County and Partners Urge Preparedness Ahead of Above-Average 2025 Hurricane Season

Today, Leon County Government and community partners urged residents to prepare for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which starts on Sunday, June 1. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting an above-average season, forecasting up to 19 named storms, up to 10 hurricanes, and up to five major hurricanes.
 
“At Leon County Government, we know firsthand the importance of resilience in the face of disaster at every level of our organization and in the community we serve,” said Leon County Commission Chairman Brian Welch. “As we look ahead to the 2025 hurricane season, we want to encourage everyone to prepare now. Make a plan, talk with your loved ones, and ensure you're ready.”
 
The County encourages residents to take steps now to ensure their safety and resilience before, during and after disasters. Critical preparations include building a disaster bucket, developing a family communications plan, and visiting LeonReady.com for a host of disaster resources from Leon County Emergency Management.
 
“As we approach the upcoming hurricane season, Leon County remains committed to applying lessons learned, strengthening our preparedness efforts, and ensuring that we are ready to respond,” said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long. “It only takes one storm to put lives and property at risk, which is why we remain committed to preparedness, and Leon County residents should be, too.”
 
To further enhance readiness for the season, Leon County has unveiled its 2025-2026 Disaster Survival Guide, which is now available online at LeonReady.com. In June, the guide will be mailed to every Leon County household to ensure County residents are equipped with critical information for before, during and after disasters.
 
In addition to the County’s Leon Ready website and Disaster Survival Guide, the County offers a variety of ways to help you, your family and your neighborhood prepare for disasters:

• Download the new and improved Citizens Connect App, Leon County’s best source for emergency news and alerts. The app delivers up-to-the-minute emergency information, including weather alerts, road closures, sandbag locations, and so much more, at your fingertips.
• Subscribe to Leon Alerts to receive time-sensitive emergency messages related to incidents, such as severe weather alerts and evacuations.
• Sign up for the Neighborhood Readiness Trainings hosted by Leon County Emergency Management for unincorporated County neighborhoods. The program has provided disaster resilience training to nearly 600 residents.
• Register for the County’s Citizens Engagement Series: Disaster Resilience Edition, taking place on Thursday, June 19, starting at 6 p.m. at the Public Safety Complex, 911 Easterwood Drive. This interactive event will feature hands-on activities and demonstrations for the whole family.
• Check out the County’s Emergency Information Portal at LeonCountyFL.gov/ei. Hosting the same information as the Citizens Connect app, the Emergency Information Portal can be accessed on a desktop or a mobile browser.
• Visit the County’s Flood Protection website at LeonCountyFL.gov/FloodProtection to learn more about flooding risks, how to prepare for a flood and what you should do after a flooding event.
• Schedule Billy the Bucket, Leon County Emergency Management’s official mascot, to visit your classroom and share disaster preparedness tips with your students.

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