Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Announces Florida Hurricane Preparedness Week

Governor Ron DeSantis has proclaimed the first week of May as Florida Hurricane Preparedness Week in coordination with the National Weather Service Hurricane Preparedness Week.

The Florida Division of Emergency Management recommended the following preparedness measures:

Make a Plan: Every household should have a disaster plan specific to the needs of everyone in their household, including consideration of children, pets, and seniors. Visit FloridaDisaster.org/PlanPrepare for more information and to Make a Plan.

Have Multiple Ways to Receive Weather Alerts: Every household should have multiple ways to receive weather alerts and follow all directions from local officials. Residents are 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.

Know Your Zone, Know Your Home: 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. It is also very important for residents 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.

Build a Kit: Take the time now to take inventory and identify items your family may need on hand during or after a Hurricane. For a complete checklist, click here.

Keep Gas Tanks Half Full: Residents should keep their vehicle’s gas tanks at least half full during hurricane season to ensure they have enough fuel to evacuate as soon as possible without worrying about long lines at gas stations and to avoid gas shortages prior to a storm. For Floridians with electric vehicles, it’s recommended that the battery be maintained between 50% - 80% capacity at all times, depending on the type of vehicle and what the vehicle’s manual recommends. Visit FloridaDisaster.org/HalfwayFull for more information.

For more information please visit FDEM's website by clicking the link below:

https://www.floridadisaster.org/news-media/news/20230504-florida-division-of-emergency-management-announces-florida-hurricane-preparedness-week/