Raleigh, N.C. — Gov. Bev Perdue urged North Carolinians to prepare for tropical storms and hurricanes that can cause damage from mountains to the coast as the state marks the 10th anniversary of its costliest storm.

Perdue declared May 24-30 as Hurricane Awareness Week ahead of the hurricane season which begins June 1.

"In North Carolina, we understand from experience the power and destruction of hurricanes. With hurricane season approaching, I ask us all to be prepared," Perdue said.

North Carolina ranks behind only Florida in vulnerability to hurricanes.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Floyd, which struck North Carolina on Sept. 16, 1999. The storm killed 52 people and caused more than $6 billion in damage.

Emergency officials urged residents to make emergency supply kits and make plans for what to do if a hurricane threatens.

"(It is) vital that people prepare themselves and their families for emergencies, so they can be safe on their own for the first few days after a storm," said Reuben Young, secretary of the state Department of Crime Control and Public Safety.

Preparing for weather emergencies

Making an emergency supply kit

Homeowners' insurance

Protecting the elderly and pets

North Carolina evacuation routes

For more information on what to do before, during and after hurricanes, visit WRAL's StormTracker section.