June 1 marks the official start of the hurricane season with the peak storm threat occurring from mid-August to late October.

Santee Electric wants you to be prepared in the event a dangerous storms. Keep your family safe with these handy tips.

Before the storm

• Put together an emergency kit and plan. Communicate the plan with your family.

• Know the elevation level of your property and whether the land is flood-prone. This will help you prepare for the storm surge and any tidal flooding.

• Secure your home: cover all windows with either storm shutters or boards, clear loose and clogged rain gutters, and bring all outdoor furniture indoors.

• Learn your community hurricane evacuation routes.

  During the storm

• Listen to the radio or TV for information, if possible.

• Avoid using the phone, unless there is an emergency.

• Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, keep the refrigerator thermostat on the coldest setting and keep the doors closed.

After the storm

• Keep away from loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to Santee Electric.

• Drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads. Watch out for fallen objects, downed power lines and weakened walls, bridges or sidewalks.

• NEVER use a generator inside homes, garages, crawl spaces, sheds or similar areas. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can quickly build up in these areas.

For more tips on planning before, during, and after the storm, visit ready.gov/hurricanes.