RALEIGH, N.C. - With the National Hurricane Center in Miami predicting 2003 will be an above average year for hurricanes, the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management is teaming up with Winn-Dixie stores to provide families with valuable information to prepare them for storms.

The Center is forecasting that eight hurricanes and 12 named storms may form in the Atlantic this year. Peak season occurs from August through October.

"We should always be ready for hurricane season," said Ken Taylor, director of Emergency Management. "It's more important than ever for families to be prepared. Each family should have a disaster plan in place and their emergency supply kit stocked."

Residents can pick up hurricane preparedness brochures from their participating Winn-Dixie, beginning July 17 while supplies last. The brochure details information to help families build disaster plans, which should include identifying emergency contacts, rally points and safe shelter. The brochure also encourages families to take stock of their disaster supply kit, keeping in mind that canned goods and other items should be recycled, flashlights and batteries checked, and depleted supplies replenished.

Standard disaster supply kit items include:

"Winn-Dixie is pleased to work with North Carolina to provide this information to our customers," said Kathy Lussier, Winn-Dixie director of public relations. "All Winn-Dixie stores in hurricane territory will be stocked with brochures, posters, checklists and special signage to make it easy for consumers to identify disaster supply kit items."

For more information about preparedness and the North Carolina Department of Emergency Management, visit www.ncem.org, or www.winn-dixie.com.

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