Florida Governor Crist Leads Statewide Effort To Encourage Hurricane Preparedness

Emphasizes safety and vigilance during hurricane season that begins June 1, 2009

May 28, 2009 -- TALLAHASSEE – Florida Governor Charlie Crist encouraged all Floridians to make the final preparations necessary to keep their families, homes, businesses and communities safe during the 2009 Hurricane Season in a video message released today. Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp is also promoting the importance of hurricane preparedness, emphasizing safety disaster plans at the 2009 National Hurricane Survival Initiative launch in Miami.

Article continues below...

“Experience has shown that when people are adequately prepared, it’s more likely they will be safer and rebound more quickly than those who don’t take action ahead of time,” Governor Crist said in a video message to Floridians released today. “We are blessed to be living in a state surrounded by water and beautiful beaches, but from time to time, that also means that we are vulnerable to hurricanes.”

This morning in Miami, Lt. Governor Kottkamp highlighted hurricane safety at the 2009 National Hurricane Survival Initiative launch. The education campaign targets Americans in coastal and hurricane-prone states from Texas to Maine. The campaign’s public education components include a national poll of residents along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, an interactive Web site featuring hurricane-preparedness resources in English and Spanish, and a 30-minute television special broadcast throughout the nation.

“Florida’s families must be prepared and remain vigilant throughout the unpredictable hurricane season,” said Lt. Governor Kottkamp. “Having a disaster plan and an inventory of supplies will help relieve stress and improve the likelihood of a safe outcome during a crisis.”

Governor Crist encouraged all Floridians to visit www.FloridaDisaster.org where they can find help making business and family plans, tips for protecting property during a storm, checklists for disaster supplies, and pet disaster plans.

Some of the items included on the emergency supply list include:
· Water
· Food – at least enough for 3 to 7 days
o Non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
o Snack foods
o Non-electric can opener
o Cooking tools / fuel
o Paper plates / plastic utensils
· Flashlights and portable, self-powered light sources
· Portable radios, two-way radios and NOAA weather-band radios
· Flexible waterproof sheeting (tarps)
· Gas or diesel fuel containers
· Batteries
· Medications
· Ice chests or other food storage coolers
· Portable generators
· Carbon monoxide detectors
· Storm shutter devices
· Pet carrier and supplies

Governor Crist has also emphasized the importance of maintaining a supply of necessary prescription drugs along with special food for infants or elders. He encouraged Floridians to document all valuables and to consolidate important personal documents including, bank account numbers, Social Security cards and immunization records in a waterproof container.

The 2009 Hurricane Season begins on Monday, June 1, 2009, and ends on November 30, 2009. For more information on building a customized family or business disaster plan, go to www.FloridaDisaster.org.

Source: Florida Governor