BUNNELL, Fla. – As another Atlantic hurricane season begins, Flagler County Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord has a simple message for residents – prepare now, regardless of what forecasters predict.

While seasonal outlooks suggest hurricane activity could be near or slightly below average, Lord cautions against complacency.

“People will see something like that and think hurricanes aren’t going to happen,” Lord said. “It only takes one storm to impact our community. That storm could be devastating.”

History supports his warning. Hurricane Andrew struck Florida during one of the quietest hurricane seasons on record, yet became one of the most destructive storms in state history.

For Flagler County residents, preparedness starts long before a storm appears on the radar.

“We want our residents to not wait until the disaster strikes and say, ‘What am I going to do?’” Lord said. “Know what your options are.”

Emergency Management encourages every household to have four key components in place:

  • A disaster supply kit

  • A family disaster plan

  • Registration with Alert Flagler

  • A clear understanding of evacuation zones and shelter options

Lord emphasized that residents should think beyond hurricanes and prepare for any emergency.

“Have a disaster kit, not a hurricane kit, but a disaster kit for year-round preparedness,” he said during the media hurricane roundtable on Friday, May 29 at the Flagler Emergency Operations Center.

He also encourages residents to create backup plans with friends, relatives, or nearby accommodations before an evacuation order is issued.

“If you’re not in an evacuation zone, we really do want you to stay put and stay in your home,” Lord explained. “If we believe there’s a risk to your life, we’re going to tell your neighborhood to evacuate based on the science from the National Hurricane Center.”

Perhaps most importantly, residents should sign up for Alert Flagler, the county’s emergency notification system.

“We truly, truly need people to provide us their contact information,” Lord said. “When we have to warn you about severe weather or evacuate an area, we need folks to independently sign up.”

Preparation may not stop a hurricane, but it can dramatically reduce its impact.

As Lord reminds residents every year, the forecast doesn’t matter nearly as much as readiness.

“It only takes one storm.”

For more information on the Emergency Preparedness Guide, Sheltering Information, Special Needs Shelters, Community Training, and more, click here.

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