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Courtesy photo.
Editor's Note: Here is Gov. Charlie Crist's Notes From the Capitol for the week ending June 4:
Dear Friends,
As hurricane season begins, we in Florida must continue being prepared and remain vigilant. We are blessed to live in a state surrounded by water and beautiful beaches. However, that privilege also means we are vulnerable to hurricanes.
A recent national poll indicates residents have significant gaps in their knowledge of hurricane preparedness. Forty-five percent of those surveyed indicate they do not feel vulnerable to damage from a hurricane or a tornado or flooding related to hurricanes. In addition, 53 percent of people believe this hurricane season will be about the same or less active than last year.
Hurricanes are unpredictable, and no one is immune. A single storm can cause billions of dollars in damages, but it can also cost human lives. We know from experience that when people are adequately prepared, they are more likely to be safer and have the ability to recover more quickly than those who do not take action to prepare ahead of time.
I remind Floridians to take time to put together a disaster preparedness kit and develop a plan to keep your family safe. Residents on the coast should become familiar with the evacuation routes in their area. I also encourage you to check to make sure you have adequate insurance coverage. Take personal responsibility for yourself, your family and your pets. In doing so, you will enable first responders to focus on helping the most vulnerable residents.
We also continue to monitor the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and its potential threat to Florida’s economy and environment. I applaud the hard work of the Florida Division of Emergency Management and the Department of Environmental Protection, as well as our local emergency managers. The countless efforts of those who are tirelessly working to prepare our state for any impacts we may see from the oil.
May God bless and protect the beautiful Sunshine State.
Charlie Crist