Blog
Today marks start of hurricane season
It’s the first day of June, which means hurricane season has officially begun. Forecasters expect a quieter-than-average year in the Atlantic, but it only takes one storm to devastate a community.
As Floridians, we know preparation can't wait until a storm shows up on the radar. Hurricanes can form fast, so check the National Hurricane Center website for the latest information.
Getting your own household ready is the first step, and this past winter, I introduced the PETSAFE Act to help our whole community prepare. Too many families delay evacuating, or refuse to go at all, because they have nowhere safe to take their pets. That puts lives at risk and makes the job harder for first responders.
My bill removes that barrier—without authorizing any new federal spending, allowing state and local governments to access a greater share of funds for animal evacuation, sheltering, and care. When we plan for our pets, we save human lives too.
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Know where to go: If you're ordered to evacuate, know your local hurricane evacuation routes and have a plan for where you'll stay.
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Build or refresh your disaster kit: Keep a seven-day supply of non-perishable food and bottled water, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, extra batteries, cash, medicines, a first aid kit, pet food, and copies of important family documents. If you're not in an evacuation zone and plan to ride it out at home, make sure you have enough to get through several days without power or water.
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Make a family communication plan: Pick a relative or friend outside the area to serve as your point of contact in case your family gets separated when a storm hits.
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Sign up for emergency and weather alerts: Download the FEMA mobile app for weather alerts and maps of open shelters. Then sign up for local emergency alerts in Martin County, Palm Beach County, or St. Lucie County.
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Know your county resources: Get familiar with the shelters, alerts, and information available where you live:
More resources:
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The National Hurricane Center: Up-to-date weather information on hurricanes. You can also find more from the National Weather Service.
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FloridaDisaster.org: How to plan and prepare for a hurricane in Florida, the latest storm news, local shelter information, and more.
For more, check out our detailed hurricane resource guide.