Washington, D.C. -  With an anticipated above-normal storm season, the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is reminding citizens in hurricane prone states to be prepared for the upcoming hurricane season.

A recent poll found that a fourth of the people in the 12 east and Gulf Coast hurricane-prone states are doing nothing to prepare for the next hurricane that could hit their area. FEMA urges all Americans to take time to prepare for the next hurricane, now. The three main steps to disaster preparedness are: make a plan, make a kit, and get informed. These simple steps are vital to guarding against injury to life and property that could come from the effects of a hurricane or any disaster.

FEMA has additional hurricane preparedness information available, including how to prepare a “go kit” and how to hurricane-proof a home. Radio public service announcements are available for download from this site, and radio and television public service announcements may be requested by e-mailing: fema-studio@dhs.gov. The “Are You Ready” guide is available for downloading in both English and Spanish or you may call FEMA toll free at 1-800-480-2520 for your free copy. You can also visit the Department of Homeland Security website to get a list of what contents should make up your disaster supply kit.

Americans living further inland may not realize they could also be at risk from the effects of a hurricane if living on a flood plain or in a flood vulnerable area. Every state is at risk for flooding and homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Flood insurance is a cost-effective way to financially prepare for floods. To learn more about your risk and flood insurance, visit www.floodsmart.gov or call (800) 427-4219.

FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers and managers the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.