September 10th marked the annual historical peak of the 2011 Atlantic Hurricane Season and Florida Division of Emergency Management officials urge residents and visitors to stay prepared.

As this year’s season has already been very active, Division officials caution residents that the 2011 season runs through November 30th and several more tropical developments are still possible. To date, the National Hurricane Center has identified 12 named tropical storms, two of which have reached hurricane status.

“While we are fortunate that Florida has not suffered any major damage due to storms so far this season, we still have twelve more weeks before hurricane season officially ends,” said Bryan W. Koon, Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management. “It is vital that every individual is prepared for any tropical storms that may threaten our state and I strongly urge Floridians to visit www.FloridaDisaster.org to create or update their family and business disaster plans.”

With a higher record of hurricane landfalls than any other state, Florida is the hurricane capital of the United States. This means proper planning is crucial for the protection of individuals, families and their homes, as well as Florida businesses. Special preparations should be made for family members who are elderly, disabled or have special needs, as well as for family pets. By understanding how to be prepared and what actions you should take in the event of a disaster, you can reduce the effects to your family or business.

“It is extremely important for Florida’s residents to heed the call for disaster preparedness,” said David Halstead, the Division’s Deputy Director. “Every effort will be made to assist Florida’s residents after a disaster, however, depending on the level of disaster, first responders and other state and local response teams may not be able to aid everyone affected by the storm immediately. Having at least three days worth of necessary provisions will help ensure you and your family are able to take care of yourselves until help does arrive.”

The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. For more information on the Florida Division of Emergency Management, visit www.FloridaDisaster.org.