Preparing for the hurricane season is crucial to ensure your safety, family, and property. Here are some steps you can take to prepare for the 2024 hurricane season:

1. Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated with the latest weather forecasts and information from reliable sources such as the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and local authorities.

2. Create a Plan: Develop an emergency plan that includes evacuation routes, designated meeting points, and communication methods. Make sure everyone in your household is aware of the plan.

3. Prepare an Emergency Kit: Assemble a well-stocked emergency kit that includes essentials such as water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, important documents, and cash.

4. Secure Your Property: Strengthen your home and all structures against strong winds and flooding by installing storm shutters, reinforcing doors and windows and clearing gutters and drains.

5. Review Insurance Coverage: Review your insurance policies, including homeowner insurance and flood insurance, to ensure you have adequate coverage for potential hurricane damage.

6. Secure Outdoor Items: Secure outdoor furniture, decorations, and other items that could become projectiles in high winds.

7. Evacuation Planning: Know your evacuation zone and have a plan for where you will go if you need to evacuate. Consider making arrangements with friends or family outside the evacuation zone or identifying nearby shelters.

8. Communication Plan: Ensure you can stay in contact with family and friends during and after the storm. Have a designated out-of-town contact person that everyone can check in with to provide updates on your safety and whereabouts.

9. Practice Makes Perfect: Conduct practice drills with your family so everyone knows what to do in case of a hurricane. This will help ensure a smoother response during an actual emergency.

10. Stay Calm and Be Ready to Act: If a hurricane is approaching, stay calm and follow the instructions of local authorities. Be ready to act quickly to protect yourself and your family.

Remember, early preparation is critical to staying safe during the hurricane season. Stay informed, plan, and be ready to take action when necessary.

For ongoing updates about Tropical Storm Milton, please refer to the following resources:
– [National Hurricane Center](https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/)
– [NBC Miami](https://www.nbcmiami.com/)
– [WSVN (Channel 7 News)](https://wsvn.com/)