Florida Launches Mandatory Hurricane Drills Across All 67 Counties

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Florida's Division of Emergency Management kicked off mandatory public safety drills across the state's 67 counties this week, aiming to bolster hurricane preparedness as the June 1 season opener nears. Initially reported by WPLG Local 10, the drills emphasize hands-on training for evacuations, sheltering and supply stocking, drawing from lessons of recent devastating storms. Statewide participation is required, with local emergency managers coordinating sessions in high-risk areas like Miami-Dade and Tampa Bay.

Residents are urged to assemble disaster kits with at least seven days of non-perishable food, water, medications, batteries and pet supplies, a benchmark set after assessing damages from prior hurricanes. Key tools include the FLGetAPlan app for family emergency plans, Know Your Zone for evacuation checks and the Florida 511 system for real-time traffic during escapes. The State Assistance Information Line at 1-800-342-3557 stands ready for updates, while special needs shelters serve those requiring medical support.

In South Florida hotspots like Miami-Dade County, drills simulate storm surges and flooding, where mobile homes and RVs offer no safe haven from hurricane-force winds. Tampa Bay Water is among utilities refreshing incident training and stockpiling resources. Officials stress learning first aid, CPR and generator safety, alongside pre-storm steps like clearing gutters and elevating appliances to combat inland flooding.

The push aligns with the 2025 Hurricane Preparedness Guide from Attorney General Ashley Moody, which directs residents to FloridaDisaster.org for comprehensive planning. As forecasts predict an active season, these drills aim to minimize casualties and chaos, ensuring Florida's 22 million residents from the Panhandle to the Keys act decisively when orders come.