KISSIMMEE, Fla. — As the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season approaches, Osceola County Emergency Management is taking proactive steps to ensure residents are ready, hosting its annual “Before the Storm” preparedness event on Saturday at the NeoCity OC Building.
The free community event, held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 194 NeoCity Way, brought together local agencies, emergency officials, and weather experts to provide critical information and resources aimed at helping families prepare ahead of hurricane season, which officially runs from June 1 through November 30, 2026.
Designed to be both informative and interactive, “Before the Storm 2026” offered residents the opportunity to learn how to safeguard their homes, build emergency kits, and develop family preparedness plans well before any storm threats develop.
Throughout the day, attendees participated in a series of expert-led sessions focused on key aspects of storm readiness. Topics included flooding preparedness, emergency response coordination, animal care during disasters, and post-storm recovery efforts.
A highlight of the event was the Emergency Management panel, which featured Osceola County Emergency Management Director Bill Litton, Florida Division of Emergency Management Executive Director Kevin Guthrie, National Weather Service Meteorologist Will Ulrich, and WESH 2 meteorologist Tony Manolfi. The panel provided insights into storm forecasting, response strategies, and the importance of early preparation.
Officials also encouraged residents to take advantage of tools designed to keep them informed before, during, and after severe weather. One of the most effective ways to stay connected is by signing up for Alert Osceola, the county’s emergency notification system that delivers time-sensitive alerts and preparedness information directly to your phone, email, or mobile device.
Residents can register for Alert Osceola here:
👉 https://member.everbridge.net/453003085614910/login
Additional sessions addressed the growing concern of flooding risks in Central Florida, as well as how residents can protect pets and livestock during severe weather. The event concluded with guidance on navigating recovery efforts after a storm, including accessing resources and returning to normalcy safely.
Osceola County officials emphasized that preparation now can significantly reduce the impact of storms later, encouraging residents to take advantage of available resources and stay informed throughout the season.
“Before the Storm” continues to serve as a vital community initiative, reinforcing the county’s commitment to safety, resilience, and readiness as hurricane season approaches.
EN ESPAÑOL 🇪🇸
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — El evento gratuito “Before the Storm 2026” se llevó a cabo el sábado en el NeoCity OC Building, brindando a los residentes del Condado Osceola herramientas e información clave para prepararse ante la temporada de huracanes del Atlántico 2026, que inicia el 1 de junio.
Organizado por Manejo de Emergencias del Condado Osceola, el evento incluyó sesiones sobre inundaciones, preparación familiar, cuidado de mascotas y recuperación después de una tormenta, además de un panel con expertos en clima y emergencias.
Las autoridades también destacaron la importancia de registrarse en Alert Osceola, el sistema de notificaciones que envía alertas y actualizaciones directamente a su teléfono o correo electrónico.
👉 Regístrese aquí: https://member.everbridge.net/453003085614910/login
EM PORTUGUÊS 🇧🇷
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — O evento gratuito “Before the Storm 2026” aconteceu no sábado no NeoCity OC Building, oferecendo aos moradores do Condado de Osceola informações e recursos essenciais para se prepararem para a temporada de furacões do Atlântico de 2026, que começa em 1º de junho.
Organizado pela Gestão de Emergências do Condado de Osceola, o evento contou com sessões sobre inundações, preparação familiar, cuidados com animais e recuperação após tempestades, além de um painel com especialistas em clima e emergências.
As autoridades também destacaram a importância de se inscrever no Alert Osceola, sistema que envia alertas e informações importantes diretamente para celular ou e-mail.
👉 Cadastre-se aqui: https://member.everbridge.net/453003085614910/login
