The Atlantic Hurricane Season officially starts June 1st. While it’s been a decade since the last significant hurricane in the Florida, officials say they’re confident in their preparedness efforts.
Speaking at the 29th annual Governor’s Hurricane Conference in Orlando Wednesday, Governor Rick Scott praised Bryan Koon. He’s the Florida Division of Emergency Management Director.
“Bryan Koon has done a great job leading Emergency Management since I got elected,” said Scott. “He’s does everything he can to make sure we’re prepared. As ya’ll know, we’ve been blessed that we haven’t had significant disasters. We’ve had some events in the last four years, but nothing significant. But, Bryan’s done a great job.”
While there’s been no official federal forecast, some forecasters are already predicting fewer than average storms. Still, Koon says he wants to make sure Floridians are not complacent. It’s been 10 years since a hurricane has made in landfall in the state.
“Yes, it’s been 10 years since the last hurricane has made in landfall in Florida. But, those are not years that we’ve spent idly. We have spent those last 10 years developing the relationships that we have amongst each other. I would wager that today, even though it’s been 10 years, we are far better off as a state and readiness for the first hurricane we’ll experience, be it this hurricane season or hopefully many years down the road.”
Koon also urges residents to make sure they’re prepared.
“This is a good time of year for Floridians to remember that Hurricane season starts in a couple weeks,” added Koon. “Hurricanes are a present threat to us, but there’s something you can do to make sure you’re ready for them: a simple disaster kit, reviewing your insurance, communicating with your family, and helping to figure out what you want to do in those situations will go a long way, should we have an event this year.”
Meanwhile, state officials are also expected to hold a Hurricane preparedness training exercise across multiple agencies next week.
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