Many coastal residents do not intend to make a hurricane preparation plan before the official beginning of hurricane season June 1st. That’s according to a new Mason-Dixon poll of people from Texas to Maine. 1 in 3 say they won’t bother to prepare until after a hurricane warning is issued. The poll was conducted as part of the new National Hurricane Survival Initiative – a public education and safety outreach partnership that includes that National Hurricane Center, the Salvation Army and the Florida Division of Emergency Management. Spokesman for the initiative – Ron Sacks – says the poll confirmed how timely the effort is…

“Despite last year’s devastating and historic hurricane season the poll indicates dramatically that far too many residents in storm prone areas don’t sense any danger in the upcoming season, and even worse, don’t plan to take even simple steps to protect themselves, their families, their homes and their businesses.”

The poll also found nearly 1 in 5 coastal residents say they wouldn’t evacuate under ANY circumstances…and 1 in 4 say they don’t feel vulnerable to hurricanes. Florida’s Director of Emergency Management – Craig Fugate – wants this message to get out…hurricanes ARE a part of nature…they do REQUIRE preparation.

“We just need to live with them and respect them and their power and take the steps we need to take now to protect our families…and take the steps to protect our property…but I’d much rather lose my home than lose my life or lose my family. But these are the real risks you face if you’re not prepared and go into another hurricane season.”

The National Hurricane Survival Initiative seeks to educate hurricane-vulnerable residents through its new website at WWW.HURRICANESAFETY.ORG.