Be Prepared During Hurricane Season

Friends,

With hurricane season right around the corner, now is the time for Floridians to prepare and stay vigilant.

As the former Director of Florida’s Division of Emergency Management, I witnessed the devastating effects of hurricanes firsthand. What often makes the difference between a dangerous storm and a catastrophic one is preparation before landfall. That’s why I encourage Floridians to assemble their disaster supply kit, which should include:

Business owners should also be appropriately prepared for hurricane season. This includes identifying your risk and developing a plan. Also, consider how you would manage your business if access to the workplace is limited by road closures or communication is limited. The safety of your employees should remain top of mind when there is an approaching storm.

Pets are family members too, and they should be incorporated into your family’s disaster preparedness plan. If you evacuate your home, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS OR ANIMALS BEHIND.

It’s also important to understand the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning.

When a hurricane watch is issued, it means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area. The hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical storm-force winds. This watch should trigger your family’s disaster plan, and proactive measures should be initiated, especially those actions that require extra time.

When a hurricane warning is issued, it means tropical storm-force winds are anticipated to hit your area within 36 hours. Once this warning has been issued, your family should be taking proactive actions and deciding the safest location to be during the storm.

KNOW YOUR ZONE, KNOW YOUR HOME – Every year, it’s important for residents to know if they live in an evacuation zone, a low-lying, flood-prone area, a mobile home, or an unsafe structure during hurricane season. These areas and buildings are most likely to be evacuated, and knowing these zones helps Floridians prepare to evacuate and better understand orders from local officials. You can find your evacuation zone here (note that this is continuously updated).

Floridians should also stay informed through trusted sources, including local emergency management officials and the Florida Division of Emergency Management, as storm conditions and forecasts can change rapidly.

If your home is not in an evacuation zone or flood-prone area and local officials have not issued evacuation orders, you may consider sheltering in place. But it’s important to know your home’s ability to withstand strong winds, heavy rain, and potential flooding before making that decision.

Even if you have weathered storms before, it is always best to follow the advice of official sources. The FEMA mobile app allows you to receive real-time weather alerts, locate emergency shelters in your area, and more.

I advise my fellow Floridians to leave nothing to chance this hurricane season. Preparation is essential to keeping our communities safe, and I urge everyone to take proper precautions this year.