Hurricane preparedness tips, resources to help keep your family safe

It's the height of hurricane season, and a new tropical system may hit the Carolinas as a hurricane next week.

The system -- which will be named Imelda -- could bring heavy rain and flooding on Monday and Tuesday.

When hurricanes are on the horizon, the National Weather Service recommends determining safe areas inside your home as well as escape routes for if the flooding turns dangerous.

Here are other tips and resources from the Federal Emergency Management Agency:

-- Purchase flood insurance in advance of the storm.

-- Be aware of the latest weather forecast.

-- Make a plan for your family, business and property.

-- Assemble a disaster preparedness kit stocked with critical supplies, including important documents, extra batteries, first aid materials and medications. Click here to see a list of the items you should put in your kit.

-- Make sure you have plenty of cash on hand in case your area loses power, causing ATM machines and banks to close down.

-- Visit www.ready.gov for other preparedness tips from FEMA.