(RALEIGH) -- North Carolina Gov. Beverly Perdue says residents should take this week to get prepared for hurricane season that starts next month. National Weather Service meteorologist Jeff Orrock says hurricane season begins June 1st and we need to be prepared.

"Things that you have around the house basically food, medicine you can stockpile those materials.  Have a plan in place, if you're going to leave, where you're going to go.  Make sure other folks know where you're going to go. A lot of things we need to prepare we already have around, first aid materials, medicines, food, make sure you have enough water for everybody," said Orrock.
 
Governor Perdue has proclaimed May 22-28 as Hurricane Preparedness Week.