TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Division of Emergency Management notes that September is the historical peak of hurricane season, and there is no better time than today to get a plan for your family or business. In 2004, September was designated as National Preparedness Month following the Sept. 11 tragedies.
“Florida Preparedness Month provides a great opportunity to educate Florida’s residents and visitors on the importance of having a plan and disaster supply kit,” said FDEM Director Bryan W. Koon. “Regardless of where you live in Florida, you can be impacted by a tropical weather system. Many in our state have felt the impact of weather systems this season with Tropical Storms Beryl and Debby and Hurricane Isaac. You do not have to live in a coastal community to be impacted.”
While Florida is the most hurricane-vulnerable state in the nation, it is important to be prepared for all natural and human-made hazards that may affect the state, officials said.
Natural hazards facing Florida include extreme heat, tropical weather, thunderstorms, tornadoes, wildfires, floods and drought. National Preparedness Month was established in response to the largest human-made disaster on American soil.
Help online:
Floridians can develop a disaster preparedness plan based on their own needs, and an emergency supply kit to sustain themselves and their family for up to 72 hours after a disaster by visiting www.FloridaDisaster.org.
Kids can also build their own disaster supply kit at www.kidsgetaplan.com.
Students, parents and teachers can also obtain safety information, books and learning tools to be better prepared.
FYI:
The 2012 Atlantic hurricane season began on June 1. Halfway through the six-month season, three tropical storms have already affected Florida and 13 tropical systems have been named, including seven tropical storms and five hurricanes.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: September named Florida Preparedness Month