How to survive a hurricane: What to do before, during and after

The official hurricane season runs from June to November, although peak season typically comes between the end of August and September and deadly hurricanes can occur at any time. Hurricanes can wreak havoc upon communities, but this In the Know video breaks down the steps you can take to prepare yourself and your household from complete devastation.

Before the hurricane hits, secure your property. Secure storm shutters for windows, trim nearby trees and shrubs and stash all critical documents in a waterproof container. Also, place valuables in high places and make sure your pets' collar tags have up-to-date information.

If the hurricane is projected to hit your area, stay informed. There's a risk of losing power, so ensure that all phones are charged and that all flashlights have fresh batteries — and consider buying a battery-powered radio, especially since you'll want to stay on top of any new updates.

Plan to be self-sufficient for a couple of days. Buy bottled water, nonperishable food, and if you take medication, keep about a week's worth of your supply on hand, just in case.

In case of an emergency evacuation, designate a safe zone as a meet-up location, should your group become separated.

Ultimately, the most important thing to remember is to gather information and communicate. Watch the video above to learn more.