Hurricane season, which runs from June through November, is just around the corner. With it comes the need for agents, brokers, insurers and claims experts to educate homeowners on how to better prepare for the storms that can change their lives.

Helping homeowners understand that some of the destruction and discomfort caused by hurricanes can be avoided is important. Some of the most common mistakes stem from misperceptions homeowners have about how to protect their homes. For example:

• "If I put tape on the windows, it will stop them from being damaged." Reality: Only shutters or thick plywood can prevent debris from breaking windows.
• "The hurricane is making landfall far from here and won't hurt my property." Reality: Hurricanes can generate flooding hundreds of miles from the center of the storm, impacting homes both inland or along the coast. Hurricane wind fields can also span hundreds of miles.
• "I only need to board up windows and/or doors facing the storm." Reality: Hurricane winds will change directions as the storm passes over homes. Debris can be whipped around in odd ways, so the only way to reduce risk is to ensure all windows and doors are covered – regardless of which direction they face.

Related: NOAA predicts 5 to 9 hurricanes in 2018