Prepare for hurricanes now

Outbreak may affect hurricane prep work | April 8

As Floridians, we know better than anyone that preparedness saves lives. As we continue to do everything we can to stop the spread of coronavirus so we can get back to our everyday lives, we must also prepare for what lies ahead.

The 2020 hurricane season is quickly approaching, and preparing for a storm this year might look a little different. You’re probably asking questions like: How can I evacuate if I’m socially distancing? What would a hurricane shelter look like if we’re avoiding crowds? How do I build a disaster preparedness kit for my family if I can’t go to the store?

Hurricane season begins June 1. While we all hope that in two months the threat of coronavirus is over, we must prepare for the worst.

Federal, state and local officials need to address how to keep families safe while adhering to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines on coronavirus. Floridians have to get creative in their preparedness efforts. And the time to start thinking about this is now.

To the extent that your family is financially able to, consider purchasing supplies for your disaster kits online. That includes vital supplies like food, water, flashlights, batteries and other necessities. Every family and business needs to make or revisit their emergency plans. You can find resources and information at www.ready.gov.

As your senator, I’ll do everything I can at the federal level to protect Florida’s families and businesses. I’m working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to issue guidance to states, local governments, tribes and territories on addressing hurricane preparedness in the wake of coronavirus.

I know everyone is exhausted from the effects of coronavirus, but we cannot let our guards down. In case of a storm, always stay tuned to your local news reports and follow the direction of local law enforcement and emergency management officials. As I always say, you can rebuild your home, but you cannot rebuild your life.

We must keep doing everything we can to take care of each other and protect our families. Don’t wait to take action. Start getting prepared today.

U.S. Sen. Rick Scott

The writer, a Republican, represents Florida in the U.S. Senate and is a former governor.

What are the rules again?

Trump held up stimulus check to get his name printed on them, report says | April 15

Republicans were so upset that Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried put her picture on the stickers that go on gas pumps and scales that they held up money from her department until she changed the stickers. Now President Donald Trump is holding up stimulus checks until they have his signature. Want to bet not a single Republican objects to it?

Christopher Radulich, Apollo Beach

Taxpayer funds, not Trump’s

President Donald Trump’s decision to include his signature on the virus relief checks amazes me, as does most of his behavior these days. He may be assured that some citizens — most, I hope — know that it is taxpayer dollars funding this stopgap effort, not his pen stroke. We will remember how his name is spelled in November.

David Rettig, St. Petersburg