Red Cross Hurricane Season Kickoff is Held in Tallahassee
The Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross held its annual Hurricane Season Kick-Off this past Friday morning, June 1, 2007 at their offices in Tallahassee. Members of the media listened intently as emergency management officials spoke about the upcoming hurricane season and what local citizens can do to better prepare themselves, their homes, and their businesses.
Representatives from the Red Cross, the Leon County Emergency Management Divisions, the Leon County Sheriff's Departments, the National Weather Service of Tallahassee, Ability 1st, the City of Tallahassee, and Comcast were at the event to voice their concerns and give advice for the upcoming season.
Red Cross Emergency Services Director Chris Floyd (pictured at left) welcomed everyone to the event, and asked everyone present to introduce themselves to the media. Floyd noted that an extra effort will be made this year to help the disabled community be better able to take care of themselves in the event of a storm emergency. A translator interpreted all that Floyd and the other speakers said with sign language so that members of the deaf community could fully participate in the kickoff. "We want to have a strong community partnership in place this year," said Floyd.
Leon County Commissioner Ed dePuy noted that our area is expected to have 17 named storms this year, with at least nine of them reaching hurricane status. "Emergency teams are assembled and ready to go," said dePuy. "We must all be prepared and ready in advance."
City of Tallahassee Mayor John Marks advised residents to take advantage of the hurricane supplies tax free shopping period, which runs from June 1st through June 12th. "Make plans with your family of what you will do if a storm hits," said Marks. He noted that a joint dispatch center is in the planning stages, and will be built in the city of Tallahassee, barring a deep tax cut. "We will also be a focal point if a storm hits one of our neighbors," added Marks. "We must be ready to help them, as well. He ended by thanking Chris Floyd and the Red Cross for all they do.
Captain Leroy Johnson of the Leon County Sheriff's Department commented that residents should have a family plan. "Don't gamble; prepare now," said Johnson. "Remember, it's not if a hurricane will come, it's when a hurricane will come."
Richard Smith, Director of Leon County Emergency Management Services, displayed the 2007 Hurricane Survival Guide. "This guide is an excellent tool that will help your family put an emergency plan together," said Smith. "Be prepared - and that means your home, your family, and yourself. Take advantage of the tax free days and get your emergency supplies now."
Comm. Ed dePuy
Mayor John Marks
Capt. Leroy Johnson
Richard Smith, EMS
Bob Goree of the National Weather Service Tallahassee Forecast Office
noted that last year's storm forecast called for an active season, but
most of the storms steered out to sea. "Last year's El Nino helped
suppress cyclone activity," said Goree, "but this year we have
favorable conditions for an active season." Goree noted that ten
hurricanes are expected, with three to five major hurricanes in the
Atlantic Basin.
Judith Barrett of Ability 1st, the Center for Independent Living in North Florida, commented that an effort is being made to reach out better to the disabled community. "We are working to distribute more disaster preparedness materials for the special needs community," said Barrett, "and all risk shelters are now ADA compliant." She added that the Red Cross has redesigned its shelter regsitration form to better reflect the needs of the disabled. The Red Cross also plans to teach a class to volunteers called "Serving People with Disabilities Following a Disaster."
Barb Edwards of Comcast noted that her company will be working in partnership with the Red Cross. "Our first partnership begins on June 15," said Edwards. "We will be presenting 'Hurricane on the Bayou', an IMAX movie about how New Orleans dealt with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina." She explained that more information could be obtained about the movie by visiting the Red Cross website. "Comcast will also continue to be a local weather source," added Edwards.
Bob Goree, NWS
Judith Barrett with Ability 1st Team
Barb Edwards, Comcast
Chris Floyd of the Red Cross ended the presentation by thanking everyone for coming. "Let's all hope for a quiet 2007 season," said Floyd.
The Hurricane Survival Guide will be available at local area businesses in both Wakulla and Leon counties, as well as the Wakulla County Sheriff's Office and the Wakulla County Courthouse.
This information originally published on June 5, 2007.
Outdoors 
Red Cross Emergency Services Director Chris Floyd 
City of Tallahassee Mayor John Marks advised residents to take advantage of the hurricane supplies tax free shopping period, which runs from June 1st through June 12th. "Make plans with your family of what you will do if a storm hits," said Marks. He noted that a joint dispatch center is in the planning stages, and will be built in the city of Tallahassee, barring a deep tax cut. "We will also be a focal point if a storm hits one of our neighbors," added Marks. "We must be ready to help them, as well. He ended by thanking Chris Floyd and the Red Cross for all they do.
Judith Barrett of Ability 1st, the Center for Independent Living in North Florida, commented that an effort is being made to reach out better to the disabled community. "We are working to distribute more disaster preparedness materials for the special needs community," said Barrett, "and all risk shelters are now ADA compliant." She added that the Red Cross has redesigned its shelter regsitration form to better reflect the needs of the disabled. The Red Cross also plans to teach a class to volunteers called "Serving People with Disabilities Following a Disaster."
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