Wildfire Preparations as Important as Hurricane Preparations

WHILE MANY FLORIDIANS KNOW how to prepare their home for a hurricane, it’s crucial to conduct a wildfire safety home checkup as well — especially in dry periods like much of the state is currently experiencing. David Godwin, director of the Southern Fire Exchange, has tips for preparing for a wildfire.

- TORY MOORE

“Much of the Florida Peninsula and the Florida Big Bend Region are in a dry period right now, and we’re heading into the time of year when we expect dry conditions,” he says.

Rainfall for the region shows many areas of Florida tracking about 1 to 4 inches below normal since September. Year-to-date records from the National Weather Service also show departures from normal for many areas across the state.

The most recent Seasonal Drought Outlook from NOAA for March to June and the National Drought Monitor shows Florida as dry or in a drought and will likely to continue to be dry through June.