With hurricane season less than two weeks away, Florida is preparing for the worst. The state’s Emergency Operations Center kicked into high gear on Monday, conducting a drill in which a hurricane, train wreck, tornado and plane crash all happen at much the same time.
The purpose was to coordinate the responses of state agencies and other stakeholders.
Florida’s emergency management chief, Bryan Koon, says this year’s drill is especially important because the federal government sequester leaves the state vulnerable.
"The National Guard will be going through some furloughing of personnel, and there is a concern that General Titshaw, the Governor, and I share is that it could reduce our operational readiness for this type of storm", Koon said.
Florida has not been hit by a major hurricane since 2005. Koon says Floridians should remember that disaster can strike any time, and they need to be prepared.