ost of us have just barely recovered from last year's hurricane season, so it seems almost impossible that we are less than one month away from Hurricane Season 2006.

And while we have all learned the importance of being prepared for a hurricane, it may be tough to know how to begin the process of getting prepared.

This year, before you buy a single flashlight, battery or gallon of water, sit down and create a family hurricane plan. A well-thought-out, clear plan will guide you and your family through storm preparation and recovery.

Determine whether you live in an evacuation zone, and if so, which of the three zones you are in. If you live in one of the evacuation zones, you must be prepared for evacuation -- just in case.

You should choose a safe structure that is not in any evacuation zone, such as the home of a relative or friend, or a hotel, and be sure that your chosen destination will be able to accommodate you and any family members or pets that will evacuate with you. Shelters will open if evacuation orders are given, but they should be considered a last resort.

If you have family members with special needs or pets, you must determine what arrangements will be needed. If they are electrically dependent or require help evacuating to a special facility, you should preregister with the Emergency Evacuation Assistance Program, preferably before June 1.

If you have pets and need to evacuate to a shelter, Miami-Dade County has at least one shelter designated for pets. This is not a boarding service. You must stay at the shelter with your pets. All animals must be in approved pet crates and be current on all vaccinations. You must preregister for this service and show proof that you live in a Miami-Dade evacuation zone or an unsafe structure.

Hurricane shutters are your best defense. Label all panels, store them in an organized fashion and practice installing them before a hurricane approaches. Plywood should be a last resort.

Aside from the basics like water, food and medications, ''must-haves'' will vary from family to family. Consider the needs of all occupants who will stay in your home, including those who might stay with you temporarily during the storm. Your supplies should be able to sustain all occupants for at least three to five days.

Include photos of the interior and exterior of your home, identifications, important addresses and phone numbers (doctors, lawyers, insurance agents, family and friends), account numbers and policy numbers (health, flood, auto and home insurance).

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