RALEIGH -- With much of the state under heavy downpours and storm watches recently, the state Office of Emergency Management is reminding people about the importance of being prepared.

September is North Carolina Preparedness Month and OME spokeswoman Julia Jarema says it's easy to think you're immune to a weather emergency if you've never experienced one.

"Most of the time, people just kind of forget that they are susceptible to it, and it is so much easier to go ahead and prepare now, go ahead and take those few extra minutes to prepare now so that you can make sure that you're safe," she points out.

Jarema says make a plan, have an emergency kit, and stay informed. She says the kit should include a NOAA weather radio with batteries, non-perishable food and water, first aid supplies, flashlights, blankets, cash and any important personal items.

Last year North Carolina experienced 36 tornadoes, 514 severe thunderstorms and 172 large hail storms.

Jarema says it's important to talk through what your family would do in case of an emergency.

"If you're in the middle of it and you haven't practiced it's a little too late at that point," she stresses. "That's why we encourage everybody to go ahead and make that plan, talk about it around the dinner table. Make sure that everybody knows where to go and what to do."

Jarema also recommends making sure you have documents in order, such as property, health and life insurance policies, and also a property inventory in case of an insurance claim.

The state has more preparedness information at ReadyNC.com.