How to prepare for hurricane season in North Carolina: home, food, power outage

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Tropical Storm Debby is forecast to bring heavy rain and gusty wind to central North Carolina this week. You should be taking steps now to prepare.

"What's the most common loss? Our hockey team is called the Hurricanes, for a reason. You're going to get wind. You're going to get hail. You're going to have wind-driven rains. There's going to be a lot of things. We always want to figure out what caused it. How bad it is," James Zewe with State Farm said.

That's why ahead of Tropical Storm Debby's arrival, Zewe said homeowners should take a walk around their property, removing dead limbs and debris and taking a look at the storm drains. If the storm drain is on your property, clean them out now. If not on your property, report the clogged storm drains to the owner, whether that be your HOA, property management company, city or whoever is responsible for the storm drain. Also put away physical items like play items, outdoor patio furniture, and anything that could cause damage.

FEMA also suggests these tips to protect your home from flooding.

It doesn't matter if tropical activity is high or low. You must always be prepared in the event of a hurricane. It only takes one storm to make it a bad year.

Zewe also suggests homeowners have storm supplies like a tarp, hammer, nails, and storm boards in case your property suffers damage during the storm. Having those items will help you be able to protect your home from future damage before a contractor can make the repairs.

"If there is a hole in the roof and we can reasonably and safely get a tarp up there to stop future loss, or if there is a broken window and there is another storm coming, if we can get that boarded and prevent future loss, it is the responsibility of the homeowner to prevent any future loss," Zewe said.

Power outages are common during storms. Check your batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Also, don't stock your refrigerator or freezer to the brim; be prepared for food loss if the power goes out. Instead have an emergency kit complete with batteries, water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, a first aid kit, and a backup battery for your cellphone.

If you have a portable generator, test it to make sure it's working right. Generators need to be at least twenty feet away from your home with the exhaust pointed away from any buildings, and that includes never using them in basements, crawl spaces, garages, or on the porch.

It's a good idea to take a look at your insurance policy and see the type of coverage you do have, and what steps you need to take if you have damage.

Planning your evacuation should also be a priority, especially if you live in an area prone to storm surges.

Here are things you can do to prepare your home:

• Secure or remove anything outside. This includes patio furniture, potted plants and kids' toys.
• Cut down any tree limbs hanging over your home that might cause damage.
• Be sure to go over your insurance policy with agents.
• Take inventory of items in your home, so it can be easier to file claims in the event there is loss.

You should also create a hurricane emergency kit, including a first aid kit, flashlights, batteries, medicine and any important documents.

Here are more preparation tips:

• Preparing for a hurricane: Food in the washing machine and more hacks
• How to keep food safe during a power outage
• How to stay safe when the power goes out during a hurricane

AccuWeather states that the worst thing people can do in the event of a hurricane is to begin safety preparations at the last minute.