Special Sales at Participating Retailers to Help Prepare for Hurricane Season

Governor Charlie Crist today joined state and local emergency managers and the Florida Retail Federation to promote Florida Hurricane Preparedness Week, May 25-31, 2008.  He announced that some Florida retailers will be hosting special sales on hurricane supplies, beginning Friday, May 30, and continuing through June 8. Governor Crist and officials also accompanied Sandra Jackson of St. Petersburg and three of her children to shop for hurricane supplies at the Home Depot in St. Petersburg.

“Florida retailers have stepped up to the plate during tough times to help Floridians get ready for this hurricane season,” said Governor Crist.  “We applaud their commitment and partnership to the safety of all who call the Sunshine State home.”

The Governor announced that the Florida Lottery and the Florida Retail Federation have partnered with Emergency Management this year to increase public awareness efforts across the state.  Emergency supply lists will be available in more than 13,000 Lottery retailers from the Panhandle to the Keys.  The Florida Lottery will also work with its existing broadcast media partners to place preparedness messages in both English and Spanish during select television and radio events.

“Florida is a great place to live, work and play,” said Governor Crist.  “However, with this paradise comes the responsibility for all who call the Sunshine State home to get a plan and prepare for the 2008 Hurricane Season.”

Rick McAllister, president and chief executive officer of the Florida Retail Federation, explained how retailers across the state have stocked their shelves with emergency supplies, and they encourage residents to visit stores in their local community to get prepared for the upcoming hurricane season.

“Floridians can use the emergency supply list as they prepare themselves and their families for any type of disaster, especially hurricanes,” said McAllister.  “We encourage everyone to check and replenish their emergency supplies so they are ready before an event happens.”

All of the participating Florida retailers are actively engaged in hurricane and disaster preparedness.  Some Florida retailers will make special savings available on common disaster-supply items during the 10-day event.  Check your local newspapers for the sales and promotional prices that may be taking place in your area.

“All Floridians need to get a plan and prepare to the best of their ability,” said Craig Fugate, director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management.  “Residents should stock up on emergency supplies for the hurricane season.”

Some of the items included on the emergency supply list include:

                  ·       Flashlights and portable, self-powered light sources
                  ·       Portable radios, two-way radios and NOAA weather-band radios
                  ·       Flexible waterproof sheeting (tarps)
                  ·       Gas or diesel fuel containers
                  ·       Batteries
                  ·       Medications
                  ·       Ice chests or other food storage coolers
                  ·       Portable generators
                  ·       Carbon monoxide detectors
                  ·       Storm shutter devices
                  ·       Pet carrier and supplies

Florida Hurricane Preparedness Week is running in conjunction with National Hurricane Preparedness Week activities being conducted across Florida and other coastal states.  For more information go to www.FloridaDisaster.org or  http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/intro.shtml .  The 2008 Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 through November 30, 2008.  

This information originally published on May 27, 2008.

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