
We hope you will join us for the 2010 Tampa Bay Hurricane Expo – The First 72 Are Up To You - at the Museum of Science & Industry on Saturday, May 22, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The 2010 Tampa Bay Hurricane Expo will focus on the importance of understanding that - The First 72 Are Up To You! - and on the importance of preparing your family and home long before the first hurricane warning is issued.
After a natural or man-made disaster it is important for families to have the water, food, batteries and other essentials they will need to sustain themselves for at least three days. During this time, roads will be blocked by debris, utilities, such as power, water and sewer may be out, and local governments will be working hard to establish these essential services.
To reinforce what this means to county residents, we plan to have a special 72-Hour Readiness exhibit to demonstrate how much water and food is really needed for a family of four during The First 72. What you will find is that it will take time to prepare for this First 72. It will be easier to find supplies at your local stores now than to wait for storm warnings to be posted.
Personal preparation has always been the focus of our Tampa Bay Hurricane Expo.
Whether it is the 2008 theme - Know your Zone; Make a Plan – which focused on the importance of knowing your evacuation zone and making an effective plan for you and your family to follow in the event of a hurricane.
Or the 2009 theme - Run From the Water; Hide From the Wind – which meant that if you were asked to evacuate, you wouldn’t have to travel far. Just get out of the storm surge area and hunker down in a relative, friend, coworker or church member’s home who doesn’t have to evacuate.
By residents being prepared, our community will recover quicker after a storm.
While our local emergency responders are ready for any disaster we face, they still look to you, our residents, to help. With many months to go before this year’s hurricane season, it is time to think about your hurricane plan and hurricane kit, and start to stock up on enough non-perishable food and medications to last you for at least The First 72 hours after the storm hits.
But, think sunshine, and we look forward to seeing you next May at the 2010 Tampa Bay Hurricane Expo.

Dennis Jones
Chief (Retired) , Tampa Fire Rescue (Retired)
City of Tampa Emergency Manager
Hurricane Expo Committee Co-Chair |

Larry Gispert
Director
Hillsborough County Emergency Management
Hurricane Expo Committee Co-Chair |