hurricane season officially begins June 1.

For Hurricane Preparedness Week, we'll be highlighting the need-to-know information for the storm season, which ends Nov. 30.

NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center , with top winds of 39 mph or higher. Four to eight will reach hurricane strength with winds at least 74 mph. And up to three of those hurricanes are predicted to climb above 111 mph — the threshold for a major hurricane.

Creating a disaster supply kit now will allow you to spend time immediately before a storm's arrival preparing your home and putting other final preparations in order.

There are general needs for the kit: water and non-perishable food to last your entire family for up to three days and a flashlight and batteries. Also think about the needs for a road-trip — local maps, garbage bags and a first aid kit. More specific to a hurricane event — include insurance documents and family records. (See more suggestions in the ready.gov checklist included in the PDFs under the photo).

It's also important to go ahead and fill out an emergency contact list. This is important for families that may be separated at some point this summer. It will also help neighbors, extended family and friends know where to find you during an evacuation (A ready.gov contact list is included in the PDFs under the photo). 

Families should also review the state’s evacuation routes and prepare evacuation plans based on the routes predetermined by state emergency management officials. Some routes will be closed off to you, particularly if interstate lanes are reversed (An evacuation route map and a list of evacuation routes is included in the PDFs under the photo). 

It's also important to remember that this year. The state has cut its two evacuation orders to a single call for residents and tourists to leave threatened areas.

Coming on Wednesday: From Hurricane Watch to Landfall
Coming on Thursday: After Hurricane Landfall and Re-entry