FDEM promotes hurricane preparedness 50 days ahead of Atlantic Hurricane Season.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

Today, Wednesday, April 12, is fifty days from the beginning of the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season; and the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) is urging all Floridians to begin home and business preparations for any potential storms that may impact the state during hurricane season.

"As we approach the hurricane season, I encourage all Floridians to finalize and review their preparedness plans and take mitigation actions to lessen the impact of future storms on homes and businesses," said FDEM Executive Director Kevin Guthrie. "Now is the time to make a plan and figure out what steps you need to take to ensure you and your loved ones are prepared."

According to a release, the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season officially begins on June 1 and runs through November 30, with the historical season peak in September. After a very active 2022 and the damage brought on by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole, residents must prepare ahead of time.

Preparedness does not have to be costly, with many low-cost and no-cost ways to prepare for the potential hazards of a hurricane. To help residents prepare, the FDEM has released a list of low-cost and no-cost preparedness tips:

• Make a Plan – Every household should have a disaster plan specific to the needs of everyone in the household, including children, pets, and seniors. Every household member should assist in developing the emergency plan, understanding the plan, and practicing the plan.
• Know Your Zone, Know Your Home – Residents should know if their home is in an evacuation zone, a low-lying, flood-prone area, a mobile home, or an unsafe structure during hurricane season. They 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.
• Halfway Full is Halfway There – Residents and visitors are encouraged to keep their vehicle’s gas tanks at least half full during hurricane season to ensure they have enough fuel to evacuate tens of miles as soon as possible without worrying about long lines at gas stations and to avoid gas shortages before a storm. For Floridians with electric vehicles, it is recommended that the battery is between 50% - 80% capacity at all times, depending on the type of vehicle and what the vehicle’s manual recommends. Visit www.FloridaDisaster.org/HalfwayFull for more information.

Residents and visitors should visit www.FloridaDisaster.org/PlanPrepare for more preparedness tips and to make a plan today. By taking the necessary precautions and having a plan, Floridians can better protect themselves, their families, and their businesses during the upcoming hurricane season.