Hurricane Preparedness Week

Dear Fellow Floridian,

This hurricane preparedness week, I urge all Floridians to take the time to make a plan in case of emergency, stock up on supplies and stay alert to weather threats to make sure that our families and businesses are prepared for a storm.

Throughout my time as governor and as your United States Senator, I have seen firsthand the destruction left behind by multiple devastating hurricanes – Michael, Irma, Hermine, Matthew and most recently, Ian, Fiona and Idalia. If there is one thing I learned, it’s that Florida is resilient. Our state and local communities come together in times of need and work incredibly hard to recover from these storms.

Florida is resilient because we prepare for storms. I cannot stress this enough: preparedness saves lives. We can always rebuild a home, but we can’t rebuild a life.

Click HERE or above to see my message on hurricane preparedness.

Sincerely,

 

 

Rick Scott

United States Senator

 

Click HERE for more information on keeping you and your loved ones safe when storms hit. For more information from the IRS on safeguarding important documents, click HERE.

Hurricane Preparedness

As Floridians, we know that preparedness saves lives. As the 2024 hurricane season begins on June 1st, the time for Florida families and businesses to make a plan is TODAY.

Now is a great opportunity for your family to stock your disaster supply kits with vital supplies like a first aid kit, a radio, flashlights, batteries and other necessities. Your kit should also include 7 days worth of food and water, prescription medications and any important documents.

Watch Sen. Scott and Weather Channel meteorologist Jim Cantore’s Hurricane Season PSA HERE or below.

You can find resources and information on creating a personalized emergency plan HERE.

Here are a few tips to help you prepare your family and business for this upcoming season:

Before a Storm

 

Prepare an evacuation plan & make sure everyone in your home knows the plan. Stock up on emergency supplies, including: Water – You will need water for drinking, cooking and sanitation purposes. Pack a minimum of 1 gallon daily per person for 7 days Food – You will need enough food for a minimum of 7 days: Non-perishable packaged or canned food and juices Manual can opener Foods for individuals with dietary restrictions (i.e. infants, elderly, etc.) Snack foods Cooking tools and fuel Paper plates and plastic utensils Flashlight and Extra Batteries Pillows, Blankets and/or Sleeping Bags Clothing – Include a complete change of clothes suitable for your area’s climate. Be sure to include sturdy shoes to protect you from debris or other sharp objects you may encounter outdoors post-storm First Aid Kit, Prescription Medication and Other Medicines Radio – Battery operated and NOAA weather radio Toiletries Cleaning Supplies – Include garbage bags, moisture wipes and other items you may need to sanitize your home or surrounding post-disaster Special Items – Assess all family members needs. Consider other items needed for infants, elderly and individuals with access and functional needs (i.e. medical items, baby bottles, etc.) Cash – Banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods following a disaster Toys, Books and Games Important Documents – Consider storing all critical documents in a waterproof container, as well as saving them electronically. These items can include, but are not limited to, insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc. Tools Pet Care Items Proper identification/ immunization records Ample supply of food and water Carrier or cage Medications Muzzle and leash Photo of you and your pet(s) – in the event that you are separated from your pet, having an updated photo with your pet will help validate pet ownership If you have been told to evacuate, EVACUATE. Don’t stay behind. We can rebuild a home, but we can’t rebuild a life.

During a Storm

• Follow instructions from local law enforcement and emergency management officials.
• Stay away from windows and seek shelter.

After a Storm

• If you were advised to evacuate, do not return home until it is safe to do so.
• Be mindful of debris and down power lines.
• Do not drive or walk around outside if you do not have to.

Hurricane Preparedness Resources Websites

• FEMA: Visit FEMA for up-to-date information, support, services, and to apply for disaster assistance following a storm.
• SBA: Visit SBA to learn about low-interest disaster loans to help businesses and homeowners recover from a major disaster
• FloridaDisaster.org: Visit FloridaDisaster.org for resources and information on creating a personalized emergency plan for your family.
• HUD: Visit HUD to learn about housing assistance available to homeowners and renters
• National Hurricane Center: Visit NHC for the latest updates on tropical weather threats.

Helpful Accounts on Twitter

• @FLSERT
• @NHC_Atlantic
• @MyFDOT
• @GasBuddy
• Local Sheriff’s Office
• Local Emergency Operations Centers

• TALLAHASSEE 111 N. Adams Street, Suite 208 Tallahassee, FL 32301 Phone: (850) 942-8415	WEST PALM BEACH  415 Clematis Street, Suite 201 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Phone: (561) 514-0189	TAMPA 801 North Florida Avenue, Suite 421 Tampa, FL 33602 Phone: (813) 225-7040
  KISSIMMEE  1 Courthouse Square, Suite 300 Kissimmee, FL 34741 Phone: (407) 586-7879	PENSACOLA  221 Palafox Place, Suite 420 Pensacola, FL 32502 Phone: (850) 760-5151	MIAMI  901 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Suite 505 Miami, FL 33134 Phone: (786) 501-7141
  NAPLES 3299 Tamiami Trail East, #106 Naples, FL 34112 Phone: (239) 231-7890	JACKSONVILLE 400 West Bay Street, Suite 289 Jacksonville, FL 32202 Phone: (904) 479-7227	ORLANDO 225 East Robinson Street, Suite 410 Orlando, FL 32801 Phone: (407) 872-7161
  	WASHINGTON, D.C. 110 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Phone: (202) 224-5274