FL Division of Emergency Management

Hurricane season begins June 1, don’t wait until a storm is brewing • Check your emergency kit • Know your evacuation zone • Family plan and check on neighbors A little preparation now can make all the difference in high tension moments Learn more at FloridaDisaster.org

🍀 Leave luck to leprechauns — preparedness shouldn’t be left to chance. #MakeAPlan before disaster strikes. 🎒 Pack a disaster supply kit 📞 Create an emergency communications plan for your family 📻 Have multiple ways to receive weather alerts Get started today: FloridaDisaster.org/PlanPrepare

🆕 on The Watch Office: Ep. 7 In this episode, we highlight an essential part of Florida’s emergency management toolkit—the Florida National Guard. When communities need it most, it’s always the @FLGuard’s intent to be first on scene—delivering resources & a steady, reassuring presence for those facing their worst day. 🎙️ Tune in to hear more about it at FloridaDisaster.org/TheWatchOffice

🍀 When it comes to your pets & livestock, don’t leave it up to luck — be prepared. 🐶 Include your animals in your disaster plans & make sure you have a safe way to transport them if evacuation becomes necessary. ➡️ Visit MakeAPetPlan.com to get started.

🌦️ 3/17 Weekly Weather Watch: Storms to start, sunshine to finish! A cold front brings a cooler, stormy start to the week. 🔥 Even with rain, drought persists statewide—keep wildfire safety in mind, especially during cool, dry campfire nights. 🏖️ By the weekend, temps warm up just in time for spring break. If you’re heading to the beach, stay aware of marine conditions & rip current risks—especially in our City of the Week: Destin! ⚡ Storms are a reminder: lightning safety matters. Watch below for quick tips on what to do when thunder roars. We’ll see you next week for another @FLSERT #WWW!

🌈 Don’t get pinched by a disaster — stay prepared year-round! 🍀 Know the disaster risks where you live & work 🍀 Make a plan for your household 🍀 Build a disaster supply kit with enough supplies for 7+ days (don’t forget your pets!) FloridaDisaster.org/PlanPrepare

☘️ Luck won’t keep you safe during a flood — preparedness & smart decisions will. 🌊 Floodwaters can rise quickly & without warning. Never drive or walk through flooded roadways. Turn around, don’t drown. ➡️ Learn more: FloridaDisaster.org/Floods

🚨 3/15: Severe weather is expected to make its way across the Panhandle overnight & continue across North Florida through the start of this week. Hazards may include: 🌬️ Strong gusty winds 🌪️ Tornadoes 🧊 Medium-large hail 💡 Stay alert, weather-wise & ready for whatever rolls in!

🌊 #FloodAwarenessWeek2026 reminds us that flooding isn’t just coastal — Heavy rainfall, storm events & drainage challenges can impact any community — anywhere. Adaptation strategies, resilient infrastructure & informed development are key to long-term sustainability. 🛡️ Preparing today helps protect tomorrow. Flood awareness matters everywhere, so it’s important to stay #FloodReady!

In honor of it being #PiDay, FDEM reminds you that preparedness can be as easy as pi! Just follow these simple steps: 🥧 Make a Plan 🥧 Build a Disaster Supply Kit 🥧 Know Your Zone, Know Your Home Find more ways to prepare at FloridaDisaster.org/PlanPrepare.

❓ #DYK? Wetlands, open space & natural drainage systems help absorb & slow floodwaters. Nature is part of the solution. Resilient communities work with nature—not against it. 🌱 Protecting natural floodplain functions reduces flood risk, improves water quality & supports wildlife. #FloodAwarenessWeek2026 #NatureBasedSolutions

It was great to be back in Washington, D.C. this week for the National Emergency Management Association (NEMA) Mid-Year Forum, joining fellow state emergency management directors from across the country to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing our profession. These conferences are always a valuable opportunity to collaborate, share best practices, and continue strengthening the partnerships that help us better prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate against disasters nationwide. I was also honored to receive the Cornerstone Award from the Disaster Recovery Coalition of America. I’m incredibly grateful for the recognition and the opportunity to work alongside so many dedicated individuals committed to helping communities recover and rebuild stronger after disasters. Florida has a strong team and a state-managed approach that works because of the partnerships we have at every level. Proud to represent Florida and grateful for the continued collaboration with emergency management leaders across the country.

🎙️ Next on The Watch Office… Behind every emergency response is a network of partners trained to act fast & stay ready. We’re taking you inside one of the teams Florida counts on most. Can you guess which one? 💡 Hint: They’re trained, disciplined & get things done at a moment’s notice. 👀 Stay tuned & explore past episodes: FloridaDisaster.org/TheWatchOffice

📢 ICYMI: Emergency Management Day at the Capitol #EMDay2026 🤝 Events like these highlight the collaboration that drives emergency management forward—bringing together professionals, partners & leaders to share priorities and strengthen disaster preparedness & response across Florida. From the continued growth of the profession to innovative milestones like Florida’s new State Emergency Operations Center, the future of emergency management is evolving—with Florida at the forefront.

🛠️ Build Smart. Build Safe. Today’s #FloodAwarenessWeek2026 focus is responsible development that strengthens our entire community. Floodplain regulations & building codes exist to protect lives & property. 📋 If you are planning improvements or new construction, check with your local building department to ensure your project meets current flood requirements. #BuildingSafety #FloodplainManagement #StrongerTogether

☔️ 3/12: Strong to severe thunderstorms are ongoing & may continue through the morning across northeast FL. Remember: When thunder roars, go indoors! ➡️ FloridaDisaster.org/Thunderstorms

🛡️ This #FloodAwarenessWeek2026, protect what matters. Investing in mitigation today can reduce costly damage tomorrow. Small actions can make a big difference: ✔ Elevate utilities & appliances ✔ Install flood vents where required ✔ Keep gutters & drains clear ✔ Consider mitigation improvements #FloodMitigation #ProtectYourProperty #ResilientCommunities

🚨 3/11: A line of strong to severe thunderstorms will begin to enter the Panhandle after midnight tonight. ⚠️ Hazards may include damaging wind gusts, hail & possible tornadoes. 📱 Floridians in the area should stay alert by having multiple ways to receive weather alerts overnight & be ready to seek shelter immediately if a warning is issued.

Your safety is always the top priority, especially when roadways are flooded. When flooding threatens: 🚘 Never drive through flooded roads 🗺️ Follow evacuation orders 🎒 Have an emergency kit ready 🚨 Sign up for local emergency alerts #FloodAwarenessWeek2026 #TurnAroundDontDrown #FloodSafety #ReadyFlorida

🌞 3/10 Weekly Weather Watch: The week starts with near-record warmth before a mid-week cold front brings some rain—then Florida hits the warm button again heading into the weekend. 🎡 Just in time for our City of the Week: Miami, where the Miami-Dade County Fair is underway! If you’re heading out to enjoy the festivities, be sure to stay hydrated in the FL sunshine. 💧 Despite the front, drought conditions persist across the state. Watch below for tips to practice water conservation & we’ll see you next week for another @FLSERT #WWW!