TAMPA, Fla. — As Floridians continue to move on from last year's storms, state officials want people to be better prepared for any future weather hazards.
Monday marks the first day of "Florida Severe Weather Awareness Week."
What You Need To Know
- It's Florida Severe Weather Awareness Week
- The state focuses on a different weather event, all of which Florida residents have experienced at some point in the past
- Topics this week will include marine hazards, thunderstorms and tornadoes, hurricanes and wildfires
- The deadliest natural hazard in Florida may surprise you
- Florida leads in thunderstorm days each year
Florida Severe Weather Awareness Week is observed each year by the National Weather Service and Florida Division of Emergency Management to increase awareness of and preparedness for severe weather hazards.
Each day, the state focuses on a different weather event, all of which Florida residents have experienced at some point in the past.
Monday’s focus is on lightning safety.
Other topics this week will include marine hazards, thunderstorms and tornadoes, hurricanes and wildfires. The state also will conduct a statewide tornado drill on Wednesday.
And with the initial topic being lightning safety, here are some tips from the Florida Department of Emergency Management.
If you hear thunder, you want to go inside. And you should stop swimming or doing any other outdoor activities and get to shelter.