FL Division of Emergency Management

🌅 Weekly Weather Watch: Spring Break Edition! A quick-moving cold front brings a few rounds of passing rain & thunderstorms before warm temps return across the state by the weekend. 🚤 Whether you're making beach plans or heading to our City of the Week, West Palm Beach, for the Palm Beach International Boat Show, stay alert for potentially hazardous beach conditions. Be sure to check out the video for key safety tips to help you stay prepared & enjoy your time by the water. 👋 We’ll see you next week for another @FLSERT #WWW!

🌴 Spring break plans? Remember—safety never takes a vacation. 🚗 Traveling? Check the forecast & share your plans 🎒 Bring an emergency kit with water, snacks & a charger 🌊 Outdoors or at the beach? Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen & watch weather conditions Have fun and travel safe this spring break!

🚨 ICYMI: Ep. 7 of The Watch Office is out! In this episode, we take you behind the scenes with the Florida National Guard for a closer look at how they support disaster response across the state. From rapid deployment to coordinated operations, learn how @FLGuard serves as a national model for mobile, flexible response in support of Florida’s communities. 🎧 Missed it? Listen to the full episode here: FloridaDisaster.org/TheWatchOffice

🌴 Spring break is here—& we’re kicking off a week of safety tips to help you enjoy it safely. 🌎 In honor of today being World Meteorological Day, hear from one of our State Meteorologists about the importance of beach & rip current safety. 🏖️ Follow along all week as we share spring break safety tips & visit FloridaDisaster.org/Marine for more info on marine hazards.

🌸 It’s the first day of spring — the perfect time to SPRING into action & make your home fire-wise. 🏠 Clean debris from roof gutters 🌲 Clear flammable debris within 30 feet of your home 💦 Connect garden hoses so they can reach all areas of your house With drought conditions expected to continue or worsen this spring, small steps now can help reduce wildfire risk around your home.

🍀 Don’t rely on luck when it comes to evacuating. Make an evacuation plan now so you’re ready to leave quickly & safely if an emergency occurs. ➡️ Check out FloridaDisaster.org/PlanPrepare for more prep tips!

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.