If you've made the preparations you need to make before hurricane season -- including assembling a disaster supply kit, getting an insurance checkup and strengthening your home -- how about helping your neighbor get prepared? That's the recommendation from the National Weather Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration during Hurricane Preparedness Week. If a storm is imminent, check on your neighbor to see if they need any supplies or assistance evacuating. Then, check up on them again after the storm. If you're looking for other ways to get involved before and during a disaster, there are some ideas on the Ready.gov website.

If you're in the path of a hurricane and you live in a storm surge evacuation zone, you may face a mandatory evacuation. If you live outside that zone, you may choose to ride out the storm at home. Either way, you want your home to be as secure as possible to prevent as much damage as you can. Even if you live far from the coast, there are things you can do to make your home safer in any storm. Secure all windows and doors on your property.

Hurricane Preparedness Week is a good time to assess your family's needs and make adjustments if necessary, whether that means adding to your disaster supply kit or making sure you have enough homeowners insurance to repair or replace your home. Furthermore, did you know that standard homeowners insurance does not cover flooding? You can ask your current insurance company about it, or get more information HERE on FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program website. New flood insurance policies require a 30-day waiting period. Flood insurance isn't just for homeowners.