Many of our regular readers have gotten to know my passion for continuing to build a bridge between the heroes in the emergency management field and their counterparts in the property insurance industry. I was pleased to see that this month, the Florida Division of Emergency Management’s (DEM) FloridaDisaster.org website published planning and preparation toolkits for homes and businesses for hurricane season with posts reminding us to “Be A Good Neighbor.” And it couldn’t come too soon with this past week’s NOAA release predicting an alarming number of storms this summer, with the official start of hurricane season this Saturday (June 1). (See our next story for details on that.)
Not to steal the thunder of a popular homeowner’s insurance company that uses a similar slogan, we should follow and adopt DEM’s recommendations and ideas for several reasons. First, hurricanes pose a significant threat to our state, often causing widespread damage and disruption. By following the comprehensive planning and preparation toolkits provided by DEM, residents can significantly mitigate the risks to their homes and businesses. These toolkits offer valuable information on how to secure property, create emergency kits, and develop evacuation plans, ensuring that individuals are well-prepared to protect themselves and their loved ones. In times of crisis, being prepared not only enhances personal safety but also reduces the strain on emergency services, allowing responders to assist the most vulnerable and affected communities more effectively.
Adopting the “Be A Good Neighbor” initiative is equally important as it fosters a sense of community resilience and support, which is vital during hurricane season. Neighbors looking out for each other can provide immediate assistance before professional help arrives, especially to those who might be elderly, disabled, or otherwise vulnerable. Simple actions, such as checking on neighbors, sharing resources, or offering a place of shelter, can make a substantial difference in a hurricane’s aftermath. This collective approach ensures that communities are not just relying on emergency responders but are also leveraging their own local networks to enhance overall safety and recovery. By promoting preparedness and mutual aid, Floridians can build stronger, more resilient communities capable of weathering the storms together.
I have been interviewed by multiple TV stations and newspapers in the past week with the final question from reporters along the lines of, “What can you recommend Floridian’s do to prepare for what NOAA says is going to be one awful storm season?” and I was quick to share that DEM has most of the answers! If you have ideas for me to share, I’m all ears. Hope you had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend and we want to start your work week off with lots of news and actionable information in the following pages to get you going!
LMA Newsletter of 5-28-24
