Now is the time for everyone in our community to prepare for this potentially dangerous hurricane that is expected to reach Florida this weekend. For more information on how to prepare for this storm, I strongly encourage you to visit Ready.Gov for a timeline of steps to take. Please also review the following information:

What We Know:

• State of Emergency: Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for counties in the path of Hurricane Dorian, urging all Floridians on the East Coast to prepare for impacts. According to FEMA, the best steps to take between now and this weekend are to remain calm, ensure you are signed up to receive emergency notifications and follow the steps below (and on Ready.Gov) to prepare.
• Storm Information: While the exact path of the storm remains unclear, forecasters are predicting that Hurricane Dorian is likely to make landfall in Southeast Florida over the weekend. Review the National Hurricane Center website for up-to-date information.

What Actions To Take According To FEMA:

• Know where to go: If you are ordered to evacuate, know the local hurricane evacuation routes to take and have a plan for where you can stay.
• Update your disaster kit: Make sure to have a seven-day supply of non-perishable food and bottled water, a battery-operated radio, a flashlight, extra batteries, cash, medicines, a first aid kit, pet foods, and important family documents. If you are not in an area that is advised to evacuate and you decide to stay in your home, plan for adequate supplies in case you lose power and water for several days and you are not able to leave due to flooding or blocked roads.
• Make a family emergency communication plan: This plan should include the telephone number of a family member or friend outside the area - a point of contact in the event of separation when a storm hits.
• Sign up for emergency and weather alerts: Download the FEMA mobile app for weather alerts and maps of open shelters, among other important resources. If you live in Palm Beach County, sign up for local emergency alerts here. If you live in Martin County, sign up for local emergency alerts here. If you live in St. Lucie County, sign up for local emergency alerts here.

Other Tips From The American Red Cross:

• Get your home ready: Cover windows with storm shutters or plywood and store outside items like lawn furniture and trash cans to prevent them from being moved by high winds.
• Fill your gas tank: Make sure your car has a full tank of gas in the event that you are ordered to evacuate to safety.
• Don’t forget your pets: Bring them indoors and maintain direct control of them. Prepare an emergency kit for your pets with leashes or carriers, food, water, bowls and photos of you with your pet in case you are separated.

Important Resources:

• The National Hurricane Center: This website provides up-to-date weather information on hurricanes. You can also find additional information from the National Weather Service.
• FloridaDisaster.org: This website includes information on how to plan and prepare for a hurricane in Florida, the latest news about Hurricane Irma, information on local shelters and more.
• Local Emergency Management Websites: All 3 of our counties have websites with disaster preparedness information. Find information for Martin County, Palm Beach County and St. Lucie County.

I have been in contact with local, state and federal emergency management officials and will continue to be leading up to and throughout the storm. For more information over the coming days, please join me on Facebook and Twitter.