Highlands County Emergency Management

06/23/2026

It's Lightning Safety Awareness Week! ⚡️

Lightning strikes the U.S. 25 million times a year, which sometimes results in death or permanent injury. You are safest indoors or inside a hard-topped enclosed vehicle.

More: http://weather.gov/lightning/safety

06/23/2026

It's Lightning Safety Awareness Week! ⚡️

Each year in the U.S., millions of lightning flashes strike the ground, killing an average of 20+ people and injuring hundreds - often in devastating and permanent ways.

More: http://weather.gov/safety/lightning-safety

06/23/2026

🗣️ Is your emergency contact list up to date?

When an emergency happens, having current contact information can help families, employees, customers & partners stay connected.

⬇️ See below & learn more about business preparedness at FloridaDisaster.org/Business.

06/23/2026

It's Lightning Safety Awareness Week! ⚡️

Lightning strikes can result in serious injury or death. If you hear thunder or see lightning, take shelter in an enclosed building or a hard-topped vehicle with the windows up.

When thunder roars, go indoors!

More: weather.gov/safety/lightning

06/23/2026

⚡⚡

Same ole'

Thunderstorms favoring inland areas again today. Here's some of the action from Corey Amundsen in Sebring.

06/22/2026

Do you have an emergency plan for the person you care for? 💙

When emergencies happen, caregivers need a plan to make sure their loved ones have what they need – especially when normal resources, services or power are unavailable.

Highlands County Emergency Management and the Public Information Office recently shared disaster preparedness information with Ridge Area Arc consumers and staff, including ways caregivers can prepare before an emergency occurs.

If you care for a family member, friend or loved one, take time now to consider:
✔️ Do you have extra food that meets dietary needs?
✔️ Do you have an adequate supply of medications?
✔️ Do you have water and daily necessities for everyone in your household?
✔️ Do you have a plan for medical equipment that requires electricity?
✔️ Have you registered or considered the Special Needs shelter?

Caregivers know the unique needs of those they support. Planning ahead can help ensure you are ready to provide care when it matters most.

🌪️ The best time to make a plan is before a disaster occurs.

Learn more about preparedness:
https://bit.ly/HCallhazards25

Learn more about the Special Needs Shelter and register:
https://snr.flhealthresponse.com/

06/22/2026

📢 Just over one month until FL Tropical Training Week 2026!
🌴 Florida NWS offices are offering FREE virtual tropical training July 27-30.
🕰️ Daily sessions at 11am, 1pm, and 7pm EDT - choose your preferred time.
📝 Sign-Up: http://weather.gov/jax/FTTW2026
📌

06/22/2026

⚠️Weather alerts can save lives!

Make sure you have multiple ways to receive emergency information & warnings before an emergency occurs.

📱Local news broadcasts, social media from trusted sources, weather alerts & messages from family can all help you stay informed when severe weather threatens.

Be sure to sign up for local alerts at http://bit.ly/hcbccalert

🌴Find more preparedness information using our All-Hazards Guide: https://bit.ly/HCallhazards25

06/21/2026

Happy Father's Day to all the dads and father figures who make a difference in our lives and communities, especially those who work year-round to keep their families safe, prepared and ready for whatever comes their way.