This column on the importance of Hurricane Preparedness was written by Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs
Greetings,
With hurricane season just around the corner, I encourage all Orange County residents to “Be Ready” by taking steps to reduce the risk of damage to their homes and businesses. Orange County’s Office of Emergency Management will help citizens prepare for storm season during the 2014 Hurricane Expo.
This free, one-day event will offer preparedness information, live demonstrations, and hands-on training at Barnett Park Gymnasium, 4801 W. Colonial Dr. on Saturday, May 31 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Free preparedness items such as emergency weather radios and first aid kits will be distributed while supplies last. Food trucks will also be on-site for citizens to enjoy.
People who have a hurricane plan are able to cope better with storms and recover quicker than those who don’t. Our goal is to provide the information and tools that citizens need to protect themselves and their property from the devastating effects of severe weather.
Come to the Expo to learn from emergency response and recovery experts with the National Weather Service and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). They will answer questions and provide information on how to survive, as well as deal with floods, high wind damage, and property loss. Participants will also learn how to “track” storms, pack a disaster kit, administer first aid, perform CPR and prepare an emergency plan for their pets.
Remember hurricane season starts June 1 and ends November 30, 2014. We look forward to seeing you there!
As always, I encourage you to visit Orange County’s website, www.ocfl.net, and I invite you to connect with me on Facebook by searching OrangeCountyMayor or on Twitter, @Mayor_Jacobs. You can also subscribe to my newsletter, the Orange County Connect, from the County website.
Sincerely,
Teresa Jacobs
Mayor – Orange County
