Florida Governor Clarlie Crist Encourages Preparedness As Hurricane Season Begins

June 1, 2009 -- TALLAHASSEE – Florida Governor Charlie Crist today urged Floridians to finalize their family disaster preparedness plans and ensure that family members, homes and businesses are ready for the possibility of a hurricane or other disaster. During a visit to a Home Depot in Tallahassee on the first day of the Atlantic hurricane season, Governor Crist encouraged all Floridians to have a disaster plan and supply kit that includes at least a three-day supply of drinking water and non-perishable food for the entire family – including pets.

Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp also promoted the importance of preparedness during a visit to the Collier County Emergency Services Center.

“Floridians can protect their families and support their local economy by purchasing disaster supplies at area retailers,” said Governor Crist. “Every person has a role to play and a responsibility to prepare to the best of their ability.”

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 emphasized the importance of maintaining a supply of necessary prescription drugs along with special food for infants or elders. He also 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.

Lt. Governor Kottkamp visited the Collier County Emergency Services Center in Naples. The recently opened emergency services center houses numerous agencies including a 9-1-1 dispatch center, an East Naples sheriff’s substation, Emergency Medical Services administrative offices and supply warehouse, backup information and technology systems, offices for the Bureau of Emergency Services and the Emergency Management Department, and a new county Emergency Operations Center with provisions to manage and orchestrate the county’s multi-faceted disaster response activities.

“The opening of this complex is representative of the hard work and commitment of this community to protect its citizens,” said Lt. Governor Kottkamp. “The dedication of Florida’s emergency responders helps make Floridians safer each and every day.”

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