The Atlantic Hurricane season continues to grow closer and on June 1st it becomes official.  Hurricane Ian is an example of the tremendous impact that one tropical cyclone can have on Central Florida residents, so preparation is key to safety each year.

Osceola County residents are urged to prepare for the 2023 hurricane season now. One opportunity is the Hurricane Expo today, Saturday, May 20 from 10am to 1pm at the Kissimmee Civic Center hosted by the County’s Office of Emergency Management.

Osceola County residents should also be mindful of the state’s sales tax holiday, which begins May 27 and runs through June 9. The State of Florida will host a second sales tax holiday, August 26 – September 8, 2023, just prior to the peak of hurricane season.

“Our team was tested last year and I’m grateful for their continued dedication and preparation. Their vigilance and planning help keep our community safe when hurricanes and other emergencies arise,” Osceola Commission Chairwoman Viviana Janer said. “Residents should create an emergency plan and gather supplies for themselves and their families in case a storm comes our way.”

All residents should prepare for hurricane season by creating a plan and a disaster supply kit, securing personal property and having a place to go in the event of an evacuation, including arrangements for pets.

Learn more at http://readyosceola.org.

“We encourage our residents to take this time before hurricane season to review their homeowners or rental policies and be knowledgeable about coverage, including deductibles,” said Janer. “It also is important to clean up brush and trees around your home, so they do not become hazards. Most importantly review your emergency plans and replenish your family’s disaster kit so you aren’t rushing to find supplies when a storm is sitting off the Florida coast.”

Residents with concerns about storm drains, roadside drainage ditches, drainage culverts and large outfall ditches should call 407-742-7500 to report issues.

The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and concludes November 30.

“Now is the time to prepare your families for this hurricane season, to make plans if you live in a low lying/flood prone area and where you will go if you must evacuate your home,” said Emergency Management Director Bill Litton. “Please use the next couple of weeks to build your home disaster kit to include at least 5 days of food/water, a first aid kit, prescription medications, a battery-operated radio and flashlight.  Do not wait to gather your supplies.”

Colorado State University hurricane researchers are predicting a slightly below-average Atlantic hurricane season in 2023, citing the likely development of El Niño as a primary factor. NOAA will issue its outlook for the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season on Thursday, May 25.

Officials urge residents to stay informed by monitoring weather reports and by receiving emergency phone alerts through Osceola’s free AlertOsceola service, by texting the word “alertosceola” to 888777.