FDEM hosts press conference, urges Floridians to make final preps for hurricane season

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The Florida Division of Emergency Management held a press conference on Saturday, urging Floridians to make their final preparations before hurricane season starts on June 1.

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Kevin Guthrie, the Executive Director of FDEM, was joined by the Adjutant General of Florida Major General John D. Haas, at the Museum of Discovery and Science Eye of the Storm Event.

The event featured presentations and demonstrations by hurricane experts for residents to learn more about hurricane weather safety.

“Hurricane season is here, and preparation should be a priority for residents,” Guthrie said. “Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida is well-prepared with the resources needed to support communities through whatever this hurricane season brings. Each hurricane season is unique, so I strongly encourage all Floridians to complete their plans now to ensure that you and your family can weather any storm safely.”

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Historically, the peak of activity during hurricane season is in September, but the season lasts from June 1 to Nov. 30. It can be unpredictable, so it’s important to prepare and remain informed of what dangers a hurricane may pose to your community.

Officials gave five steps of Hurricane Preparedness

1. Know Your Zone, Know Your Home: Weather hazards that can be monitored in advance, like hurricanes, allow residents the opportunity to evacuate. First educate, then evacuate. Before an evacuation order is issued by local officials, it’s vital to Know Your Zone. Residents should know if your home is in an evacuation zone, a low-lying, flood-prone area, a mobile home or an unsafe structure ahead of hurricane season. Take time to understand your home’s ability to withstand strong winds and heavy rain. This awareness will help make informed decisions when orders are issued from local officials. Visit FloridaDisaster.org/Know to view the Know Your Zone Map and learn more about evacuation zones.
2. Make a Plan: Severe weather is unpredictable and impacts everyone differently, making it essential to have a personalized emergency plan. By making a plan, you can keep you and your loved ones safe this hurricane season. Identify your support network and consider anyone who may need special items like medications, adaptive devices or power-dependent equipment. Take note of anyone in your life who may require special items like medication, adaptive feeding devices and electricity-dependent equipment. Residents with access and functional needs should sign up for the Special Needs Registry at FloridaDisaster.org/SNR. Make a plan now to avoid confusion later. For more planning tips, visit FloridaDisaster.org/PlanPrepare.
3. Build a Disaster Supply Kit: Regardless of the time of year, households should stay ready by updating their disaster supply kit. Whether it is a predicted storm or sudden severe weather, basic amenities such as electricity and running water may become unavailable, and resources such as food, drinking water and medicine may become limited. A stocked disaster supply kit should have enough essential supplies to last every member of the family, including pets, at least seven days. Visit FloridaDisaster.org/Kit for a complete disaster supply kit checklist.
4. If  You’re Halfway Full, You’re Halfway There: Residents and visitors should keep their gas tanks at least half full during hurricane season to ensure they have enough fuel to evacuate without worrying about long lines at gas stations and potential gas shortages. For Floridians with electric vehicles, it is recommended to keep the battery at 50% - 80% capacity at all times, depending on the vehicle type and the manufacturer’s recommendations. For more information visit FloridaDisaster.org/HalfwayFull.
5. Evacuate Tens of Miles, Not Hundreds: When making an evacuation plan, residents should choose an evacuation destination that can meet their immediate life and safety needs—and remember, you may only need to evacuate tens of miles, not hundreds!  Evacuating too far can worsen traffic, causing delays and congestion along evacuation routes. More tips on making an evacuation plan can be found at FloridaDisaster.org/EvacuationPlan.