2006 Hurricane Season Could Be Worse than 2005

It may seam hard to believe, but forecasters are predicting that the 2006 Hurricane season will be even worse than the record setting 2005 season. Colorado State University meteorologist Professor William Gray has predicted there will be 17 named storms in 2006. Gray also said there is an 81 percent probability that a major category three, four or five hurricane will make landfall somewhere on the U.S. coastline. The average probability during the last century has been 52 percent. Across all hurricane statistics, 2006 is being forecasted to be about twice as active as the average hurricane season.

Although hurricane season begins June 1, now is the time to start preparing. Below are some links with checklists that you can use to make sure you are ready.

• Hurricane Checklist  from North Carolina Channel 12
• Hurricane Checklist from South Florida NBC Channel 6 
• Hurricane Checklist from the Virgin Islands' site Here.VI 

Also remember to check your insurance policies (Home or Renters and Auto) to make sure that you are covered. Renters, please remember that your landlords insurance does NOT cover your belongings. If you want to protect your belongings you must purchase your own renters insurance policy. Also remember that almost all insurance carriers stop selling renters insurance (and other types of insurance as well) when a hurricane is approaching; so don't wait until the last minute to purchase insurance or it may be too late.