Florida officials are urging residents to prepare for hurricanes, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of storms and the potential statewide effects even if the storm's cone does not directly touch their area. "When your local officials, like us in Flagler County, we tell you, 'Hey, there's a storm coming our way.' Even if the cone is not quite touching Flagler County yet, we're saying that because we think we're going to start seeing some kind of effects, and we want you to be prepared," local official Jonathan Lord said.Mike Jachles, with the Florida Fire Chiefs' Association, emphasized the importance of obtaining factual information from meteorologists and local emergency managers due to the unpredictable nature of hurricanes."That's the unpredictability of mother nature, and that's why it's important to get factual information from your meteorologists, from your local emergency managers," Jachles said.Jachles outlined five key aspects of hurricane preparedness, emphasizing the need to know your evacuation zone and the specifics of your home, such as whether it has impact windows, shutters, or panels.He noted that while Florida's progressive construction codes often allow residents to shelter from wind, water remains the primary hazard."There are five main things to know when it comes to hurricane preparedness," Jachles said. "With Florida's progressive construction codes, we can shelter from wind most of the time. It's the water that's the real hazard."He also advised residents to keep their vehicles fueled or electric car batteries at least 50% charged, stay updated with insurance coverage, and document conditions before and after a storm.Additionally, having a disaster supply kit with non-perishable foods, medications, flashlights, and water is crucial.Jachles warned that many injuries occur during the recovery phase after a storm, including carbon monoxide poisoning and injuries from repairs or sightseeing."Whether it's carbon monoxide poisoning or injuries caused by people making repairs or people going out to sightsee," Jachles said.

Florida officials are urging residents to prepare for hurricanes, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of storms and the potential statewide effects even if the storm's cone does not directly touch their area.

"When your local officials, like us in Flagler County, we tell you, 'Hey, there's a storm coming our way.' Even if the cone is not quite touching Flagler County yet, we're saying that because we think we're going to start seeing some kind of effects, and we want you to be prepared," local official Jonathan Lord said.

Mike Jachles, with the Florida Fire Chiefs' Association, emphasized the importance of obtaining factual information from meteorologists and local emergency managers due to the unpredictable nature of hurricanes.

"That's the unpredictability of mother nature, and that's why it's important to get factual information from your meteorologists, from your local emergency managers," Jachles said.

Jachles outlined five key aspects of hurricane preparedness, emphasizing the need to know your evacuation zone and the specifics of your home, such as whether it has impact windows, shutters, or panels.

He noted that while Florida's progressive construction codes often allow residents to shelter from wind, water remains the primary hazard.

"There are five main things to know when it comes to hurricane preparedness," Jachles said. "With Florida's progressive construction codes, we can shelter from wind most of the time. It's the water that's the real hazard."

He also advised residents to keep their vehicles fueled or electric car batteries at least 50% charged, stay updated with insurance coverage, and document conditions before and after a storm.

Additionally, having a disaster supply kit with non-perishable foods, medications, flashlights, and water is crucial.

Jachles warned that many injuries occur during the recovery phase after a storm, including carbon monoxide poisoning and injuries from repairs or sightseeing.

"Whether it's carbon monoxide poisoning or injuries caused by people making repairs or people going out to sightsee," Jachles said.