This week hurricane experts at the Colorado State University released their prediction for the 2009 Hurricane Season and according to their predictions, it looks to be another “above average” season. The 2008 hurricane season was one of the most active seasons ever, with 16 named storms and eight hurricanes, and if the current predictions hold true we will be in for another destructive season in 2009.

The report, released Wednesday by CSU forecasters Phillip Klotzback and William Gray, predicts that 2009 season will be slightly less active than the 2008 season with 15 named storms and seven official hurricanes with three becoming major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher.)

Storms acquire a name when they become classified as a tropical storm, having sustained winds of 39mph+. A storm is officially classified as a hurricane when these sustained winds reach 74mph. A Category 3 hurricane is defined as having sustained winds of 111mph.

According to the report there is a 63 percent chance that a major hurricane will make landfall on United States soil in 2009.

While this prediction is a preliminary prediction for the 2009 hurricane season and may be revised several times before the season actually begins nearly seven months from now, it is never too early to start preparing for a hurricane.

Preliminary preparations to keep your family and property safe are a must for anyone living in an area that may be affected by a hurricane. It is important to have a written disaster plan, detailing exactly what to do in the unfortunate event that you are affected by hurricane.

Determining escape and evacuation routes, places to meet if you get separated, and planning what to do with pets are simple steps that can alleviate enormous amounts of stress in the period in which the threat of hurricane is imminent.

Reviewing you insurance policy to determine the amount and what types of coverage that you have can be a real lifesaver down the road. Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not damage caused by flooding, making your property vulnerable in the event that flooding does occur.

It is also a good idea to take pictures or video of your home and your personal belongings within the home. This can provide you with documented evidence of what your home was like before a disaster struck, and provide valuable leverage in getting maximum compensation for any claim filed with your insurance provider.

Hurricane preparation is a serious matter and most people never consider what they will do until it is already too late. These simple steps can save you valuable time, not mention thousands of dollars, in the event a hurricane does strike your area.