FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Heather Fagan (407) 246-3423
Cassandra Lafser (407) 246-2182

MAYOR DYER INVITES THE NEWS MEDIA TO PARTICIPATE IN INTERACTIVE HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS TRAINING

WHAT:
In recognition of National Hurricane Preparedness week - May 27 – June 2, 2012 - and the 2012 hurricane season starting June 1, the City of Orlando is encouraging all residents and businesses to get informed and prepared. While the City recognizes the importance of being prepared year round, the impending hurricane season serves as a reminder to residents and local businesses that now is the time to get your emergency response plans in order.

Every year as part of the City’s preparedness efforts, Mayor Dyer leads the City’s senior staff in reviewing emergency management systems, policies and procedures to ensure inter-agency coordination and communication before, during and after a possible hurricane helping to keep the City ready and able to respond to unexpected emergencies.

“It is important that our residents are not complacent when it comes to preparing for hurricanes and other disasters,” said Orlando Mayor Dyer. “I want to encourage all Orlando residents and our local businesses to get informed on how to prepare and respond to a possible hurricane. It is our goal at the City of Orlando to protect our residents and businesses, to prevent loss of life and to minimize damage caused by hurricanes.”

To emphasis the importance of readiness, Mayor Dyer is inviting the news media to participate with him in this training exercise that is a regular part of the City’s emergency management plan. The exercise will be held on Friday, May 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

For more information on the City’s preparedness efforts and for ways residents and businesses can get prepared and remain informed during a hurricane, please visit the Office of Emergency Management’s website at cityoforlando.net/emergency, follow them on Twitter at twitter.com/orloem and friend them on Facebook at Facebook.com/orloem.

WHO:
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer
City of Orlando Emergency Manager Manny Soto
City of Orlando Fire Department
City of Orlando Administration

VISUALS:
During the interactive training exercise, some things you will see discussed include how the:
City of Orlando Public Works Department reacts and responds to debris removal issues on City of Orlando roadways
City of Orlando Fire Department meets the immediate needs of citizens with emergency and medical services
City of Orlando Police Department ensures residents are safe during and after a storm

WHEN:
Friday, May 25, 2012
10:00 A.M.

*NOTE: Interviews with Mayor Dyer will be available at approximately 10:30 a.m.*

WHERE:
Orlando Emergency Operation Center
110 North Andes Avenue

###