Last week was National Hurricane Preparedness Week; we encourage our readers to make preparations for what could be an active hurricane season.

“Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem,” according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. “Impacts from wind and water can be felt hundreds of miles inland and significant impacts can occur regardless of the storm’s strength. Know if you live in an area prone to flooding, if you live in an evacuation zone and identify any structural weaknesses in your home.”

Every resident must prepare their households.

Here are some safety tips collected from Emergency Management Agency, the Red Cross and other trustworthy sources:

— Build an emergency kit with water, food, medications, gasoline, important documents and cash. Have provisions for at least three days for each person.

— An emergency plan so each family member knows how to find others. Have another emergency contact person who lives out of town.

— An emergency plan so each family member knows how to find others. Have another emergency contact person who lives out of town.

— Stay informed on evacuation orders and routes. Check with your insurance agent on flood insurance and your homeowner’s policy.

— Secure outdoor furniture, trash cans and loose items.

— Know the location of all shelters in your area.

— Prepare for your pets with an emergency kit as well.

— Consider purchasing an emergency weather radio.

— Take all watches, warning and alerts seriously.

— An emergency plan so each family member knows how to find others. Have another emergency contact person who lives out of town.

— Stay informed on evacuation orders and routes. Check with your insurance agent on flood insurance and your homeowner’s policy.

— Businesses should have a disaster plan to locate employees, to continue business if the physical location is severely damaged or destroyed, etc.

Most importantly, the time to prepare is now so everyone can stay safe during the upcoming hurricane season.

Hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30.

Given our history of the past few years, with the region feeling the effects of hurricanes each year, South Georgia residents should prepare for whatever that six-month period may hold.

Even though South Georgia has experienced the brunt of hurricanes in our past, too many people do not prepare for the possibility of disastrous weather until days prior to a storm’s predicted landfall.

Last-minute preparations lead to situations such as what has happened in the past when bottled water and canned foods disappear from store shelves to a point where some people had more than plenty and others had nothing stocked.

Stock up on perishable foods now in case of food shortages or electrical outages in the wake of a hurricane or storm.

While we are fortunate to have excellent emergency services in Tift County with emergency personnel that seem to always be up to the task, every household should still take precautions and adequately prepare for possible severe weather.

A little preparation now can save time, money and worry later.

It is never too early to prepare.