Hernando County Emergency Management has been busy in preparation for the upcoming hurricane season, which begins June 1.

Hernando County Emergency Management Preparing for 2023 Atlantic Basin Hurricane Season

“Blue skies can be just as busy as the storm itself.” said Emergency Management Director, David DeCarlo. “We have been reviewing plans; hosting exercises; attending training; reviewing best practices; meeting with our contractors; keeping in constant contact with our community partners; and making community hurricane preparedness presentations.

It all culminates with our annual Hurricane & Safety Expo.” The 2023 #HernandoPrepares Hurricane and Safety Expo is slated for Saturday, June 3, 2023, from 9am – 2pm, at Challenger K-8 School, 13400 Elgin Blvd. Spring Hill, FL.

DeCarlo is passionate about preparedness and keeps the safety and well-being of Hernando County residents at the forefront. “While we will do everything we can to help the community with response and recovery to any type of disaster, the citizens must take a proactive approach for their own well-being.”

He urges citizens to prepare now. Make a plan, build a kit, stay informed, and get involved. Preparation is key to survival. Make a plan to where you would evacuate to, if the need arises. Share that plan with family and friends. Especially share that plan with relatives who live out of state. Build your disaster supply kit now. Take advantage of Florida’s Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday and gather the necessary supplies for your kit.

Stay up to date with the latest weather forecast from your own preferred trusted weather source. Hernando County Emergency Management gets their information directly from the National Hurricane Center and the National Weather Service Tampa Bay office. We will communicate that information on our various social media platforms and media outlets.

• Get involved with helping your fellow neighbors prepare for the storm.
• Prepare your home now.
• Trim trees, bring in lawn ornaments, decorations, or patio furniture before the storm hits.
• Minimize your risk for potential damage.
• Review your homeowners’ insurance and know what is in your policy should your home be damaged by a hurricane or tropical storm winds.
• Begin buying water and other non-perishable foods now, a little at a time, to avoid the rush when the storm is imminent and those supplies become scarce.

Know what evacuation zone you live in and learn how storm surge could potentially damage your home and put your life in jeopardy. Storm surge is the number one cause of death directly related to a hurricane. During an evacuation order, general population, pet friendly, and special needs shelters will be
available. But remember, a shelter is a lifeboat, not the love boat. Bring essential personal hygiene items, medications, change of clothes, important papers, and bedding items. You may have to sleep on the floor.

The 2023 #HernandoPrepares Hurricane & Safety Expo will feature vendors that will help citizens prepare for hurricane season, as well as a SKYWARN storm spotter class hosted by NWS’ Dan Noah. Registration for SKYWARN is required and spots are still available; call 352-754-4083 to register.

The Expo will also feature a meteorological panel for a question-and-answer session that will begin at 12pm. In addition to NWS’ Dan Noah, the panel includes Mike Clay of BayNews9, Dave Osterberg with FOX13, and Channel 10’s Bobby Deskins, who will be there to talk about the upcoming hurricane season.

Food trucks, and a HurriKids zone will also be featured, including “touch-a-truck” opportunities. As you are visiting our expo, a live raffle will be held for several different preparedness items donated by our vendors. We will also be giving away a new portable generator and a football signed by Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle, Vita Vea. Admission and parking are free. The Expo will be held from 9am-2pm.
To sign up for Alert Hernando, go to www.AlertHernando.org.
Hernando County’s Disaster Planning Guide, go to www.hernandocounty.us/em
Register for HERricane Camp, go to www.hernandocounty.us/em

For questions or more information, please contact Hernando County Emergency Management at

(352) 754-4083 or visit www.HernandoCounty.us/EM.