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There’s something so unnerving about the beginning of hurricane season.

The National Weather Service forecasts the expected severity and number of storms, the state automatically prepares for catastrophe and residents (hopefully) stock up on supplies that will see them through the storm.

At the very least, everyone throughout Florida is filling their shelves with items that will could become scarce. There seems to be nothing we can do about the mysteriously skyrocketing gas prices that occur when a storm threatens, but we can make sure that we at least have enough canned beans and propane to feed ourselves until the electricity comes back on.

And remember, a pool is a perfectly acceptable place to bathe when the water plant isn’t operational — that’s how a lot of people in Naples stayed sane after Wilma turned off the lights for several weeks.

There are a lot of seasoned veterans living on Marco — Wilma was enough to teach anybody not to wait until the last minute — but everyone needs a refresher course in preparation and we’ve got a list of supplies, tips and resources that will set you on the path to model preparedness.

• Collier County is to host free preparedness seminars throughout next month and emergency managers will be visiting the Marco Island Branch Library on June 26. If this is your first hurricane season, or first in the southeastern U.S., make time to go.

• Re-familiarize yourself with the terms associated with hurricanes, because the chances are good that what the newscaster is saying directly affects you. It’s important to know what storm surge is, whether you’re in a flood zone, and the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning.

• Create a family plan. If an emergency occurs during or immediately after a storm, it could take time for emergency responders to get to you. Also, it could take some time for hospitals to become fully functional again. Florida’s Division of Emergency Services will help you create a plan on its Web site www.floridadisaster.org.

• Be familiar with where the nearest hurricane shelters are — just in case leaving the area becomes complicated. While there is not an approved shelter on the island, Lely High School and Lely Elementary aren’t so far away.

And a little tip: We know that emergency responders don’t appreciate it when people stay home when there’s an evacuation order. Some of us make our living by sticking around during a storm and making the island habitable or relaying pertinent information to you. But if you aren’t one of these people, leave. Especially if you’ve been ordered to do so.

Suggested hurricane supplies

Non-perishable food

Baby Needs: Special foods, diapers, formula, medicines, blankets.

Miscellaneous: Disposable plates, cups utensils, manual can opener, a two-week supply of personal medications, prescriptions, spare eyeglasses, non-electrical clock, batteries, first aid kit, headphones or earphones, flashlight, road maps, wet and cold weather clothing, sanitary supplies, ice chest, portable grill/stove or canned heat.

Drinking Water: One gallon per person/per day in unbreakable containers, water purification tablets (Halazone).

Bedding: Blankets, pillows, sleeping bags or lawn chairs.

Children’s activities: Cards, books, small games, coloring books, crayons.

Tools:

Masking and/or duct tape

Handsaw

Razor knife

Ax or chain saw

Nails and screws

Ladder

Portable generator

Wheelbarrow

Bucket/mop, broom

Fire extinguisher

Hammer

Screwdriver

Pliers/wrenches

Rope caulk

All purpose cleaner

Sandbags

Shovel, rake

Plywood

Plastic sheet/drop cloth

Bleach

Source: Collier County Emergency Management Department