Life for many Floridians changed 10 years ago after four hurricanes hit the state, causing billions of dollars in damage and devastating thousands of families.

There was a lot to learn from the 2004 hurricane season, which included 15 total storms, nine hurricanes and six major hurricanes. Among those were the "big four" — Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne — which each touched down in Florida.

Orange County Emergency Management Director Dave Freeman said there were lessons learned from the storms that ripped through the state 10 years ago. Freeman said he practically lived in a shelter for six weeks as he helped hurricane victims.

Now, he's the emergency management director, and he said there have been a lot of changes.

"The planning has just become more sophisticated and comprehensive," Freeman said.

One area where things have gotten more sophisticated is the 311 call center. That's where people can get information about local government agencies and report nonemergency problems.

The hurricanes in 2004 highlighted the need for a unified service.

"Citizens needed to have one central location to access their local government," said Lorenzo Williams, a 311 unit supervisor.

With modern technology, people can now chat online with an operator, download APPs to report and receive information.

Technology provides people with more options and experts with more accurate predictions.

"We are going to do a much better job than ever -- and have a better understanding of what the storm might do," said Bryan Koon, director of Florida Emergency Management. "We have a better understanding of the storm surge."

There have also been changes made to shelters. One example, Freeman said, is at University High School.

Emergency management officials said it has always been a shelter; however, after the intense storms 10 years ago, it underwent a lot of renovations.

Building codes have been upgraded, too.

"All the new construction is meeting that higher standard," Freeman said. "It's the older homes that are the most concern for us."

Emergency officials also said there is more training for county and city leaders, there are more generators and there are more sandbags.

"In spite of our best efforts to be ready to respond to a disaster, it really comes down to personal accountability and responsibility," Freeman said.

Information from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation

Below is a list of the main changes to the Florida Building Code (FBC) since 2004.

Exterior walls

Improving weather resistance of exterior wall envelope by providing for minimum requirements for water resistance of exterior walls:

Requiring all exterior finishes to be applied in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications or installation instructions.

Requiring flashing or other approved drainage system to be installed where wood frame wall assemblies are constructed above mass wall assemblies.

Requiring water-resistive barrier for exterior walls of frame construction receiving a veneer.

Providing for minimum thickness for wall coverings

Requiring two layers of water resistant barrier for exterior wall of frame construction receiving cement plaster (stucco) as a wall covering.

Providing for specific testing and labeling requirements for windows, garage doors, impact-resistance coverings, soffits and sidings.

Roofing

Improving roof covering resistance to wind uplift:

Revising the roofing tile installation manual "FRSA/TRI Manual" to provide for an improved fastening requirement necessary to improve the wind uplift resistance for tile roofs.

Requiring that not more than 25% of the total roof area or roof section of an existing building or structure must be repaired, replaced in any 12-month period unless the entire existing roofing system or roof section is replaced to conform to requirements of the code. 

Establishing minimum standards and techniques for roof mitigation including specific standards for roof-decking attachment and secondary water barriers.

Others

Providing for minimum requirements to ensure that buildings in high-intensity hurricane areas can withstand the impact of wind-borne debris.  All exterior glass windows and doors must be made of impact resistant glass, or be protected by shutters.

Continuous update to the Florida Building Code using the latest edition of the International Building Codes and national wind design standards.

Providing for enhancement to the Residential Code’s prescriptive provisions for applicability to high wind areas.

Providing for prescriptive solutions for the retrofitting of gable-ends of buildings.