By: Tory Moore, 352-273-3566, torymoore@ufl.edu
September 29 2020 – Hurricanes and natural disasters are nothing new to Floridians, but we are in uncharted territory when we try to manage disasters during a pandemic. That makes making planning for disasters paramount. The second edition of the Homeowner’s Handbook provides updated guidance for Florida homeowners on disaster preparation and can help residents feel ready for approaching storms.
“Planning is our first defense when facing a disaster, especially in times like now when we are living in a crisis of a global pandemic,” said Angie Lindsey, UF/IFAS assistant professor and Extension Disaster Education Network representative. “As Floridians, many of us will say that we know what to do for a tropical storm or a hurricane but having an easily accessible plan with resources can be very beneficial. Disasters are stressful times and we are often not thinking clearly when adrenaline is high, and we are in ‘go mode.’ Having resources and plans with steps and helpful information can help alleviate stressful situations surrounding disasters.”
From emergency preparedness and evacuation planning to information on flood and wind insurance, the Homeowner’s Handbook provides basic information on the important steps homeowners should take to protect life and property.
The handbook was developed in partnership between the Gulf of Mexico Alliance (GOMA) Coastal Resilience Team, Extension and Sea Grant partners in Gulf coastal states and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
“This handbook is a great way for us to work together to share best management practices, resources, and references,” Lindsey said. “This is a team effort and can benefit many communities in Florida.”
Electronic guides are available for download and a limited supply of printed copies are available at your local UF/IFAS Extension office.
“Florida is surrounded by water, so natural hazards such as storms, hurricanes and flooding are going to happen,” said Lindsey. “Comprehensive resources such as the Homeowner’s Handbook are great references when preparing, mitigating, and/or recovering from a disaster.”
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. ifas.ufl.edu
The Florida Sea Grant program, hosted at UF/IFAS, is a university-based program that
supports research, education and Extension to conserve coastal resources and enhance
economic opportunities for the people of Florida. In addition to UF/IFAS, the program is a partnership between Florida universities, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
and county governments. flseagrant.org, @FloridaSeaGrant
