BLOOMINGTON, Ill., Aug. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Forecasters expect to see above-normal hurricane activity between now and November. The peak of hurricane season begins in August.

Already this hurricane season, three named storms have threatened the Gulf Coast, but hurricanes aren't limited to the Gulf region. If you live near the ocean, assessing your risk and getting prepared is paramount. State Farm, the largest insurer of cars and homes in the U.S., wants consumers to be prepared.

This year State Farm teamed up with FLASH® (Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, Inc.), to launch a social media campaign promoting hurricane preparedness. The first of its kind safety campaign, Great Hurricane Blowout, has utilized Facebook, Flickr, Twitter and YouTube to reach nearly 600 million people. Join the more than 30,000 families who have learned how to prepare at GreatHurricaneBlowout.org.

In addition, homeowners can protect themselves and their property with a few simple steps:

Review your insurance coverage. Make sure you have the right amount and type of insurance.

Create a home inventory. Make a list of your possessions and their estimated value. Get a FREE State Farm® Home Inventory Checklist.

Protect your property. Stock plywood and materials you may need to board up windows. Move garbage cans and other large objects inside the house or garage. Secure boats and cars.

Have an evacuation plan. Before the hurricane decide what you will do. Find out the location of evacuation shelters. Determine if you will ride out the storm in your home (if local authorities permit you to stay), or establish a safe place inland. Plan an escape route. Tell relatives where you will be.

To learn more about how to protect yourself and your property, visit State Farm Learning Center.

SOURCE State Farm