Ready for hurricane season? Marion Health Department urges all residents to prepare.

Hurricane season is underway, and the Florida Department of Health in Marion County is encouraging all residents and visitors to prepare for severe weather emergencies.

"It's time for every Florida resident and visitor to prepare for hurricane season and put a plan in place," said State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo. "With this week being the start of hurricane season, it is a great opportunity for Floridians to obtain essential supplies and prepare for possible impacts of hurricane weather."

Make a Plan

During an emergency or disaster, residents may lose access to basic services, such as power and water, and be subject to limited or no access to essentials like food and water. Visit the Florida Department of Emergency Management's "Plan and Prepare" webpage for guidance on making an emergency plan for a family or business.

Sales Tax Holiday for Disaster-Preparedness Supplies

The sales tax holiday began on Saturday, May 27, 2023, and it extends through Friday, June 9, 2023. During this sales tax holiday period, residents can save money while stocking up on critical supplies.

Make a Kit

The Florida Division of Emergency Management recommends that residents maintain a well-stocked emergency preparedness kit to last for a minimum of seven days.

Disaster supply kits can differ based on personal needs for each individual and family. Here is a list of the basic items that all residents are encouraged to include in their kit:

Know the Location of Shelters

The time may arise when residents need to evacuate their home to go to a safer place. In certain situations, it may be safest to evacuate to a more secure location like a shelter. A hurricane evacuation shelter is a refuge of last resort; a place to go for those who are unable to evacuate to a hotel or the home of a relative, friend, or co-worker. Hurricane shelters are also available for people who have no other place to go.

A list of open shelters can be viewed on the Florida Division of Emergency Management's "Shelters" webpage.

For those who are caring for an individual with a disability or special need, such as a medical condition that requires assistance but not hospitalization, it is important to pre-register with the Florida Special Needs Shelter Registry. This registry allows local emergency management officials to provide important information and quick assistance during an emergency.

Anyone who is eligible for a Special Needs Shelter is encouraged to have an emergency preparedness kit that includes the following:

Stay Connected

During severe weather and other emergencies, the toll-free State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) is activated to provide accurate and up-to-date information on emergency or disaster situations impacting Florida. The SAIL hotline is: 1-800-342-3557.

For more information, visit the Florida Department of Health's "Emergency Information" webpage.