Hurricane preparedness is something most homeowners don't think about until the last minute. Does this sound like you? Do you have an emergency kit? Got the hurricane evacuation route plotted out? Let’s look at a few things you should do to get prepared now.

Shutter Your Windows

You don’t want glass blasting into your home. Do you remember the trip to Home Depot the last time a hurricane threatened to visit? Plywood, batteries, and generators - all gone. So why not buy your plywood to cover your windows now?

It’s not so bad. Just measure all your windows to figure out how many sheets of half-inch plywood to buy. While you’re there, pick up some PLYLOX hurricane window clips. These make securing the plywood a snap.

Call for Tree Trimming Services Now

How often do you hire a tree trimming company. If you relpy "never," you’re in good comapny! Truth be told though, one of the main reasons trees fall down in high winds is branch density. The price you pay for annual tree pruning is a bargain compared to the price of a new roof.

Put Together Disaster Kits

Hurricane emergency kits are easy to assemble. And mandatory. You’ll need to put back enough non-perishable food and bottled water to last your family a week. This is like the plywood; do it now!

Everytime you go to the grocery store, just pick up a can of Spam and a can of vegetables. Start putting them in a storage container in the garage or in the back of your pantry. There’s a lot of high quality emergency preparedness kits on the market. You’ve seen them; they’re chock full of emergency medical supplies? Buy one.

Actually, buy two. Chances are your neighbors will forget to buy one.

Buy a NOAA Weather Alert Radio

Public notification of weather conditions is the key to knowing what’s coming. Get a weather alert radio to stay in the know. The best models not only work under battery power, but have a crank handle.

The bottom line is this: don't wait for the weather to be on top of you. Prepare now. You’ll thank me later. You’re welcome.