It is that time of year: hurricane season.

That means it is time for families to get themselves and their homes ready for potential storms.

The American Red Cross encourages family units to create a preparedness plan and checklist to ensure they are ready, just in case disaster strikes.

Their disaster preparedness program, “Be Red Cross Ready,” provides families in high-risk areas with vital information to “prepare so you can protect.” For those at the American Red Cross, preparation is the key to recovering from disaster.

A key factor to keep in mind when planning for hurricane season is that in the case of disaster, emergency assistance services might be delayed. For this reason, it is paramount residents are prepared to help themselves, as well as their household, neighbors and communities.

Gather supplies

The first of these tips is to gather emergency supplies. Households should gather enough resources to create a go-kit and a stay-at-home kit.

A go-kit should include at least three days of supplies that can be easily transported, such as backup batteries and chargers for all necessary devices and a first aid kit.

The stay-at-home kit should contain at least two weeks of supplies. These will include:

• Water: 1 gallon per day per person

• Food: non-perishable, easy to prepare

• Medications: 1 month supply

• First aid kit

• Battery backup power for medical devices

• Battery-powered or hand-crank emergency radio

• Cell phone with battery packs

• Tools and safety items

• Hygiene and sanitation supplies

• Protective gear

• Baby supplies

• Pet supplies

• Cash and keys

• Comfort items

• Insurance documents.

Households should also find a safe, easy-to-access, watertight place to store all physical personal, financial and medical records.

Prepare to evacuate or shelter-in-place

If evacuating, make sure to plan ahead to ensure the household will have transportation and shelter.

However, if a household does plan to shelter-in-place, they should have set plans in place. Families are encouraged to designate a safe space to stay in during the storm — it is suggested this space be a small room with no windows on the lowest level of the residence — and practice sheltering-in-place before the storm.

If in a flood zone, the shelter should be on high ground. Additionally, ensure the supplies are housed in the shelter.

Those in high-risk areas should also take the time to learn emergency skills, such as first aid and CPR.

Prepare for wind damage, flooding

According to The American Red Cross, the greatest threat to life safety comes from the water in the form of storm surge and inland flooding. It is paramount households research if the residence is in a designated hurricane storm surge evacuation zone or flood zone.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration warns that storm surges can travel several miles inland along waterways causing additional flooding. The rise in the seawater level caused by a storm, is measured as the height of the water above the normal predicted tide.

To prepare for flooding, residents should make sure all drainage systems are clear of blockages. This can be done by cleaning out drains, gutters and downspouts around the residence.

The Red Cross also suggests households stockpile protective materials like plastic sheeting and sandbags.  Additionally, any critical electric systems — heating systems, water heater and electric panel — should be protected if possible.

Other natural hazards like strong winds, tornadoes, dangerous waves and rip currents should also be kept in mind. Outside items that cannot be brought inside, such as gas grills and propane tanks, should be anchored.

The Red Cross suggests homeowners reinforce their home’s doors, windows, walls, and roofs, in addition to trimming or removing trees that pose a risk to the property to further protect it from wind damage.

Stay connected

It is advised that households consistently monitor local weather before, during and after a disaster event. The Red Cross suggests Louisiana families stay updated with their local weather service, the National Hurricane Center, or the free Red Cross Emergency App.

In order to remain in contact with your family unit in the event of an emergency, create a communication plan. The best way to do this is by creating contact cards for every member of the household. These cards should include important information, such as

• Phone numbers

• Home address

• Health care provider

• Local emergency services information.

Contact card templates can be found on the American Cross website.

Household members are also encouraged to have a designated out-of-town contact to help reconnect members in case of separation. It’s also best to plan a primary meeting spot for all members of the family unit.

For more hurricane preparedness information, visit redcross.org.