Buchanan Urges Preparedness in Advance of Hurricane Michael

WASHINGTON, Oct. 9 -- Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Florida, issued the following news release:

As Hurricane Michael bears down on Florida, Congressman Vern Buchanan urged Suncoast residents to take common-sense steps to prepare and remain safe.

"Even though storm trackers predict the Suncoast will avoid the worst, the unpredictable path of hurricanes means that everyone should take steps to stay safe," Buchanan said.

Gov. Rick Scott on Monday added Manatee and Hillsborough counties to his pre-landfall emergency request to President Trump. Both counties are under Tropical Storm and Storm Surge watches. Hurricane Michael is expected to hit Florida's coast as a Category 3 hurricane Wednesday afternoon.

Buchanan signed a congressional delegation letter in support of Gov. Scott's emergency declaration request and on Monday the congressman met with emergency management officials from Manatee County to review preparedness efforts.

A pre-landfall disaster declaration will provide critical resources from the federal government to the state and free up funding to build berms and sand dunes to protect against storm surge.

Buchanan advised Floridians and his constituents to visit the Hurricane Preparedness section on his website at buchanan.house.gov/resources/hurricanes. Visitors to the site will find helpful information on how to prepare themselves and their property for a hurricane, what to do in the event of an evacuation, a list of recommended items to include in an emergency supply kit and links to state and federal resources.

Buchanan also called on Floridians to check their flood insurance coverage and develop a contingency plan for their homes and businesses as early as possible.