It is that time of year again when Bermuda residents start to prepare for hurricanes. The official hurricane season for the Atlantic Ocean starts on June 1 and lasts until November 30.

Both the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Met Office (formerly the Meteorological Office) have forecast a busier than normal season for this region so it is even more important for residents to secure their homes and put a plan in place to keep their family, friends, elderly neighbours and pets safe in the event of a hurricane actually hitting or coming close to the island.

Last year, the closest Bermuda came to being hit was with Hurricane Bill in August, which eventually passed within 200 miles of the island but was initially forecast to come much closer. A near-miss, however, is no reason to be complacent; being ready can lessen the blow in terms of unnecessary injury and property damage.

When news is received of an approaching hurricane, agree on a methodical action plan with your family and friends. Select someone as a single point of contact to ease the flow of communication during a crisis and decide on a meeting point in case evacuating your home becomes necessary. Write down emergency telephone numbers and keep them handy making sure your children know how and when to call 911. You should include the care of your pets in your planning process. Arrange to bring them inside a few hours ahead of a storm so you don't have to look for them at the last minute when the storm is bearing down on the island.

Be a good neighbour and check on any elderly people or those needing assistance who live on your street. During hurricane season they will welcome your help in preparing for the bad weather.

There are many useful items that should be on your shopping list at this time of year, such as flashlights with spare batteries and bulbs, emergency candles, matches, a portable battery-powered radio, a first-aid kit, a tarpaulin, rope, sturdy working gloves and large trash bags. It is also a good idea to stock up on drinking water, canned goods, non-perishable foods, disposable plates and cutlery, as well as a manual can opener.

Ensure your family is equipped with waterproof clothing and consider purchasing a household fire extinguisher; it can be used to stop the spread of fire should one break out. Buy a bucket and fill it with sand to smother small fires, if necessary.

The most important precaution you can take to minimise damage to your home and property is to protect the areas where wind can enter. Doors can be secured by installing bolts at the top and bottom and ideally should have at least three hinges and a dead bolt security lock which has a minimum one inch bolt.

Once a hurricane looks like it will come close to the island, you should take the necessary precautions to secure your home and its contents. By making sure that outdoor objects like garbage cans and lawn furniture are secured or brought inside, you can reduce the likelihood of broken windowpanes if items are thrown around by the wind.

Close your shutters and blinds or board up windows if you have time. If not, apply masking tape in "X"s on your windows to help prevent glass shards from becoming missiles in the event the windows are shattered. Fill bathtubs and buckets with water so that you can continue to flush toilets should you lose electricity. Remember to unplug electrical appliances to prevent damage in case of a power surge.

In the hours before an impending storm charge your cell phone and fill your cooler with ice so you can keep fresh items cold in the event of a power loss. Also, fill up your bike or car with a full tank of gas in case the gas station is closed following a hurricane.

Check that your insurance premiums for home and contents are up to date so that if the worst happens this season, you'll have peace of mind knowing that you are covered. Put all your important documents in a waterproof container to keep them safe in case of flooding.

A full checklist to help you prepare for a hurricane is available on our website: www.argus.bm.

John Doherty is vice president of Property and Casualty at the Argus Group. John is a Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter and holds an Associate in Risk Management, an Associate in Reinsurance and several certificates and diplomas in general insurance.