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Hurricane Season Continues: Get Prepared TODAY |
Dear Fellow Floridian,
As a busy hurricane season continues with forecasts of a storm developing in the Gulf, I urge all Floridians to take the time to make a plan in case of emergency TODAY. Stock up on supplies and stay alert to weather threats to make sure that our families and businesses are prepared for a storm.
Over the past years, I have seen firsthand the destruction left behind by multiple devastating hurricanes – Michael, Irma, Hermine, Matthew and most recently, Ian, Fiona and Idalia. If you're new to Florida, you may not remember the devastation and destruction Hurricane Michael brought, but know this: it developed quickly and hit us HARD.
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,
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Rick Scott
United States Senator
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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.
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Hurricane Preparedness
As Floridians, we know that preparedness saves lives. As the 2024 hurricane season began 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.
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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
- 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 surroundings 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.
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During a Storm
- Follow instructions from local law enforcement and emergency management officials.
- Stay away from windows and seek shelter.
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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.
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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.
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Helpful Accounts on Twitter
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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 |
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WASHINGTON, D.C.
110 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Phone: (202) 224-5274 |
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Fax: (202) 228-4535 |
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