Do you have all your hurricane supplies ready, Horry County? Here’s how to gear up now

This story was updated August 28, 2019.

The peak of the Atlantic hurricane season is here.

Though hurricane season began June 1 and ends Nov. 30 — with the peak between mid-August and late October — officials warn deadly hurricanes can happen anytime during the storm season.

Here’s a refresher about how to prepare your family and pets for a hurricane as tropical storms brew in the Atlantic. Officials urge people to assemble hurricane kits now, which should include enough supplies to last at least 72 hours.

Items recommended for a basic emergency supply kit:

• One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days
• Non-perishable food
• A battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Extra batteries
• Whistle to signal for help
• A dust mask to help help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Manual can opener for food
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
• Prescriptions and medications
• Cash
• Extra gasoline

You can download a list and print it out by clicking here.

Do you know the different between tropical storm watches and warnings? Or the difference between hurricane watches and warnings?

The National Hurricane Center warns people that a hurricane warning means hurricane conditions — sustained winds of 74 mph or higher — are expected within the next 36 hours, while a hurricane watch means hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours.

A tropical storm warning means conditions — winds between 39 to 73 mph — are expected within 36 hours and a tropical storm watch is when conditions are possible within 48 hours, according to the hurricane center.

This story was originally published May 9, 2018 at 11:20 AM with the headline "Do you have all your hurricane supplies ready, Horry County? Here’s how to gear up now."