Florida Division of Emergency Management urges residents to stay alert and take action as September is recognized as Florida Preparedness Month
Tallahassee, Florida – As Florida enters the height of hurricane season, Governor Ron DeSantis has issued a proclamation declaring September as Florida Preparedness Month, emphasizing the critical importance of disaster readiness. The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) is urging residents and visitors across the state to take proactive measures to protect themselves, their families, and their communities against potential storm impacts. With hurricane activity expected to peak in the coming weeks, the call for vigilance could not be more timely.
“As we enter the peak of hurricane season, preparedness is more than a precaution; it’s a responsibility,” said FDEM Executive Director Kevin Guthrie. “Whether you are a resident or just visiting Florida, start by taking a few smart steps now: Sign up for local alerts, build a personalized disaster supply kit, know your evacuation zone and have a plan in place for you and your loved ones. A little effort now can make a big difference when a storm is on the way.”
September sits squarely in the middle of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through November 30. Historically, this month is associated with a higher frequency of storms, making it an ideal time for Floridians to review their disaster plans, ensure supplies are adequate, and confirm that all family and household members understand emergency procedures. FDEM encourages everyone to finalize plans, check emergency kits, and familiarize themselves with local evacuation routes.
In support of preparedness, Governor DeSantis signed House Bill 7031 into law, making permanent a program that allows residents to purchase select disaster preparedness items without paying sales tax. Essential items such as batteries, portable generators, tarps, gas cans, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, insect repellent, life jackets, and tie-down kits are now permanently tax-free. A full list of eligible items is available at FloridaDisaster.org/TaxFree. This initiative is designed to remove financial barriers for families and encourage widespread preparation across the state.
Know Your Zone and Your Home
A cornerstone of hurricane preparedness is understanding your personal risk. FDEM stresses that every Floridian should know their evacuation zone and whether their home is located in a flood-prone area, a manufactured or mobile structure, or otherwise vulnerable to severe weather. Recognizing the structural strengths and weaknesses of your home can inform critical decisions before, during, and after a storm. Residents should also be aware of nearby shelters and safe locations to which they can relocate if ordered to evacuate. Detailed information about evacuation zones and flood risks can be accessed at FloridaDisaster.org/Know.
Make a Plan Tailored to Your Needs
Preparedness is not one-size-fits-all. FDEM recommends that every individual, household, business, and organization create a disaster plan tailored to their unique circumstances. Families are encouraged to involve all members in the planning process to ensure everyone understands the plan and knows what to do in the event of an emergency. Special attention should be given to individuals with access or functional needs. County Special Needs Registries are available to help ensure disaster supply kits include critical medical equipment, mobility aids, prescriptions, and communication devices.
Visitors to Florida are also urged to prepare. Even temporary residents or tourists should identify local risks, learn evacuation zones for the area where they are staying, and sign up for local emergency alerts to receive timely updates. Meanwhile, businesses and organizations are encouraged to create continuity plans that protect staff, clients, and property, including securing important documents and establishing clear communication protocols. Step-by-step guidance for planning can be found at FloridaDisaster.org/PlanPrepare.
Build a Comprehensive Disaster Supply Kit
A well-stocked disaster supply kit is vital for survival during and after a hurricane. FDEM advises every household to maintain at least a seven-day supply of nonperishable food, clean water, medications, and essential items for each household member, including children, seniors, and pets. Kits should also include hygiene supplies, flashlights, batteries, first aid materials, and personal documents. By being self-sufficient, families can reduce reliance on emergency services, which may be limited during the aftermath of a storm. Florida’s tax-free program makes assembling such kits more affordable, and a full checklist with recommendations is available at FloridaDisaster.org/Kit.
Maintain Vehicle Readiness
Transportation is another critical element of preparedness. FDEM advises residents to keep their vehicles at least half full with fuel and ensure batteries and electrical systems are functioning properly. Maintaining vehicles in a ready state helps facilitate quick evacuations and reduces the risk of fuel shortages or delays during emergencies. Residents can find additional guidance on vehicle preparedness at FloridaDisaster.org/HalfwayFull.
Evacuate Wisely
When local authorities issue evacuation orders, residents are urged to travel only as far as necessary to reach safety. Often, a safe location may be only tens of miles away rather than hundreds, provided it is outside flood-prone areas and capable of withstanding high winds and heavy rain. Planning ahead and knowing local evacuation options can significantly improve the speed and safety of evacuations. County-level resources including evacuation zones, shelter locations, and emergency contacts are available at FloridaDisaster.org/Counties.
Community Engagement and Resources
FDEM encourages Floridians to take a proactive role in community preparedness. Engaging with neighbors, local organizations, and emergency services helps ensure that vulnerable populations such as the elderly or disabled are not left without assistance. Being aware of community resources and support networks strengthens overall resilience and reduces the strain on emergency responders during a disaster.
Throughout Florida Preparedness Month, the division is highlighting a series of initiatives to educate residents about hurricane risks, emergency planning, and safety practices. These efforts include social media campaigns, community outreach programs, and collaboration with local governments, schools, and businesses. By leveraging multiple channels, FDEM seeks to make disaster preparedness accessible, understandable, and actionable for everyone living in or visiting the state.
Digital and Social Media Tools
In today’s digital age, staying informed can be as simple as following the right channels. FDEM encourages all residents to follow the division on Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter) for real-time updates, storm alerts, and educational content. Signing up for local alerts ensures that notifications regarding evacuation orders, severe weather warnings, and community resources reach your phone or email quickly. By combining personal preparedness with timely information, Floridians can respond more effectively to emergency situations.
The Importance of Preparedness Beyond Hurricane Season
While September marks the peak of hurricane activity, FDEM stresses that disaster readiness should be a year-round priority. Storms, floods, wildfires, and other natural hazards can occur at any time, and cultivating habits of preparedness ensures that families, businesses, and communities remain resilient under a wide range of emergency scenarios. Building a culture of preparedness includes maintaining supplies, reviewing plans regularly, and participating in community drills or educational programs.
“A little effort now can make a big difference when a storm is on the way,” Guthrie reiterated. Preparing ahead of time can save lives, protect property, and reduce stress during chaotic situations. By taking concrete steps such as knowing evacuation zones, stocking emergency supplies, and having a clear family or business plan, Floridians are investing in safety, security, and peace of mind.
Key Takeaways for Residents and Visitors
1. Know Your Zone and Home: Understand your home’s risk profile and identify safe locations for evacuation.
2. Make a Personalized Plan: Tailor your disaster plan to the needs of your household, business, or organization.
3. Build a Comprehensive Supply Kit: Ensure enough food, water, medications, and essentials for at least seven days.
4. Keep Vehicles Ready: Maintain fuel and battery levels to support timely evacuation.
5. Evacuate Wisely: Move only as far as necessary to reach a safe location, avoiding flood-prone areas.
For more information, including tax-free disaster supply items, local county resources, evacuation maps, and step-by-step planning guides, residents and visitors can visit FloridaDisaster.org. Staying informed, prepared, and proactive is the most effective way to navigate the risks posed by hurricanes and other natural disasters.
Florida Preparedness Month serves as a timely reminder for every individual, family, and organization in the state to review plans, assemble supplies, and ensure they are ready for the unexpected. Through education, action, and community cooperation, residents can face hurricane season with confidence, resilience, and the knowledge that preparedness is a shared responsibility.
