By LOGAN HAWKES No one wants to think about it and many of us would prefer to not hear about it. But like it or not, the 2009 hurricane season gets underway starting June 1 and it's time once again to review personal, family and business plans to prepare for the potential landfall of another major storm on the Texas coast.    The good news is that forecasters are calling for a slower tropical year this year compared to last - if their forecast holds up throughout the summer. Last year, four tropical systems made landfall in Texas - Ike, Dolly, Edouard and Gustav - bringing massive damage to areas stretching from Galveston Island to South Padre Island in what has been termed an unusually busy hurricane season. But in spite of a forecast that calls for a more average season this year, climatologists warn coastal residents not to let their guard down.    “When it comes to tropical systems it's impossible to be 100% accurate with our forecasts,” says National Hurricane Center senior forecaster Michael Brennan. “There are far too many variables. We can have what looks to be a very slow tropical year only to be surprised that one or more major tropical systems develop unrepentantly and in record time. And just the opposite can be true. All the signs may point to an abnormally busy tropical season only to have it fizzle without major storm production.”    Brennan says the key to being well prepared is “to always be ready”.    “Tropical weather does have a mind of its own. We study tropical conditions constantly and we apply our best forecast models each year, but there's no substitute to being well prepared,” he adds.    Laguna Madre area and Rio Grande Valley residents don't have to look very far into the past to remember the dangers and damages caused by last years Hurricane Dolly. Tens of thousands of Valley residents were without power for weeks following Dolly's landfall last July. And forecasters warn Dolly was a weak storm compared to what could have happened.    “If Hurricane Dolly would have come ashore as a Cat 3 or stronger, the amount of damages and the potential for loss of life would have been multiplied many times over,” warns Brennan. “And a Category 5 hurricane would have reshaped life on the Texas coast as we know it. So we can't afford to let our guard down.”   Brennan says the time has arrived to review emergency plans and to make certain we are prepared for the unexpected.    Central Power and Light (CPL) is advising coastal residents to be aware and take the following steps to prepare for a major storm: Before A Hurricane: Stock non-perishable food supplies, a first aid kit, a battery-powered radio, flashlights, and extra batteries in air-tight containers. Adjust refrigerator temperatures to the coldest settings to reduce the potential for food spoiling if the power is temporarily lost. Have a non-electric analog telephone or a fully-charged cell phone available in case you need to make an emergency call during a power outage. Heed the advice of local authorities. Evacuate if ordered. If an evacuation is necessary, unplug all appliances, TV's and computers before leaving your home. Remove fuses from air conditioning system to prevent damage. Turn off water to prevent flooding from broken pipes. Turn off gas to prevent leaks from occurring. During a Hurricane Turn off electricity at the main circuit breaker or fuse box to protect appliances from power surges. Do not take a bath or shower and avoid water faucets, which can conduct electricity. Do not handle any electrical equipment and do not use the telephone except for an emergency. After a Hurricane When power is restored to your home, do not start all major appliances at once; turn them on gradually to reduce damage to sensitive equipment. Avoid downed, damaged or loose power lines and report them immediately to the local police and fire department as well as to the local transmission and distribution services provider in your area. Never use a generator indoors, including garages, basements and crawlspaces, even with ventilation. Exhaust fumes contain high levels of carbon monoxide which can be deadly if inhaled. Even when left outside, keep generators away from doors and windows, and at least 10 feet away from your home. Also, allow your generator to cool off before refilling it with gas - splashing gas on hot generator components can lead to fire. Do not use electrical or gas appliances that have been wet, and do not turn on damaged appliances because of the hazards of electric shock or fire. Never use charcoal indoors because burning charcoal produces high levels of carbon monoxide that can reach lethal levels in enclosed spaces.