As of the writing of this column, the Atlantic hurricane map on the National Hurricane Center’s website contains the 11 sweetest words in the English language: “Tropical cyclone activity is not expected during the next 48 hours.”

I’ll admit, this website is one that I check at least once a week for six months out of the year. If there’s a storm brewing, I check it once a day. If there’s a storm heading for Virginia, I check it multiple times per day.

So far this year, Alberto, Beryl and Chris have come and gone with no effect on Virginia. However, a quiet season through mid-July is child’s play. Right about now is when it will really start ramping up. The peak of the hurricane season falls between mid-August and late October. Statistically, the peak day of hurricane season is Sept. 10. Most longtime residents of this area consider September to be the month we’re most likely to get slammed, with Hurricane Matthew, which struck us Oct. 9-10, 2016, a recent notable exception.

I’m not superstitious, and I certainly don’t think I can control the weather with my writing. If I could, I’d be a millionaire. But even I’m a little leery of writing this column. I have a feeling I may pay the price for using that “Q” word up there.

Whether or not this column helps form any hurricanes, and regardless of the fact that this season has been quiet so far (oops, there’s that Q-word again) it’s never a bad time to make sure you’re ready for hurricane season.

Before hurricane season actually started would have been the best time to get ready. But preparing now is second-best, especially since Virginia’s annual tax-free weekend is coming up Aug. 3-5.

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management recommends having the following in your emergency kit: at least a three-day supply of water and non-perishable food, infant formula and diapers, pet food and supplies; medications for at least a week, medical equipment and backup batteries, a first aid kit and sunblock; flashlights and batteries; extra clothing, sturdy shoes and a blanket or sleeping bags; a full tank of gas and plenty of cash; toiletries and bleach; and critical paperwork and important contact numbers.

Another way to get ready now — without even having to go to the store — is to visit www.knowyourzoneva.org and figure out which of four tiered evacuation zones encompasses your home.

The new Know Your Zone program debuted last year from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. The zones are based on storm surge, flooding and meteorological data.

Residents can visit the website and look at a detailed, interactive, color-coded map showing each evacuation zone. When a storm is approaching, emergency managers will determine which zones are most at risk considering the intensity, path, speed, tides and other factors and could announce evacuations based on those factors.

So, if you haven’t prepared already, or if you need to replenish items in your kit, now is a good time to do so. The most active part of hurricane season is just around the corner.