Governor Charlie Crist is encouraging all Floridians to make the final preparations necessary to keep their families, homes, businesses and communities safe during the 2009 Hurricane Season.

“We are blessed to be living in a state surrounded by water and beautiful beaches, but unfortunately that also means we are more vulnerable to hurricanes,” said Governor Crist. “All Floridians must take the necessary precautions to protect themselves, their families, and their property. A storm doesn’t have to be a hurricane to be destructive.”

Governor Crist encouraged all Floridians to visitwww.FloridaDisaster.org where they can find help making business and family plans, tips for protecting property during a storm, checklists for disaster supplies, and pet disaster plans.

Some of the items included on the emergency supply list include:
· Water
· Food – at least enough for 3 to 7 days
o Non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
o Snack foods
o Non-electric can opener
o Cooking tools / fuel
o Paper plates / plastic utensils
· 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

Governor Crist also emphasized the importance of maintaining a supply of necessary prescription drugs along with special food for infants or elders. He encouraged Floridians to document all valuables and to consolidate important personal documents including, bank account numbers, Social Security cards and immunization records in a waterproof container.

The 2009 Hurricane Season begins on Monday, June 1, 2009, and ends on November 30, 2009. For more information on building a customized family or business disaster plan, go to www.FloridaDisaster.org.