Florida Division of Emergency Management Urges Floridians to Remain Vigilant During the Final Month of the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season
TALLAHASSEE FL – Today, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) urged Floridians to remain vigilant during the final month of the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season.
“With November marking the last month of hurricane season, we cannot become complacent in our preparedness efforts,” said FDEM Executive Director Kevin Guthrie. “Not only can hurricanes form in November, but the increased activity in the Atlantic means we are still at risk for severe weather events in Florida.”
There are steps residents can still take to prepare for the last 31 days of hurricane season.
FDEM Recommended Preparedness Measures:
- Have Multiple Ways to Receive Weather Alerts – Every household should have multiple ways to receive weather alerts and follow all directions from local officials. Residents are encouraged to have a battery-operated or hand-crank weather radio to ensure they can continue to receive alerts from the National Weather Service in the event of power outages or damaged cell towers.
- Know Your Zone, Know Your Home – It’s important for residents to know if they live in an evacuation zone, a low-lying, flood-prone area, a mobile home or an unsafe structure during hurricane season. It is also very important for residents to know their home and its ability to withstand strong winds and heavy rain. This information will help residents better understand orders from local officials during a storm. Visit FloridaDisaster.org/Know for more information and to find your zone.
- Build a Kit – Take the time now to take inventory and identify items your family may need to replenish in your kit. For a complete checklist, click here.
- Keep Gas Tanks Half Full – Residents should keep their vehicle’s gas tanks at least half full to ensure they have enough fuel to evacuate as soon as possible without worrying about long lines at gas stations and to avoid gas shortages prior to a storm. For Floridians with electric vehicles, it’s recommended that the battery be maintained between 50% - 80% capacity at all times, depending on the type of vehicle and what the vehicle’s manual recommends. Visit FloridaDisaster.org/HalfwayFull for more information.
- Home Hardening Tactics – If you can pick it up, put it up. In the event of severe winds threatening your home, take time to remove any items in your yard that can become dangerous debris. Your landscaping should include ensuring trees are trimmed, gutters are properly fastened, and mulch/straw is used instead of gravel or rocks for vegetation.
For alerts and more information follow FDEM on social media @FLSERT on Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), and Facebook.
###
Updated: Wednesday, November 1, 2023
