Central Florida Students Prep Seminole County for Hurricane Season

Local students gain valuable skills by assisting emergency managers with hurricane preparedness.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 12:28am

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a group of students dwarfed by the imposing scale of a swirling storm cloud formation on the horizon, conveying their role in bolstering the community's hurricane readiness.Local students gain hands-on experience in disaster preparedness, working to fortify their community against the growing threat of hurricanes.Daytona Beach Today

A group of high school and college students in Central Florida's Seminole County are getting hands-on experience in emergency management by helping local authorities prepare for the upcoming hurricane season. The students are assisting with tasks like stocking emergency supply kits, updating evacuation plans, and conducting community outreach.

Why it matters

As climate change increases the frequency and intensity of hurricanes in Florida, equipping the next generation with practical disaster response skills is crucial. This program allows students to gain real-world experience that could benefit their future careers in public service, while also strengthening community resilience.

The details

The student-led hurricane preparedness initiative is a collaboration between Seminole County's Emergency Management Division and several local high schools and colleges. Over the past month, the students have been working alongside emergency managers to inventory emergency supplies, update evacuation route maps, and organize public education events to help residents get ready for the 2026 hurricane season.

  • The program launched in early April 2026 and will continue through the end of hurricane season in November.
  • Students have been participating in the initiative for the past month, since it began in mid-April.

The players

Seminole County Emergency Management Division

The local government agency responsible for coordinating disaster preparedness and response efforts in Seminole County, Florida.

Local high schools and colleges

Several educational institutions in Seminole County that have partnered with the Emergency Management Division to involve their students in the hurricane preparedness program.

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What they’re saying

“This hands-on experience is invaluable for our students, giving them a chance to apply their classroom learning to real-world challenges. It's also a great way for them to contribute to the safety of their community.”

— Sarah Alvarez, Principal, Seminole High School

“We're proud to partner with the next generation of emergency responders. Their energy and innovative ideas are helping us strengthen our hurricane preparedness in new ways.”

— Mark Williamson, Director, Seminole County Emergency Management Division

What’s next

The student-led hurricane preparedness program will continue through the end of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season in November, with the students' work culminating in a large-scale community hurricane readiness event.

The takeaway

By engaging local students in hurricane preparedness efforts, Seminole County is not only strengthening its disaster resilience, but also investing in the next generation of emergency management professionals who will be crucial in the face of increasingly severe weather events.