Are you ready for a hurricane? The tips you need to know

Forecasters are predicting a quiet Atlantic hurricane season this year. But, when a hurricane hits, it can be devastating. A look back at Katrina shows us that.

More than 1,800 people were killed when the storm slammed ashore on August 29, 2005. The storm flooded most of New Orleans and wreaked havoc along parts of the Gulf Coast.

Experts agree the key is being prepared, but not everyone knows exactly which conditions to prepare for.

One of the biggest things people overlook when it comes to preparing for a hurricane is storm surge, according to Meteorologist Ari Sarsalari, which often brings floods when the storm pushes ocean water ashore.

SEE MORE: Special coverage on the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina

A 10-foot storm surge is enough to cover up a house, and surges can reach as high as 30 feet, and go as far as 30 miles inland. Sarsalari says the best way to protect yourself is to take evacuations seriously and get inland before the storm hits.

See how New Orleans prepared for Katrina:

FEMA offers tips for prepping your home both before and during the hurricane.

• Keep a kit with food, water and other supplies with enough to last for at least 72 hours.

• Check to see if your land is flood-prone or near a levee or river. You can visit this website to find out if your area is in danger.

• Secure your property by covering all of your home's windows with wood. Tape will not stop glass from breaking.

• Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are trimmed so they are not uprooted as easily in high winds.

• Consider building a safe room or having a designated room away from windows.

• If you live in a high rise, go to a lower floor than won't be affected by wind.

In addition to protecting homes, families should be aware of the unique challenges of evacuating with a pet. According to the ASPCA, approximately 250,000 dogs and cats were displaced or died as a result of Katrina.

Dr. Dick Green, director of Disaster Response for the ASPCA Field Investigations and Response team, helped care for thousands of animals left behind in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina struck, and he suggests pet owners take the following precautions to keep their animals safe:

• Microchip pets. Only about 28 percent of dog owners and 24 percent of cat owners say their animals are micro-chipped.

• Do not leave them behind. Find out where the nearest hotels are that accept animals or ask friends or families outside of the immediate area if they are willing to house them.

• Assign a designated caregiver for your pet who has a set of keys in case you are not home to save them.

• Prep a crate and keep it close to a door. Crate should contain food, water, medications, laminated vet, an external light on the top and more. For full details on what should be in the emergency kit, visit ASPCA's website.

• The ASPCA also provides a free mobile app that tells pet owners what to do before, during and after a disaster.

Check out and share these other important tips for prepping your pets for a disaster from the ASPCA:

For more 10th anniversary Hurricane Katrina coverage, click here.​