Though the threat from hurricanes is minimal in the Upstate, there are still some preparations that everyone should take. A recent survey found that those who need most to prepare -- coastal residents -- are complacent about hurricane season.

The 2008 Atlantic hurricane season began Sunday. This season could be an active one with an above average number of named storms and hurricanes forecast.

This is National Hurricane Preparedness week and a good time to think about readiness. A new poll shows that 67 percent of coastal residents are not. While 2004 and 2005 were devastating hurricane seasons, 2006 and 2007 were relatively quiet in the Atlantic Ocean.

As a result, a dangerously high number of coastal families in the United States are not ready, should a hurricane hit.

A survey was conducted by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research of 1,100 adults in Atlantic and Gulf Coast states between May 6 and May 12, 2008.

Among the poll results, emergency management officials find most alarming are these:

54 percent don't feel vulnerable to a hurricane or related tornado or flooding

56 percent have no family disaster plan

67 percent have no hurricane survival kit

85 percent have taken no steps to make their homes stronger since the last hurricane season

13 percent said they might not or would not evacuate even if ordered to do so, leaving thousands of residents at grave risk in the path of any given storm

20 percent indicated they would not begin to prepare their homes until hurricane conditions are 24 to 36 hours away, and another 30 percent said they would not prepare their home until hurricane conditions are expected within 24 hours

20 percent surveyed believe it is the government's responsibility to provide essential supplies in the first few days after a hurricane, and 7 percent aren't sure who should be responsible

Experts recommend keeping supplies for at least three days on hand for each member of the family and buying those supplies long before a storm approaches.

While hurricane strength winds are rare for the Upstate and mountains, flooding and severe storms are our main threat. And those threats require preparation.

Before the season gets roaring, here are a few ideas to help you get ready:

Develop a family plan that can be used in all emergency situations, including severe weather

Determine the safest location in your home

Have a list of contact numbers written down and saved on everyone's phone

Create a disaster supply kit including:

Water -- at least one gallon daily per person for three to seven days

Food -- at least enough for three to seven days. Non-perishable packaged or canned food/juices

Snack foods

Non-electric can opener

Cooking tools/fuel

Paper plates/plastic utensils

Blankets and pillows

Clothing: rain gear and sturdy shoes

Medicines and prescription drugs

Special Items: For babies and the elderly

Hygiene items: Wipes and toilet paper

Flashlights and batteries

Radio: Battery operated and NOAA weather radio

Telephones: Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set

Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards: Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods

Important documents in a waterproof container or watertight, resealable plastic bag: insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.

Vehicle fuel tanks filled

Pet care items, ample supply of food and water