Yet another hurricane season is upon us, and with it comes the need to make a plan, build a kit, stay informed and get to know your neighbors. Now that the city has survived historic flooding, we have a chance to look back at lessons learned from Harvey. What emergency items were most useful to you? What did you lack? What would you do differently if it happens again?

Disasters don't plan ahead. You can:

• Flood insurance policies take 30 days to go into effect, so now is the time to renew your policy. Visit www.floodsmart.gov.
• Make sure your family has a plan in case of an emergency. Decide how you will get in contact with each other, where you will go and what you will do in an emergency. Use this form as an emergency plan template. 
• Visit the Ready Houston website for a complete emergency kit checklist.
• Purchase water and  food items before you need them and before there is a shortage. After a natural disaster, the grocery shelves become empty very quickly. 
• Don’t worry about buying everything at once. Pick up a gallon of water or two every time you go to the grocery store. Shop BOGO deals, and buy extras of items that you use every day. 
• Choose foods you would eat, even without an emergency.
• When a storm is approaching, buy fresh fruits and veggies that don't require refrigeration like apples, oranges, bananas, tomatoes, peppers, etc. 
• Check batteries and expiration dates from food leftover from last year.  
• Get extra prescription medicine and medical supplies to last for at least five days.
• Keep copies of important numbers and documents in a waterproof container. 
• Have cash or travelers’ checks on hand in case the power goes out and credit/debit cards do not work.
• Don’t forget your pets — food, water, bowl, can opener, medications, leashes, harnesses or a carrier.