As Tropical Storm Flossie heads for Hawaii, forecasters say now is a good time for isle residents to take preparedness seriously.

"It’s a very good reminder that we are in the middle of hurricane season," Hono­lulu meteorologist Ian Morrison said. "The more prepared Hawaii is, then the better off everyone is going to be when it (a storm) does happen."

Flossie, about 1,200 miles east-southeast of Hilo, remains on a steady west-northwesterly course, according to the National Hurricane Center. The storm is expected to weaken as it travels over cooler waters. It is projected to reach the islands by Monday morning.

The Coast Guard is asking that mariners monitor the progress and strength of the storm and secure boats and boating equipment appropriately.

The Hawaii State Civil Defense is urging residents to be alert to flash-flood watches and warnings and the increased danger of flash floods, mudslides and rockslides.

On its website the Civil Defense says it is important not to wait until the last minute to prepare for a disaster and to have a family disaster plan.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, a basic disaster kit should include at least a three-day supply of:

» Water: one gallon per person per day.

» Food: nonperishable food that will not make you thirsty, such as salt-free crackers, whole-grain cereals, protein or fruit bars, granola, nuts, nonperishable pasteurized milk, vitamins and ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables; as well as a manual can opener and eating utensils.

» Communication: a battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both; a flashlight and extra batteries; a whistle to signal for help; local maps; and a cellphone with inverter or solar chargers.

» Health and sanitation: a first-aid kit that includes scissors, sterile gloves, antibiotic towelettes, antibiotic and burn ointments, bandages, a thermometer and various prescription and nonprescription drugs; moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation; and dust masks to help filter contaminated air.

» Shelter: plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place, and items for warmth.

FEMA also recommends including a wrench or pliers to turn off utilities to help prevent natural-gas leaks and explosions.

Having access to important documents that are stored electronically and in a safe place, and making sure to set aside provisions for pets is also important, Ray Tanabe, director of the Central Pacific Hurricane Center, said following a news conference held earlier this year at the Hawaii State Civil Defense headquarters in Diamond Head Crater.

Tanabe said every bit of preparedness helps.

"The key with any preparedness effort is that you just have to do what you can," he said. "For those of us that have the means, please put a little extra into your preparedness kits to help those less fortunate. It’s tough economic times. Some folks have trouble with just putting food on their table on a daily basis, and it’s hard for them to stock up for seven days.

"But really, do what you can — even one day is going to help."

More disaster preparedness information can be found at www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare and www.ready.gov.