As Floridians, we’ve come to expect extreme weather during the annual hurricane season. In fact, our state leads the nation with the most homes at risk for hurricanes. In 2004, Florida was devastated by four hurricanes in the span of just six weeks. Notoriously named the “Florida Four,” Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne walloped small towns, cities and shorelines, leaving in their wake thousands of destroyed homes and buildings and more than 100 people dead.

Our state was put to the ultimate test by these storms: 150-mph winds leveled homes, downed power lines, made roads impassable and littered glass and debris everywhere. 

Charley in particular decimated our own backyard. When it hit in August 2004, it left four people dead in Charlotte County. Statewide, this Category 4 storm destroyed more than 11,000 homes and caused an estimated $15 billion in losses. The aftermath of those storms brought out the best in Floridians, with neighbors helping each other grieve, sift through debris and ultimately rebuild their lives. Recently the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted there will be between four and eight hurricanes this season. Of those hurricanes, between one and four could be a major hurricane, defined as a Category 3, 4 or 5 storm with winds of 111 mph or higher.

Given the destruction and loss of life we’ve already faced, it’s clear that the Suncoast cannot afford to be complacent when it comes to the unpredictability of Mother Nature.

Although we can’t do anything to stop more deadly storms, there are common-sense steps Floridians can take now that will help save lives and reduce property damage.

Early preparation and planning is critical this hurricane season, which lasts through Nov. 30. We need to safeguard our homes and small businesses before disaster strikes. But getting ready for a hurricane isn’t just buying milk and bread from the grocery store and boarding up your windows. There are steps Floridians should take well in advance of a storm.

Most importantly, you should create a family evacuation plan—and make sure all family members know it. The peace of mind that comes from knowing your loved ones are safe is invaluable.

You should also prepare a basic emergency kit that includes a three-day supply of nonperishable food and water and crucial items such as a flashlight, first aid kit and battery powered radio. And in order to help keep your home cool and food safe, you should crank your air conditioner, refrigerator and freezer to high settings before the power goes out. Knowing your local hurricane evacuation routes and community alert systems, securing loose rain gutters and downspouts, reinforcing roofs, windows and doors and removing any damaged trees and limbs are all important steps you can take prior to a storm. 

Families with backup generators should ensure that everything is in working order, and that they have adequate fuel on hand. Small business owners should create a list of key contacts with critical vendors and customers to help guard against storm-related business interruptions. All Floridians ought to immediately check their windstorm and flood insurance policies. In addition to ensuring that you have adequate coverage, you should keep important documents related to your policies in a plastic bag or waterproof container. If a hurricane is expected to hit and you must evacuate, be sure to turn off the water, gas and electricity and bring plenty of cash and important papers such birth certificates with you before leaving and locking your house.

The hurricane preparedness section of my congressional website offers helpful resources to help you prepare and respond in the event that a hurricane makes landfall in the region. Visitors to the site can access local and federal emergency management information and more tips at www.buchanan.house.gov.

The calm can only last so long before the storm. This season, don’t wait until the last minute. Make a smart decision to stock up on supplies, create an emergency plan and learn about the resources available to you as soon as possible. There is absolutely no downside in preparing for the worst.

U.S. Rep Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota, represents Florida's 16th Congressional District.