(NEWSnet/AP) — The Atlantic hurricane season has begun, and emergency management officials are urging those who live in storm-prone areas of the United States to begin any disaster preparations that their families will need.

Hurricane season runs June 1 to Nov. 30, and usually the most hurricanes occur in September and October, said Jaime Hernandez, the emergency management director for Hollywood, on Florida's Atlantic Coast.

But this summer is already seeing record high temperatures and an early onset of storms fed by warm ocean waters.

“That’s a little bit different this year because of the reality we’re dealing with global warming, warmer sea surface temperatures, atmosphere conditions that are more favorable to tropical cyclone development,” Hernandez said. “It could develop at any time.”

Here's how to prepare, what to have on hand, and who should evacuate in a hurricane:

Where Do I Start With a Hurricane Plan?

 

Hernandez said his emergency team encourages people to do three key things: make a plan, have an emergency kit and stay informed.

“We trust the people particularly, especially those who live in an evacuation zone, that they need to have a plan because of if an evacuation order is issued ahead of the hurricane," Hernandez said. "You don’t know what the impacts are going to be. You don’t know what the infrastructure disruptions are going to look like.”

Preparing for a hurricane includes acquiring and setting aside supplies such as nonperishable foods and water in case power is lost and supplies are low in the community.

Preparedness also includes ensuring medical items and medications are ready in case people are unable to leave their homes. In this case, it's important to consult a doctor about what to have ready in your home.

What Goes in an Emergency Kit?

 

Hernandez directed people to look at checklists such as the one from FEMA, or those provided by local or state emergency management departments, to help get prepared.

A basic first recommendation is to have 1 gallon of water per day available per person for about seven days, she said.

In addition, supplies on hand should include nonperishable foods, flashlights, batteries, medications and medical items, sunscreen, mosquito repellent and portable power banks. It's also a good idea to have cash on hand since ATMs may not be working should there be a power outage or network disruption.

Documents such as birth certificates, Social Security cards and other important papers also should be placed in a handy location in case you have to leave your home quickly, Hernandez said.

What's the Plan For Your Vehicles?

 

It's smart to keep vehicles fueled up during storm season in case evacuations are ordered.

Hernandez noted that it's also important to consider the logistics of electric cars by parking that vehicle in an elevated location or away from the storm area until it is over, since he said electric cars could struggle with flooding and storm surges.

To explain: About 20 electric vehicles caught fire after exposure to saltwater from Hurricane Ian.

Who Should Evacuate Before a Storm?

 

People who live in low-lying or flood-prone areas should plan on evacuating prior to the storm's arrival. Sometimes officials advise just heading a few miles inland to stay with friends or family or in a hotel or shelter.

Either way, officials advise residents look for information from their local emergency management officials, who will have the most updated information about evacuation zones and recommended safer locations.

Evacuation orders may be issued days or hours before a storm’s arrival, depending on forecasts.

What Are the Preparations for Power Outages?

 

Extended power outages are inconvenient at any time – but are even more aggravating during extreme weather situations.

Here's an explanation of what the utility companies consider and look for:

 

Where Can I Find Local Details?

 

Go to the website for your metro area, county or state emergency management office to learn more about known disaster risks, evacuation maps and other details specific to your region.

Here are some of the state websites relevant to hurricane season:

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