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.[1] Statewide participation is required, with local emergency managers coordinating sessions in high-risk areas like Miami-Dade and Tampa Bay.[6][10] 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.[1][7] 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.[3] The State Assistance Information Line at 1-800-342-3557 stands ready for updates, while special needs shelters serve those requiring medical support.[2] 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.[6] Tampa Bay Water is among utilities refreshing incident training and stockpiling resources.[10] Officials stress learning first aid, CPR and generator safety, alongside pre-storm steps like clearing gutters and elevating appliances to combat inland flooding.[5] The push aligns with the 2025 Hurricane Preparedness Guide from Attorney General Ashley Moody, which directs residents to FloridaDisaster.org for comprehensive planning.[4] 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.