Forecasts call for a season of above-average activity.

With Tuesday marking the official start of the 2010 Atlantic Hurricane Season, now is the time to make sure you are prepared for the worst case scenario.

“This is going to be a higher hurricane season statistically, but the most important thing is to be ready" says Donald Druitt the Macon-Bibb EMA Director as he discusses the upcoming 2010 hurricane season.

A recent survey by the Georgia Emergency Management Agency found that about 80% of the state’s residents aren’t prepared for emergencies, and with a very active hurricane season ahead of us, now is the time to take action.

“Well the forecast predicts between 14-23 named storms this season with up to 14 major hurricanes including up to 7 major hurricanes. What we can’t forecast at this time however is where and if these storms will make landfall" says Jeff Cox, News Central's Chief Meteorologist.

Although Central Georgia doesn’t absorb the full impact of a land falling hurricane, there is still the potential for damage to be done.

New Central's Meteorologist Michelle Apon describes the type of weather that would be typically found in Central Georgia as result of a hurricane; “Well the biggest impact that we would see would be the potential for heavy rainfall in a short amount of time. The result of this would be flood damage to home and roads with the potential for loss of life through drowning.”

The weather may not be the only impact we see this hurricane season. Central Georgia also serves as a cross roads for people evacuating and seeking safe haven from areas that could see direct impacts such as coastal Georgia and the Florida peninsula.

You can start preparing now by making a waterproof readiness kit and create an evacuation checklist and communication plan which includes a contact that can relay information if local communication means become compromised.

“Have a family or friend outside of the area that you can call and give them your update information about your status" says Druitt.

For more information on how you can prepare for an emergency including help to make a checklist of your own please visit www.ready.ga.gov