NBC NEWS- South Florida residents are being urged to make preparations for the hurricane season before any storms threaten the state.

Although the season began Sunday, many south Floridians have not done anything to get ready.

"I have not prepared yet, but I'm going to," said south Florida resident Chris Stanzial.

"We haven't even thought about it. We know it's today [June 1] that's the start, but we haven't done anything," said another south Florida resident. "I think the past two years of not having much has really disillusioned us."

Since 1851, south Florida has been hit by 113 hurricanes, more than any other state.

To help residents to get ready to face the threat, Miami-Dade County and the American Red Cross teamed up for Storm Prep Expo 2008 on Saturday and Sunday at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

"It's important that they do it now, being June 1, the start of hurricane season, as opposed to waiting a day or two before the storm, when they may not have access to the supplies at the stores. They may have to wait in long lines," said organizer Jamie Hernandez.

Retailers such as Home Depot showed off the latest items, such as a flashlight with a built-in radio.

Some residents said they know they need to stock up on the essentials soon.

"The necessities: radio, batteries, canned food," Stanzial said. "Since Wilma was a big disaster that year, I was here for it and it was brutal. So I know now to be prepared."

Hurricane season continues through November 30.