Florida officials gather at the Eye of the Storm event to urge residents to make final preparations for hurricane season

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – With the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season officially beginning on June 1, state officials are urging Floridians to take hurricane preparedness seriously. At a public event hosted by the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) on Friday, leaders emphasized the importance of planning and early action as hurricane threats loom on the horizon.

Held at the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) in Fort Lauderdale, the annual “Eye of the Storm” event drew residents, families, and weather experts together under one roof with a singular mission—readiness. The event served as both a community outreach initiative and an educational platform, delivering powerful messages through live weather science demonstrations, interactive exhibits, and expert-led safety presentations.

FDEM Executive Director Kevin Guthrie stood before the crowd to deliver a message of urgency: “Hurricane season is here, and preparation should be a priority for residents. Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida is well-prepared with the resources needed to support communities through whatever this hurricane season brings. Each hurricane season is unique, so I strongly encourage all Floridians to complete their plans now to ensure that you and your family can weather any storm safely.”

Guthrie was joined by Major General John D. Haas, the Adjutant General of Florida, further emphasizing the close coordination between civilian agencies and the state’s National Guard in storm response efforts. The event underscored a sobering reality: hurricanes are unpredictable, and Floridians need to take personal responsibility to ensure their families are prepared before the skies darken.

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Though the peak of hurricane activity typically arrives in September, the danger begins much earlier. From June 1 through November 30, tropical systems can form at any time and develop rapidly. That unpredictability is why officials stress the need for early and thorough preparation.

The state’s readiness campaign focuses on five crucial steps that every resident should take now, not later.

First, “Know Your Zone, Know Your Home” encourages Floridians to determine whether they live in an evacuation zone or in a structure vulnerable to wind and flooding. Officials urge residents to review their property’s risk factors at FloridaDisaster.org/Know, and consider evacuation options in advance.

Second, making a personalized emergency plan is essential, especially for households with seniors, people with disabilities, or others with special medical needs. Those requiring special assistance are advised to sign up for the Special Needs Registry at FloridaDisaster.org/SNR. “By making a plan, you can keep you and your loved ones safe this hurricane season,” the campaign notes.

Third, assembling a fully stocked disaster supply kit remains one of the most basic—and most crucial—elements of preparedness. Residents are advised to include enough water, non-perishable food, medications, batteries, and emergency tools to last every family member (including pets) at least seven days. A complete checklist is available at FloridaDisaster.org/Kit.

Fourth, the state’s message of “If You’re Halfway Full, You’re Halfway There” is directed at both gasoline and electric vehicle users. The idea is simple—keeping fuel tanks and EV batteries partially charged ensures a quick escape when evacuation orders are given. Running on empty could mean getting stranded in gridlock or gas shortages.

Fifth, and perhaps most critically, residents are urged to “Evacuate Tens of Miles, Not Hundreds.” Rather than fleeing across the state or beyond, emergency officials recommend seeking shelter in a nearby safe zone. This strategy reduces traffic congestion, shortens travel time, and can save lives in high-stress situations.

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The public outreach doesn’t end at live events like Eye of the Storm. FDEM continues to expand its digital and social media presence, urging residents to follow their Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter) accounts for real-time updates and tips. The agency’s website, FloridaDisaster.org/Guide, also hosts a downloadable hurricane preparedness guide packed with up-to-date information and resources.

Beyond the five-step plan, Floridians were reminded of the specific hazards hurricanes bring, many of which pose deadly risks well beyond the storm’s initial landfall.

Tornadoes and damaging winds can knock out power, topple trees, and flatten structures. FDEM urges residents to rely on battery-operated or hand-crank weather radios and to sign up for localized alerts at FloridaDisaster.org/AlertFlorida. Staying informed can be the difference between safety and disaster.

Flooding and storm surge are among the most dangerous and deceptive threats. Officials cautioned against driving or walking through floodwaters, stressing the widely repeated warning: “Turn around, don’t drown!” Even a foot of floodwater can sweep away vehicles, and just six inches can knock a person off their feet.

Guthrie emphasized that each storm has unique characteristics and unpredictable behavior. “It is important to consider the risks associated with each of these hazards and plan ahead for what to do if a hurricane threatens your community,” he said.

Meanwhile, museumgoers at MODS were treated to a rare hands-on learning experience. Children participated in science demos explaining storm formation, while adults asked questions about evacuation routes, local shelter availability, and insurance coverage. Representatives from emergency agencies, weather services, and the Red Cross were on hand to provide expert advice and resources.

“It’s great to see so many families here taking this seriously,” one attendee said. “It’s easy to forget how dangerous hurricanes can be when the weather is calm, but events like this bring it all into focus.”

The stakes are especially high for a state like Florida, which has seen its fair share of destructive hurricanes in recent years. Past storms like Irma, Michael, and Ian have left lasting scars across the peninsula and served as grim reminders of nature’s power. State officials made clear that another major storm could hit at any time—and that readiness is everyone’s responsibility.

In the words of Director Guthrie, “Preparation should be a priority for residents.” The goal is clear: get ready, stay safe, and don’t wait until it’s too late.

For Floridians unsure where to begin, the Florida Hurricane Guide and other resources at FloridaDisaster.org offer a step-by-step starting point. Whether it’s checking evacuation zones, updating a supply kit, or signing up for emergency alerts, now is the time to act.

Because when the winds start to howl and the rain begins to fall, the best defense is preparation made long before the storm ever arrives.