MIAMI – Today, Governor Rick Scott called on Florida families to “GET A PLAN!” and visit www.FloridaDisaster.org for tips on how to prepare and keep loved ones safe should a hurricane strike the Sunshine State. The press conference was held at the Miami-Dade Emergency Operations Center where he was joined by Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez, Miami-Dade County Commission Chairwoman Rebeca Sosa, Adjutant General of the Florida National Guard Major General Emmett R. Titshaw, Jr., Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management Bryan Koon, Members, Board of County Commissioners, Sam Tidwell, Regional Chief Executive Officer, American Red Cross of Greater Miami and the Keys.
Governor Scott said, “Saturday marks the official start of the 2013 hurricane season. Last year was predicted to be a slow season, but with three weather events impacting Florida, as well as the landfall of Hurricane Sandy, we saw firsthand how one storm can significantly alter a community. Last year also marked the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Andrew, a hurricane that devastated many Florida communities and change the way we prepare and respond to a disaster. Following the storm, the world witnessed the resilience of Florida’s citizens as we recovered and rebuilt our communities.
“We’ve worked to keep families in Miami-Dade safe by investing more than $22 million this year in state and federal funding to ensure this community is protected as best possible for hurricanes. Preparing for the upcoming hurricane season should be a priority for every Florida family – and that’s why it’s so importance families ‘GET A PLAN!’ and visit www.FloridaDisaster.org for critical life saving tips.”
National Hurricane Preparedness Week runs May 26 – June 1, 2013, and the Florida Division of Emergency Management is reminding all Floridians of the importance of personal preparedness and building a disaster supply kit before a hurricane threatens your area.
“We encourage every Floridian to be proactive in preparing their family for potential hurricanes,” said Bryan W. Koon, Director of the Division of Emergency Management. “A family disaster plan and a well-stocked disaster supply kit are essential tools to ensure your family’s safety and security during a hurricane.”
In a major disaster, emergency workers may not be able to reach everyone right away, and in some cases it may take three or more days for help to arrive. Having a plan for this possibility will help residents take care of their family’s unique needs during this time.
Building a disaster supply kit is a simple and effective way to make sure a family has enough water, food, medicine and other essential supplies when other resources may not be readily available. Different families have different needs, so residents need to be sure to take into account their family’s specific needs, and include:
• Water – at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
• Food – at least enough for 3 to 7 days
• Blankets / Pillows, etc.
• Clothing
• First Aid Kit / Medicines
• Special Items – for children and the elderly
• Toiletries
• Flashlight / Batteries
• Radio – Battery operated and NOAA weather radio
• Keys
• Toys, Books, and Games
• Important documents
• Tools
• Full vehicle fuel tanks
• Pet care items
It is vital that residents and visitors stay informed of the latest information during an approaching storm by monitoring a trusted local information outlet, and knowing when to put your family disaster plan into action. The best way for residents to make their families and homes safer is to be prepared before a disaster happens.
The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 – November 30. For more information on the Florida Division of Emergency Management and to GET A PLAN!, visit www.FloridaDisaster.org. Follow us on Twitter at @FLSERT and on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/FloridaSERT and www.Facebook.com/KidsGetAPlan.