We have not had to deal with much from hurricanes since 2004 but we cannot forget what we went through. With 30 days before the start of the season, now is the time to prepare. Here are a few tips to get yourself and your home ready.

Do home maintenance: Make sure your gutters are cleaned out and that the ground below the downspout is graded to move water away from your house. Trim your trees of all dead branches; they become projectiles.

Storm-proof your house: Many insurance companies will give discounts, some up to 25%, for adding such items as storm shutters or a generator. Surge protectors can be a great saving device also. Take it from me, one lightning strike with a lightning rod & surge protectors can convince you that they work.

Add flood insurance: Wind-driven rain may be covered by your homeowners insurance but rising water is not. You can get coverage through the nation Flood Insurance Program, www.floodsmart.gov, as we did. We do not live in a flood zone but better safe than sorry.

With 30 days on your side you can be well prepared to weather the storm.