Here are steps you can take to help protect your home from a hurricane

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30, with the peak period from August through October.

That doesn't mean Florida residents can or should ignore the potential threat from hurricanes or tropical storms the rest of the year.

Here is a list of suggestions everyone can do make sure their home is as safe well before a storm approaches, along with what you should do when a storm is imminent.

Colorado State University: Prediction calls for 13 named storms, 2 major hurricanes this season

AccuWeather: Forecast calls for 11-15 named storms in 2023

WeatherTiger: Florida hurricane season has a 70% shot at normalcy, but it only takes one

Here's how to prepare your house and yard for hurricane season

Now is the time to walk around your house. Check the roof for rotting wood, leaks or missing shingles. Get them fixed before a storm.

Look at your trees. Are there any dead trees that should be cut down now? Look for dead branches that could pose a hazard to you or your home and get them removed.

If you have storm shutters, check them to make sure they work. If you have the type that needs fasteners, double-check you have all you need. If you use plywood, are last year's still good and not warped or rotted? If you don't have any or need to replace some, purchase and cut plywood now and clearly label which window it goes on.

Exterior doors should have at least three hinges and a deadbolt lock that is at least one inch long.

Sliding glass doors should be made of tempered glass. They should still be covered with shutters or plywood. These types of doors are more vulnerable to storm damage than most other doors.

Replace older garage doors and tracks with a door that's approved for both wind pressure and impact protection.

Seal outside wall openings such as vents, outdoor electrical outlets, garden hose bibs and locations where cables or pipes go through the wall. Use a high-quality urethane-based caulk to prevent water from getting into your home.

Take pictures of your property, inside and out, and create a home inventory. Some insurance companies offer free home inventory apps.

Considering buying a generator? There are portable ones that run on gas that should not be used until after the storm, but there also are full-house generators designed to kick on automatically if your power goes out. No matter what type you have or get, make sure it works and that you know how to safely use it.

Make sure your gutters are clear of debris.

If flooding is an issue around your home, now is the time to purchase bags and get some sand so you're not waiting hours in line with a storm on the horizon. Experts suggest piling sandbags at least 2 feet high. Running short on sandbags? Heavy-duty garbage bags filled one-third with water and placed side by side can help fill any gaps.

Another item to consider is a surge protector to protect electrical devices from voltage spikes.

Check the batteries in your smoke alarm. If you don't have a carbon monoxide detector, consider purchasing one, especially if you plan on using a generator after the storm.

Call your insurance company to check your coverage. A separate policy is needed for flooding.

A hurricane or tropical storm is coming. Here's what to do to protect your home, yard

Pick up or tie down all yard decorations, furniture, garbage cans or any other items that could be dangerous projectiles if picked up by the wind. Move bikes, grills, propane tanks and anything loose either inside or under shelter.

Cover your windows and doors. Use storm shutters or nail pieces of plywood to the outside window frames to protect your windows. Do not use tape on your windows.

Now is not the time to cut down branches or shrubbery. Never leave yard debris around your home or on the curb.

Be ready to turn off your power. If you see flooding, downed power lines or you have to leave your home, switch your power off and unplug appliances.

Fill clean water containers with drinking water. You’ll want to do this in case you lose your water supply during the storm. You can also fill up your sinks and bathtubs with water for washing or flushing toilets.

Check your carbon monoxide detector and smoke alarm.

Hurricanes and mobile homes: Is there anything you can do to protect your home?

Mobile homes are not safe in high winds. Residents will need to move to a safer place well before a storm hits. Always follow local evacuation orders.

That said, make sure your home is properly anchored with tie-downs.

Carports, lean-tos or sheds will fail in high winds.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development has developed standards for manufactured homes in different areas of the U.S. Each area has different wind zones. Homes should be built for the zone in which it will be.

Florida has two wind zones, II and III. Zone II is most of the Panhandle and the upper two-thirds of the state. Zone II includes South Florida, the Keys and several Gulf Coast counties.

What zone was your mobile home built for? That information can be found on the home's datasheet, which can typically be found in a bedroom closet, kitchen cabinet or on/around your home’s electrical panel.

• Wind Zone I: Requires homes to be built to withstand sustained winds up to 70 mph. None of Florida is in this zone.

• Wind Zone II: Requires homes to be built to withstand sustained winds up to 100 mph.

• Wind Zone III: Requires homes to be built to withstand sustained winds up to 110 mph.

Wind Zone III is the highest rating and can protect your home from winds caused by a Category 2 hurricane, which has maximum sustained winds ranging from 96 to 110 mph.

Still wondering about your home? Arrange for an inspector to take a look and offer suggestions of what you can do to help protect your home.

Inside your home during a hurricane? Here's what you should do.

Stay away from windows.

Unplug your appliances. If you have time, turn off the gas, electricity and water, especially if you need to evacuate.

Keep your emergency supply kit in a place you can easily access.

If conditions get bad, head to your safe room — an inside room in your home with no windows, such as a closet, bathroom or laundry room.

Make sure you have a way to stay informed about the latest conditions.

Stay inside until you hear that the hurricane is over. Sometimes the weather gets calm in the middle of a storm but conditions can quickly worsen.

Sources: NOAA; AccuWeather; Centers for Disease Control ; FEMA

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: How to protect your home from hurricane. How to keep your house safe