JUPITER, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie held a news conference Friday morning to urge Floridians to prepare ahead of hurricane season, which begins Sunday.
Forecasters predict Florida will face an above average threat this year, with a 92% chance of being impacted by a named storm, a 65% chance of a hurricane making landfall, and a 35% chance of a major hurricane.
“You can’t prepare to have no hurricanes. You got to prepare that it may be something that’s going to impact us,” DeSantis said.
Press play above to watch DeSantis’ remarks
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DeSantis emphasized the importance of having a hurricane kit ready and a plan in place in case of an evacuation order.
“Starting this weekend, we encourage all Florida residents and visitors to have a household plan that considers the needs of children, seniors and pets and the family in particular,” DeSantis said.
DeSantis also state agencies are ready to respond in case of a storm, and highlighted the efforts that were deployed last year, especially during Hurricane Helene and Milton.
“We can’t just sit there and hope for the best and go into hurricane season ill-prepared. So we’ve been preparing ever since the end of last cycle,” DeSantis said.
Lawmakers have yet to approve a sales tax holiday for hurricane supplies. The annual initiative, often touted by DeSantis, remains in question as the state is still three weeks behind in finalizing its budget, putting the tradition in limbo.
“I do anticipate that there will be disaster preparedness tax holidays that will be enacted soon. Obviously, it’s gotta be enacted this month, because you gotta get a budget done by the end of the month. So hopefully we’ll be able to get that done,” DeSantis said.
For more information on how to stay prepared this hurricane season, visit www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/
