IMPORTANT NEWS...

DBPR Urges Preparation for Hazardous Weather Events

February 5, 2008

TALLAHASSEE – This week is Hazardous Weather Awareness Week 2008, and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (Department) urges businesses and professionals across Florida to create disaster preparedness plans. In an effort to fine-tune its own disaster preparedness measures, the Department is holding a tornado drill this Wednesday. This drill is one of many that will take place across the state in order to better prepare businesses for a natural disaster.

The Department’s services are vital to Florida’s businesses and professionals, especially following a disaster when the risk of unlicensed activity is great. Through participation in this disaster drill, the Department will work to ensure the safety of its employees as well as the continuation of essential services during a disaster. After the exercise, the Department will review the process to determine what worked well and what needs improvement.

“In preparation for a disaster, it is vital for all Florida businesses to have a plan in place outlining how to shelter employees, protect property and continue important business activities from a remote location,” said Secretary Holly Benson. “The best defense against a disaster is to be prepared for it – both at home and at work.”

Florida’s Hazardous Weather Awareness Week is Feb. 2-9, 2008. This year’s theme is “8 Days in ’08” and recognizes the one-year anniversary of the Groundhog Day tornadoes that struck Sumter, Lake, and Volusia counties during the night of Feb. 2, 2007. Hazardous Weather Awareness Week is an opportunity for Floridians to learn about the various weather hazards that frequently impact the state and how families and businesses can prepare for these natural events. Members of Florida’s business community can create customized disaster plans by visiting the first-of-its-kind web-based planning tool located at www.FloridaDisaster.org.

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. The Department licenses nearly one million businesses and professionals ranging from real estate agents, veterinarians, and accountants to contractors and cosmetologists. For more information, please visit www.MyFloridaLicense.com.

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