The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting an active Atlantic hurricane season, with a 70 percent probability of 14 to 23 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), including eight to 14 hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), of which three to seven could be major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; winds of at least 111 mph). Read the 2010 forecasts from Accuweather and the Tropical Meteorology Project.

The NOAA's forecast comes during Hurricane Preparedness Week—May 23-29. NOAA experts stress the importance of having an emergency plan in place. But a survey last year by Consumer Reports National Research Center revealed that only 1 percent of respondents had all 16 items necessary to deal with emergencies.

To help you prepare for weather emergencies, visit our recently updated Storm & Emergency Guide, which includes emergency-preparedness plans and reviews of products like backup generators.

—Gian Trotta

Essential Information: Watch this video on flood insurance and learn how to deal with mold after a storm. Follow us at Twitter.com/CRHomegarden.