Marty Henry is senior vice presidentof Travelers Risk Control

According to the National Oceanic and AtmosphericAdministration's (NOAA) Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook there isa 70 percent likelihood of 13 to 20 named storms (winds of 39 mphor higher), of which 7 to 11 could become hurricanes (winds of 74mph or higher), including 3 to 6 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or5; winds of 111 mph or higher).

This exceeds the seasonal average of 12 named storms, 6hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes.

With the official start of hurricane season just a day away, nowis the time to help your customers make important decisions aboutinsurance and understand the steps needed to help keep theirfamily, business and property safe.

Before storm season is at its peak, Travelers recommends sharingthe following tips to help your customers get ready:

• Create safety plans for your family and your business. Familiesshould have an evacuation plan that tells everyone where to go andhow to keep in touch during an emergency. In addition, businessesshould also have a business continuity plan that outlines what youwill do and who you can call on to help keep your business runningin the event of a disaster.
• Build a content inventory to document the items in your home orat your business.
• Prepare a survival kit of things you might need if disasterstrikes.
• Perform routine maintenance such as tree-trimming, guttercleaning and debris removal around your home or office building.Make sure drains and sump pumps are clear.
• Review your insurance policy to ensure you understand yourcoverage.

Additional tips on preparing for a hurricane can be found on theTravelers Prepare& Prevent website.

While most severe hurricanes form later in the season, waitingto prepare could leave your customers without a plan for managingrisks, which includes reviewing hazards around a home or business,taking steps to help minimize damage and having necessary insurancecoverages.

Planning for storm season is not something that should be takenlightly.