Florida Division of Emergency Management Encourages Hurricane Preparedness

Wed, Feb 28, 2024 at 10:30AM

With fewer than 100 days until the start of Hurricane season, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (Division) encourages all Floridians to be aware of the hazards that may impact their area and begin home preparations now for any potential storms once hurricane season starts.

“With just over 3 months until the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane season begins, I encourage all Floridians to take this time to review their preparedness plans as well as take any actions to mitigate the impact a future storm could have on their homes and businesses,” said Division Executive Director Kevin Guthrie. “The best time to prepare was yesterday, but the second best time is now. Use these next 100 days to stock your disaster supply kits and make sure you and your loved ones are ready for the season to come.”

The 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins June 1 and runs through November 30, with the historical peak of the season beginning in September. Florida holds the record for both the earliest landfalling hurricane and the latest landfalling hurricane in the United States. Even though Florida’s hurricane season can be unpredictable, preparedness does not have to be scary, as there are many simple ways to be ready for the potential hazards a storm can bring.

Preparedness Tips for Floridians

Make a Plan

Every household should have a disaster plan that is specific to the needs of everyone in their household, including children, pets, and seniors. Every member of the household should assist in developing the emergency plan, understanding the plan, and practicing the plan.
Know Your Zone, Know Your Home

It’s important for residents to know if their home is in an evacuation zone, a low-lying, flood-prone area, a manufactured home or an unsafe structure during hurricane season. Residents should also take the time to know their home and its ability to withstand strong winds and heavy rain. This information will help residents better understand orders from local officials during a storm. Visit FloridaDisaster.org/Know for more information and to find your zone.
Have Multiple Ways to Receive Weather Alerts

Residents should have multiple ways to receive weather alerts and follow all orders from local officials. Every household is encouraged to have a battery-operated or hand-crank weather radio to ensure they can continue to receive alerts from the National Weather Service in the event of power outages or damaged cell towers.
Harden Your Home and Surrounding Area

Take the time now to see if there are any necessary repairs your home may need to make it more resilient against storm damage. This could mean investing in hurricane windows, repairing gutters and investing in landscaping that prevents debris caused by severe weather.
Update Your Disaster Supply Kit

A disaster supply kit is essential to making sure you and your family are not without lifesaving supplies during a disaster. A good kit should have enough food, water and medicine to last each member of a household (including pets) for seven days. For a checklist on recommended supplies visit FloridaDisaster.org/Kit.