Eye of The Storm: Learn Hurricane Science, Mitigation & Preparedness

The FREE, family-friendly event will give you a chance to meet hurricane experts, meteorologists and first responders face to face and explore the latest weather technology, sponsored by the Florida Division of Emergency Management and FIU's International Hurricane Research Center.

“Learning about the science of hurricanes, tornadoes and flash floods can be fun and exciting, but as tropical residents know, preparedness and recovery resources are invaluable,” said Joseph P. Cox, president and CEO of MODS. “As Broward County’s dynamic Hub for Resilience Education, we are committed to sharing community resources, solutions and avenues of support during this year’s hurricane season and beyond. We are pleased to partner with FIU and the FDEM to present this annual free event offering the most up-to-date science and information to help keep families safe and protected during the upcoming storm season.”

“We're thrilled to collaborate again with FDEM and MODS to present crucial hurricane science, mitigation and preparedness,” 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.” “Our event at MODS will bring together South Florida residents with leading hurricane experts, local emergency management and community relief agencies for an interactive educational experience.”

Future Storm Chasers will experience 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 and Mascots
• MODS Weather Science Demos and All-Day Museum Exploration
• Emergency Vehicle "Touch a Truck" and Meet & Greet with South Florida First Responders

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.

The FDEM
The Florida Division of Emergency Management plans for and responds to both natural and man-made disasters. These range from floods and hurricanes to incidents involving hazardous materials or nuclear power. The division prepares and implements a statewide Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, and routinely conducts extensive exercises to test state and county emergency response capabilities. The division is the state's liaison with federal and local agencies on emergencies of all kinds. Division staff members provide technical assistance to local governments as they prepare emergency plans and procedures. They also conduct emergency operations training for state and local governmental agencies. For more information, please visit: www.floridadisaster.org

The IHRC
The Florida International University (FIU) International Hurricane Research Center (IHRC) is a multi-disciplinary research and education organization within the FIU Extreme Events Institute at Florida International University in Miami. As a NOAA Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador, the IHRC is focused on a single mission: to reduce hurricane damage and loss of life through more effective mitigation. The IHRC conducts both basic and applied research. The IHRC’s current studies involve such areas as: household mitigation and evacuation; storm surge and economic loss modeling and wind engineering and the NSF-NHERI Wall of Wind. The IHRC also collaborates actively with the NOAA National Hurricane Center (NHC), co-located with the NWS-Miami Office on the FIU main campus. For more information, please visit: www.ihrc.fiu.edu

The MODS
Founded in 1976 as the Discovery Center, today the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) is at the forefront of science education, innovation and exploration. MODS connects people to inspiring science, providing STEM education and cultural experiences for 450,000+ visitors annually in the 150,000 sq. ft. facility. MODS is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that has been accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) for three decades (only 3% of science museums are accredited for excellence and leadership in the field). In the past year, MODS has added to that distinction by being named Broward’s Hub for Resilience Education by the Board of the Community Foundation of Broward, selected by the LEGO Foundation as one of only 15 museums nationwide to join the Playful Learning Museum Network and awarded the prestigious 2023 IMLS National Medal for Museum Service.

The Museum celebrates diversity and welcomes visitors from all walks of life. The Museum hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. MODS is located downtown at: 401 SW Second Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312.

For more information about the Museum, please visit: www.mods.org or call: 954.467.MODS (6637).