There was a lot of knocking on wood for good luck when Governor Rick Scott visited the Hialeah Emergency Operations Center (EOC). He was reminding Floridians June 1 marks the start of the 2016 Atlantic hurricane season.
Scott was quick to ask residents to prepare supplies now, in case of a major storm hitting South Florida later.
“One gallon of water per day per person - Batteries, flashlights, and the same with food. We need to have food for three days," Scott said. "We need an all hazards radio, so you can get information from the National Weather Service, we need a battery or hand powered radio.”
Scott also cautioned people against complacency. Florida hasn’t had a major storm in more than ten years.
Hialeah Mayor Carlos Hernandez said he hopes the city’s EOC would go another year without needing to be used, but that it is ready if a storm does hit.
He emphasized how the facility has a wide reach outside of Hialeah.
“This EOC here is not only for city of Hialeah but also for Miami Springs, Virginia Gardens, Doral, - Hialeah Gardens, Miami Lakes, OpaLocka. They all have a seat on this EOC here that they didn’t before,” Hernandez said.
Hernandez also noted that everyone should have a plan, no matter what city you live in.
The Atlantic hurricane season lasts until Wednesday Nov. 30.
