Hurricane season is a few days away and many of us aren't prepared.
Emergency officials want to make sure you and your family are prepared for a hurricane.
Dave Freeman with the Orange County Office of Emergency Management has some suggestions for your hurricane preparations.
JACKIE BROCKINGTON: It's already May so give us the news when does hurricane season officially start?
DAVE FREEMAN: Well, the season starts June 1 and runs through Nov. 30. We are gearing up right now.
JB: You got an expo that is coming up on May 31. What is that all about?
DF: Sure, each year we do a get-together where we invite the public out to hear presentations from weather officials and information on how to prepare for the hurricane season. This year it's going to be at Barnett Park in the Magic gym. It will be on May 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. We'd love to have everyone come out.
JB: I want to say also you will have people who speak both English and Spanish there?
DF: Absolutely, and we'll have signers for the deaf as well.
JB: Alright that is really good. I guess, you know, we haven't had bad bad storms. Do you think maybe we've been a little bit complacent in getting those ready because we haven't really had anything very significant?
DF: I think that is true. We haven't had anything here locally since 2004-2005 season so people begin to have a little hurricane amnesia. They forget they need to prepare each year and so that's why we're trying to get the word out. We appreciate the opportunity to talk you today, and the hurricane expo is a real good way to get all the information, help them build a kit. Put their plan together and prepare their family.
JB: Because we offered a report on when we get the warning, you know, something is coming. People make a mad rush on the stores, and then they're out of things. The water is gone. So the best thing now -- there is time now. So go ahead and get your kit ready. I think it's best to have an escape plan. When I say escape, where are you going to go?
DF: Exactly, because we're an inland county, we don't have to worry about storm surge and moving away from the coast. But we still have to be prepared for severe weather. Charley taught us that it only takes a small storm to create major problems. You need to have a family plan where are you going to rally? Where are you going to go? Are you going to stay in your home or are you going to evacuate someplace else?
JB: Also, more importantly have those medications that you need. Put some cash away because ATM's may not be operating. You need to have that and our four-legged friends.
DF: Absolutely, we encourage you to have a plan for your pets. We would rather you not, if you're going to go to a shelter, to bring your pets with you. Although we are preparing pet-friendly shelters in Orange County. But it's a good idea to take into account all of your pets your family, and your other loved ones. A lot people have multiple generations of family here.