TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) - The National Hurricane Survival Initiative is launching a new campaign called "Get ready, Florida!" The campaign is prompting people to take steps to prepare for next hurricane season now, while we're in the off season.
Craig Fugate, former administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) stresses 3 main points about the "Get ready, Florida!" campaign: assess your insurance, have an evacuation plan, and harden your home early so it's hurricane resilient.
Fugate and a team of experts revealed the results gathered in a statewide poll taken after the 2017 Hurricane Season.
In the poll, half of Floridians say they did not take proper steps to prepare for the season in one or more areas. Floridians also report being unaware of what their home owners policy covers, and a quarter of the state admits not knowing if they are in an evacuation zone.
Fugate says,"Rising water is not covered by your Homeowner's policy. Even if you don't live in an area where it's mandatory purchase, what we traditionally have said are flood zones, don't make the mistake that only flood zones flood."
Three major hurricanes of the 2017 season set records in terms of rainfall, storm duration and strength, destruction costs and FEMA registration numbers.
The survey also reveals the need for Florida counties to review shelter and evacuation plans.
For many reasons, "Get ready, Florida!" is urging everyone to take the time now to assess your home, make sure insurance covers the threats you face, and have an evacuation plan.
