SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – Do you know how to tarp a roof or where to place your generator if you lose power? You may need to know when a hurricane hits.
Experts are predicting the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is likely to be more active, which is why Seminole County wants families to be prepared.
Our News 6 crew met with Emergency Manager Alan Harris as the county prepares to hold its first-ever Hurricane Action Day on Saturday, June 22.
“You know, we don’t want people to get scared about that. We want people to be prepared,” said Harris. “If you have a plan, you know what you’re going to do. It’s less stress.”
Harris says people who attend Saturday’s event can pick various presentations to attend where they can learn from the experts about post-disaster mental health, legal assistance, effective volunteer communication, etc.
There will also be hands-on instruction where you can learn how to safely use chainsaws, generators, and similar equipment that may be needed after a hurricane hits.
“We were doing hurricane expos, and we would have a couple people come by, maybe pick up a couple pamphlets,” said Harris. “This is actually teaching people how to be safe. Actual hands-on demonstrations. From how to tarp a roof, to generators, to chainsaws, because all of those are going to be used post-hurricane.”
Harris says the event is designed for anyone to attend, whether you are a seasoned Floridian or new to Florida.
He shared his advice to people this time of year.
“Of course, prepare. Get a plan together. Get a kit together, but specifically for this event don’t learn how to do your chainsaw post-hurricane, learn now. Don’t learn where to place your generator post-storm, do it now, so that you already have a plan in action,” said Harris.
The event is funded through the American Red Cross (ARC) Long-Term Recovery Capacity Building Grant. The grant was awarded to the county following Hurricane Ian with the goal of expanding the abilities of Seminole H.E.A.R.T.; a volunteer organization dedicated to assisting those in need during declared disasters.
The first-ever Hurricane Action Day will be held at Harvest Time International at 225 Harvest Time Dr. You should register online beforehand at the event registration page.
Attendees will be able to pick and choose which presentations or demonstrations will best serve them. You can see the full agenda below:
- 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.: Registration / Coffee / Breakfast
- 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.: National Weather Service - 2024 Hurricane Season Outlook. Will Ulrich - Warning Coordination Meteorologist
- 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.: Disaster Legal Services - Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida. James Coleman, CEM
- 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.: Mental Health in Disasters. Central Florida Cares
- 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Building Your Emergency 72-Hour Kit. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
- 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Disaster Equipment & Safety Demonstrations
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