The 30th annual Governor’s Hurricane Conference came to a close Friday, and a week long effort begins Sunday to remind us all of the hazards these powerful storms bring. After all, it has been ten years since our state endured a direct hit.
When Director of Florida’s Division of Emergency Management Bryan Koon was asked what he thinks the biggest challenge to Floridians is, he acknowledged the complacency factor. But he was equally - if not more - concerned about the two million new residents that now call Florida home.
“I think lack of awareness if probably a situation we’ve got, at least with some of the new residents of Florida", Koon said. "They have a concept that hurricanes exist, but they don’t know how it’s going to impact their community or home. So that’s step one.”
Bryan and his team of county and city emergency management officials are encouraging everyone to first - identify your risk. Then, you can properly learn how to prepare for it. A website such as HurricaneStrong.org is a great place to start.