Prepare For The Next Storm - Take Early Action Ahead Of Hurricane Season, Starting June 1st

Whether you’re a lifelong Floridian or a recent transplant, it’s vital to understand that it only takes one Hurricane to disrupt lives and cause significant damage. The 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season is forecast to be particularly active, making early preparation more critical than ever. The time to act is now.

Why Early Preparation Matters

Tropical cyclones are among the most powerful and destructive forces of nature. While many associate Hurricanes with wind speeds, it's often the water—storm surge and flooding—that causes the most devastation. The unpredictability of these storms, especially as climate change continues to influence their frequency and intensity, means there’s no room for complacency.

“Preparedness saves lives,” says the Broward County Office of Emergency Management. “It’s not just about stocking up on supplies. It’s about having a plan, staying informed and knowing how to act quickly when a warning is issued.”

From assembling emergency kits to reviewing evacuation zones, there’s a checklist of practical steps every household should complete before the first storm watch is issued. These include:

• Creating a family emergency plan, including meeting points and communication options.

• Assembling a disaster supply kit with essentials like water, non-perishable food, medications, batteries, flashlights and important documents.

• Checking insurance coverage to ensure it includes flood protection.

• Securing your home by trimming trees, checking shutters and understanding how to safely shut off utilities.

• Registering for local alerts.

To help the public better understand and prepare for these hazards, Broward County is partnering with local institutions for a series of engaging and educational events.

Eye of the Storm Exhibit: May 31st

Join the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS), the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) and Florida International University’s (FIU) International Hurricane Research Center (IHRC) on Saturday, May 31, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., for “Eye of the Storm” - a FREE, action-packed day of family-friendly education, museum exploration and hurricane preparedness.

“With hurricane season rapidly approaching on June 1, it’s a good practice to be prepared for extreme weather and to understand the wealth of expert resources available in case of an emergency,” said Joseph P. Cox, President and CEO of MODS. “We are proud to be Broward County’s dynamic Hub for Resilience Education and we’re grateful to FIU and the FDEM for their support in helping us champion engagement, education and action for sustainability, resilience and overall safety during storm season.”

Future Storm Chasers can participate in family-friendly activities including:

• Presentations and Demonstrations by Hurricane Experts

• International Hurricane Protection Association (IHPA) Air Cannon Missile Demonstrations

• FIU Wind Engineering

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Hurricane Hunters

• Live Weather Theater Shows

• Local TV Meteorologists

• A Kids Zone

• Weather Safety

• Weather Arts & Crafts

• Storytime

• Mascot Meet-and-Greets

• MODS Weather Science Demos and All-Day Museum Exploration

• Emergency Vehicle "Touch a Truck" and Meet & Greet with South Florida First Responders

Families can explore sustainability and climate adaptation in Florida’s Climate Future City, sponsored by the Environmental Defense Fund. Guests can design and test resilient cities built to withstand extreme weather. Young meteorologists (ages 0-6) can discover how hurricanes form and create “My Hero Helper” portraits.

“We’re proud to once again partner with FDEM and MODS to make critical hurricane science, mitigation, and preparedness education accessible to the entire community,” said Erik Salna, Associate Director for Education and Outreach at FIU’s Extreme Events Institute and International Hurricane Research Center and host of “Eye of the Storm.” “South Florida is one of the most hurricane-prone regions in the country and knowledge is power. This event brings together residents, leading hurricane experts, emergency management and community relief agencies for an interactive experience that empowers families with the tools, insights and resources they need to prepare effectively and build resilience before the next storm strikes.”

Admission to MODS during the “Eye of the Storm” event is FREE thanks to the generous sponsors of FIU-IHRC and FDEM.

To register, please visit: mods.org/eyeofthestorm or onsite at the Museum box office upon arrival.

Hurricane Preparedness Open House: June 14th

For those seeking more in-depth guidance, the Office of Emergency Management will host its Annual Hurricane Preparedness Open House on Saturday, June 14th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center, located at 2650 Sistrunk Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33311.

This event provides an opportunity for residents to connect directly with emergency management professionals, gather essential resources and receive personalized advice. It will feature:

• Emergency preparedness presentations

• Demonstrations of weather and communication tools

• Distribution of printed hurricane guides

• Free giveaways and family activities

The Open House is designed to empower all members of the community—homeowners, renters, business owners and even seasonal visitors—to feel confident and informed heading into Hurricane Season.

For more information about the events, or to request assistance, call: (954) 831-3900.

The countdown to Hurricane Season has begun and the risks are real!