ATLANTA - This year marks the 20th anniversary of the unprecedented 2004 hurricane season that saw four major hurricanes – Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne – make landfall within just weeks of each other, the most to hit a single state in one year.

With the start of a new hurricane season, FEMA and Florida Division of Emergency Management officials urge all Floridians to prepare themselves, their families, and their property now.

Forecasts predict a very active season, with global weather patterns and historically high ocean temperatures creating enhanced conditions for tropical development.

“Preparation is key when it comes to hurricane season,” said Robert Samaan, FEMA Region 4 Administrator. “We urge residents to take steps now, before a storm hits, to ensure their safety and the safety of their loved ones.”

Take advantage of the 2024 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday to stock up on disaster preparedness supplies – from pet supplies to portable generators – from June 1 to 14, and again from Aug. 24 to Sept. 6.

There are simple steps Florida residents can take right now to get prepared:

• Type your address into the Know Your Zone Map to know when you might need to evacuate.
• Evacuate if told to do so; Text SHELTER to 43362 to find nearby emergency shelters in case of evacuation.

• Download the Florida Division of Emergency Management’s 2024 Florida Hurricane Guide for low and no-cost tips to keep individuals, families and pets prepared.
• Medically dependent Floridians should register at FloridaDisaster.org/SNR to allow emergency management officials to plan for resources they might need.

Most importantly, Floridians and tourists should have a way to get emergency alerts. Download the FEMA App and receive real-time weather emergency alerts for up to five different locations nationwide.

For more information on hurricane preparedness, visit Ready.gov/Hurricanes for resources in English or Listo.gov/Huracanes for resources in Spanish.