We’re three weeks into the 2005 Hurricane season and the first named storm of the year has already come ashore. Experts are predicting this season to be &uot;active,&uot; meaning that we could be in for a lot more.

Two years ago, residents got a taste of what hurricane can do when Isabel stormed ashore. Few were as prepared then as they should have been or wished they had been.

That’s still likely the case. While we are all now well aware of the damage a hurricane, it’s still not top of mind for most. And that could cause problems.

The Virginia Department of Transportation is taking a proactive approach to the hurricane season by hosting an online hurricane form on Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m.

Residents will be able submit questions relating to hurricane events to experts in the transportation and emergency management fields. Experts from the VDOT as well as the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, the National Weather Service, and the Virginia State Police will answer questions during the live Internet broadcast.

&uot;Knowledge is key to hurricane preparedness,&uot; Capt. Jim Judkins, Suffolk’s emergency services coordinator, said Thursday in encouraging residents to participate in the forum. &uot;People tend to get lax in that area…you can’t wait till the storm is breathing down your neck to get ready for it.&uot;

Two hours is not much time to take out of your schedule to educate yourself on such an important subject, particularly one that could keep you, your family and property safe.