Natural catastrophes and other disasters can strike with little or no warning. Being prepared can help keep your family and home safe. NOAA's National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center calls for a 50 percent probability of a near-normal season, a 25 percent probability of an above-normal season and a 25 percent probability of a below-normal season. Global weather patterns are imposing a greater uncertainty in the 2009 hurricane season outlook than in recent years. Forecasters say there is a 70 percent chance of having nine to 14 named storms, of which four to seven could become hurricanes, including one to three major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5).

Click here to view a satellite view of the Caribbean in motion.

Safety tips for dealing with Mother Nature:

Hurricanes	Floods	Fires	Earthquakes