June 1st marks the first day of the hurricane season. The season runs through November 30th, 2012.

All Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coastal areas are subject to hurricanes. They can cause catastrophic damage to coastlines and several hundred miles inland, so it is important to be prepared and have a plan in place for you and your family.

Homes by Vanderbuilt wants to remind everyone of these basic hurricane preparedness measures:

• Create an emergency kit with first aid supplies.
• Make a family communications plan.
• Know your surroundings.
• Learn the elevation level of your property and whether the land is flood-prone.
• Identify levees and dams in your area and determine whether they pose a hazard to you.
• Learn community hurricane evacuation routes and how to find higher ground. Determine where you would go and how you would get there if you needed to evacuate.
• Cover all of your home’s windows.
• Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed to help prevent debris.
• Reinforce your garage doors. If wind enters a garage it can cause structural damage.
• Bring all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans, and kids toys indoors.
• Install a generator for emergencies.