History teaches that a lack of hurricane awareness and preparation are common threads among all major hurricane disasters. By knowing your vulnerability and what actions you should take, you can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster.

The goal of Hurricane Preparedness Week is to inform the public about the hurricane hazards and provide knowledge which can be used to take ACTION.

Hurricane hazards come in many forms: storm surge, high winds, tornadoes, and flooding. This means it is important for your family to have a plan that includes all of these hazards. Look carefully at the safety actions associated with each type of hurricane hazard and prepare your family disaster plan accordingly. But remember this is only a guide. The first and most important thing anyone should do when facing a hurricane threat is to use common sense.

Today and tomorrow’s focus is on being prepared for hurricanes and taking action. One of the most important things people can do is to have a family and/or business disaster plan. To quote the Director of Florida’s Division of Emergency Management, Craig Fugate, “If you live in Florida, you have a hurricane problem. The way you deal with it is you get ready for hurricane season. Then if nothing happens it's a great year, and if something happens, you and your family had a plan.”