It only takes one.

That's something to keep in mind on the heels of the recent announcement from national weather experts calling for a slightly below average hurricane season this year.

Predictions are for three to four tropical cyclones — which includes hurricanes, tropical storms and tropical depressions — in the central Pacific basin, according to the NOAA's Central Pacific Hurricane Center. That just below the 4.3 average.

But don't let your guard down just yet.

Last year's forecast was also for a below-average season. But one of two cyclones developed into Hurricane Flossie, and the islands braced for a direct hit. A last-minute change in course spared us from greater devastation, but high surf and tropical storm force winds still took their toll.

Most of us still recall what a direct hit can do: Hurricane Iniki in 1992 brought with it 130-mph winds and left a trail of destruction in its wake.

Today caps off Hurricane Preparedness Week, which calls on government agencies, private businesses, schools and the media to urge hurricane precautions now.

You should have enough non-perishable food, water and medication to last at least seven days.

To learn more about how to prepare, visit the State Civil Defense's Web site: www.scd.state.hi.us/dp_kit.

html

An ounce of prevention now can make all the difference. Remember: It only takes one.