12:01 a.m. Thursday, June 1, Japan time: U.S. bases on Okinawa have been placed in seasonal Tropical Cyclone Condition of Readiness 4, signaling the start of the northwest Pacific’s tropical cyclone season.

For those new to the island: This is not an indicator that a typhoon is on the way. Rather, TCCOR 4 is issued routinely on June 1 because Okinawa is in a part of the northwest Pacific conducive for the development of tropical cyclones.

Vigilance, preparation and communication are key. Please give this handy guide a read to start preparing for the season.

Get your safe on!