Hurricane season has arrived. Be sure you're ready for anything in the weather forecast.

Use this checklist to determine if you’re properly prepared.

Trim trees. Trim branches that hang near windows, roofs or power lines before they can cause damage during a storm.

Store lawn furniture and other outdoor items. When the forecast includes gusty winds, store patio furniture and other items securely.

Fill sandbags. In the case of flooding, sandbags can help prevent water damage.

Have food and water on hand. Keep between 3 and 7 gallons of water per person and between 3 and 7 days worth of non-perishable food. Consider items including bread, peanut butter, canned fruits and vegetables, and packaged snack foods.

Don’t forget Fido. Have adequate food and water on hand for pets, and be sure pets wear collars with ID tags. Keep leashes, crates or carriers, and veterinary records handy.

Have other essentials on hand. Plan ahead and be sure to have everything that you might need during a power outage. This includes eyeglasses, toilet paper, a manual can opener, soap, a first aid kit, a tool kit, prescription and over-the counter drugs, flashlights, a battery-operated radio, extra batteries, a charged cell phone, money and credit cards, keys and a car with a full tank of gas, insurance and healthcare cards, bank account information and other important documents.

Have a few non-essentials on hand. A book or board game can come in handy, especially when television and electronic games are not an option.

Have an evacuation plan. Know when to leave and where to go.

Keep in mind that hurricane season lasts from June 1 through November 30 in the Atlantic. If you have special needs, be sure to talk to your doctor before a hurricane is in the forecast and devise a game plan. Need a doctor referral? St. Lucie Medical Center can help. Visit us online or call 1-800-449-8345 for more information.

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