MIAMI, FL (August 22, 2007) – It might be the peak of hurricane season, but more than half of Floridians have yet to begin hurricane season preparation, according to a recently released poll by Florida International University’s Metropolitan Center.
The study shows that despite three very active seasons, a hurricane could catch most residents in a very precarious situation. Less than 25 percent have supplies that will last three days or less.
“The Metropolitan Center felt it was important to understand the level of awareness and preparedness of Florida’s residents, especially with the predicted increase in hurricane activity expected this year and in the future,” said Dario Moreno, director of the Metropolitan Center.
The statewide telephone poll was conducted among registered voters between July 7 and July 15. Eight-hundred surveys were completed; 735 in English and 65 in Spanish.
Additional findings of the poll include:
- 54.4 percent of respondents feel “extremely” or “somewhat vulnerable” to hurricanes
- 14.8 percent of respondents would rely on emergency supplies provided by the government or charities
- The majority of respondents (70.6 percent) are not aware of the My Safe Florida Home Program provided by the State
- The majority of respondents are not ready to make economic investments to protect their homes
An explanation for these findings includes a false sense of security because of the unpredictably calm 2006 hurricane season. Another reason could be that people think they have experienced stronger hurricanes than they actually have. Hurricane Wilma struck Miami in 2005 as a weakened category two storm. It was the strongest hurricane to hit Miami since Hurricane Andrew.
In addition to the results, almost 80 percent of respondents ranked the National Hurricane Center’s efficiency above any other agency and 79.1 percent of respondents feel that it’s the most reliable source for hurricane information, despite recent controversies.
The poll was conducted by the Metropolitan Center and FIU’s International Hurricane Research Center.
The Metropolitan Center at FIU is based in downtown Miami and delivers critical information and expertise to companies, community leaders and citizens as they search for solutions to modern life’s urban issues. For more information on the Metropolitan Center, visit http://metropolitan.fiu.edu .
The International Hurricane Research Center (IHRC) at FIU is Florida’s official hurricane researcher center for ten universities that comprise the state system. IHRC is also designated as the formal liaison for NOAA’s Tropical Prediction Center and National Hurricane Center, located on the FIU south campus in Miami. For more information on the International Hurricane Research Center, visit www.ihc.fiu.edu.
—FIU—
Media Contact:
Vanessa Brito, 305-349-1255 or Vanessa.Brito@fiu.edu
Lindsay Oesch, 305-348-2232 or Lindsay.Oesch@fiu.edu
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