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Gov Prepares for Hurricane Season

May 23rd, 2011 by flanews

Four hurricanes hit Florida in 2005 and experts are warning that the 2011 hurricane season could be just as bad. The prediction comes as Florida has a new governor and a new leader at the state Division of Emergency Management. As Whitney Ray tells us, Hurricane season starts in nine days… and the new leaders are fine-tuning the state’s emergency response plans.

Dennis, Katrina, Rita, and Wilma rocked Florida in 2005. Hurricane experts are saying 2011 could be just as bad. They’re predicting 18 named storms half of them hurricanes. To prepare, Governor Rick Scott is meeting with agency heads at the state’s Emergency Operations Center and participating in a mock hurricane drill.

“We have a strong experience team and is ready to respond to any disaster or crisis,“ said Scott.

This will be Scott’s 1st hurricane season as head of the state. His pick to head up the Department of Emergency Management, Bryan Koon is also a new-comer.

Before coming to Florida, Koon headed up Wal-Mart’s emergency response efforts. Wal-Mart is actively involved in delivering food and supplies to storm ravaged areas around the world.

“When I was at Wal-mart, I didn’t get the opportunity to work on disasters at all 50 states as well as internationally,” said Koon.

The main concern for Koon and the Governor is apathy after six years without a major storm they worry Floridians are not prepared.

Most people already know to keep a three day supply of water and food in their hurricane preparedness kit as well as a flashlight with extra batteries, extra clothes, and a weather radio. The emergency manager says, “don’t forget about the family pet, they say keep the pet medication on hand as well as the vaccination papers in case you have to drop off your pet at a kennel, and of course the family dog or cat has to eat or drink so bring extra water and extra food.

Being prepared also involves knowing the emergency evacuation routes. The state has dozens of electronic billboards to help folks find their way out if a storm is coming. For more information about evacuation routes and hurricane preparedness kits visit Floridadisaster.org.

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