Floridians Encouraged to Prepare During National Hurricane Week

National Hurricane Preparedness Week began May 26 and the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) reminds all Floridians to use this week to ensure they are prepared for hurricane season, which begins June 1.

All Floridians should take the opportunity to review family and business emergency plans and restock disaster supply kits.

“National Hurricane Preparedness Week is an excellent opportunity for all Floridians to review plans and prepare for the upcoming hurricane season,” said FDEM director BryanW. Koon. “I urge all Florida’s residents and visitors to go to floridadisaster.org to Get A Plan and learn how to protect themselves and their families from a disaster.

”The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) released its annual outlook for the 2013 Atlantic Hurricane Season, and experts are predicting an active to extremely active season.

Forecasters predict between 13 and 20 named storms, of which seven to 11 could become hurricanes including three to six major hurricanes.

If you already have a family and business disaster plan and supply kit, now is the time to review, recycle and restock for 2013. If you are creating your first disaster plan and supply kit, use the information and tips at floridadisaster.org for help.

You can also find information and activities for kids at kidsgetaplan.com.

The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 – Nov. 30.

For more information on the Florida Division of Emergency Management and to GET A PLAN!, visitwww.FloridaDisaster.org. Follow the FDEM on Twitter at @FLSERT and on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/FloridaSERT and www.Facebook.com/KidsGetAPlan.