Florida Republican Sen. Rick Scott released a video with Weather Channel Meteorologist Jim Cantore urging Floridians to prepare for the upcoming 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season.
Hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30.
"This hurricane season, I urge all Floridians to take the time to make sure that their families and businesses are prepared for a storm," Scott said. "Throughout my eight years as Governor and now as your United States Senator, I have seen firsthand the destruction left behind by multiple devastating hurricanes – Milton, Helene, Debby, Idalia, Fiona, Ian, Michael, Irma, Hermine, and Matthew."
Last September, Hurricane Helene made landfall along Florida's Big Bend region. Just weeks later, Hurricane Milton hit Siesta Key on the southwest Gulf Coast.
Both were major Hurricanes (Category 3 or higher) when they hit the state. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Hurricane Helene was the deadliest Hurricane to hit the U.S. mainland since Katrina in 2005.
Furthermore, Helene killed over 250 people and caused nearly $79 billion in damages. About 34 people (directly or indirectly) were killed in Florida.
Just weeks later, Hurricane Milton brought up to 10 feet of storm surge to the Gulf Coast. The storm also spawned dozens of tornadoes, including one in Martin and St. Lucie counties on the east coast.
Milton killed at least 15 people directly and at least 27 indirectly in Florida and caused over $34 billion in total damages.
Sen. Scott also gave some tips for Floridians to prepare before, during, and after a hurricane. They include:
- Preparing an evacuation plan
- Stocking up on water, specifically one gallon per person for seven days
- Food for seven days, particularly canned and non-perishable
- Flashlights and batteries
- First aid kit and medication needs
- Cash on hand
- Pet supplies and care items
- Stay away from windows
- Mindful of debris and down powerlines after the storm
"Florida is resilient because we prepare for storms. I cannot stress this enough: preparedness saves lives," Scott added.
