Since 1851, Florida has been known as the “most hurricane-prone state”, according to worldpopularreview.com. In response to past damages, Florida has developed a plan for its residents to better prepare and educate those who need it.

      Hurricane preparation is important for those living in Florida, from understanding the mitigation plans to knowing which shelter to evacuate to in a state of emergency. As hurricane season continues to wrap up, having a plan on how to handle weather emergencies is still urgent.

      In 2020, the city of Saint Cloud published a mitigation plan, a 290-page document explaining just how Florida is going to limit the severity of damages from future storms. It lists all the statistics of storm and housing information for the city. According to Osceola.org, where you can find Osceola county’s important information, the plan’s purpose is to “make the population, neighborhoods, businesses, and institutions of the community more resistant to the potential impacts of future disasters.” This plan also includes multiple urgent topics, such as; goals, revisions, and records referring to Osceola County. The plan states, “The Office of Emergency Management assessed the various hazards and vulnerabilities, including historical records and current data, to provide a community-based analysis.” By keeping data up to date to make sure there is nothing else needing repairs, they are able to protect the community.

      These types of documents contribute to the city’s safety in many ways. One of the main solutions start on page 58 of the plan, where flood plans begin. In 2022, overnight, Hurricane Ian caused Lake Toho to overflow in the north region. The Osceola News Gazette stated, “More than 4,000 addresses of residents who live in floodplain areas that may be impacted by flood waters have been notified.” A portion of Saint Cloud was aware that flooding damage was a big issue, to the point where Saint Cloud City workers were going door to door to assist with any evacuation. in 2017, during Hurricane Irma, the Good Samaritan Village was flooded, causing an estimate of $30 million worth of damage according to the mitigation plan. That is approximately 800 people’s property including 365 seniors. The plan includes solutions to these floodings and to prevent future damage. The most important pieces go into preventing the development of the community in high-risk areas, adopting development regulations, enforcing building codes, and improving household disaster preparedness. Keeping up to date on the city's mitigation plan and shelters is very important to the city.

      When preparing for a hurricane, most people think about food, water, and batteries. However, there is more to pay attention to than just the necessities. The official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security runs an entire website for provide recommendations, at www.ready.gov. House preparations is one of the most important items on the preparation checklist which includes having hazard insurance in case of emergencies, storing all loose items away, ensuring nearby trees are trimmed in case they fall, and more. Also, it’s important to have the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radios readily available since electronics are not reliable during a natural disaster. Due to their importance, these radio stations have also been placed in schools, government buildings, parks, and more.

      Keeping up to date with information about storms is also key to ensure safety and stability. Without enough information, you may not prepare to the fullest. Without final preparations, severe damages are possible including water leaks, damaged roofs, and loss of property. These can be avoidable if kept up with safety measures.

      Overall, hurricanes can be a danger to property and human safety. To stay protected from the forecast, make sure to stay informed, stay ready, and do research into the different precautions you can take.