Time for Volusia County residents to think about hurricane preparedness. It is recommended that you  
create a family disaster plan. Here is what is recommended by the National Hurricane Center:

Discuss the type of hazards that could affect your family. Know your home's vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind.

Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your home for each hurricane hazard. In certain circumstances the safest areas may not be your home but within your community.

Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet. These should be measured in tens of miles rather than hundreds of miles.

Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact, so all 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 telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call 911.

Check your insurance coverage - flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance.

Stock non-perishable emergency supplies and a Disaster Supply Kit.

Use a NOAA weather radio. Remember to replace its battery every 6 months, as you do with your smoke detectors.

Take First Aid, CPR and disaster preparedness classes.

You can find additional hurricane preparedness information here, including info on creating a disaster supply kit, having a place to go, securing your home, and having a pet plan. For Volusia County, you can also find a disaster preparedness guide here, as well as a list of emergency shelters here.