Highlands County Emergency Management

10/23/2026

Mark your calendars for Saturday, Nov. 14, for the annual HCSO Explorers Post 2247 Kettle Corn Sale!

You can also pre-order at the front desk of the HCSO at 400 S. Eucalyptus St. in Sebring. Just ask for Deputy Kirkegard.

10/22/2026

What should you have ready before an emergency happens?

The Citizens Preparedness Academy is coming soon, and our first class will help you answer that question.

Class 1: Building Your Supply Kit

What belongs in a go bag? What should stay in your supply kit? What about medications, your vehicle and other emergency needs?

We’ll cover these topics and more, including a demonstration of what to pack in a go bag and tips for building your own emergency supply kit. We’ll also have giveaways to help you get started.

This is just a sneak peek at what’s coming to the CPA.

Keep an eye on our social media for registration information coming soon. Don’t miss your chance to learn how to better prepare yourself and your family for an emergency!

10/22/2026

One thing you can do before any severe weather is take a few minutes to secure loose items & property around your home before the winds pick up.

Strong winds can send outdoor furniture, trash cans, and other unsecured items flying. 🌬️

They can also cause weakened or hanging tree branches to fall, creating potential hazards. ⚠️

If you can pick it up, put it up! 🆙

📱 Sign up for local alerts at http://bit.ly/hcbccalert

📋 Review our All-Hazards Guide: https://bit.ly/HCallhazards25

10/21/2026

Some good safety tips to remember when cleaning up your community after a storm:

⚡️ Stay AWAY from downed power lines
🏠 Ensure generators are over 20 feet away from your home & on a flat dry surface
🦺 Wear protective gear & clothing

Be sure to:
📱 Sign up for local alerts at http://bit.ly/hcbccalert
📋 Review our All-Hazards Guide: https://bit.ly/HCallhazards25

10/21/2026

Behind every emergency update is a commitment to keeping our community informed, prepared, and safe.

In Emergency Management, we know firsthand how important timely, accurate, and reliable information is, especially when every second counts. From blue skies to hurricanes and other emergencies, Public Information Officers play a vital role in ensuring our residents have the information they need to make informed decisions and protect themselves and their families.

We recognize and appreciate the dedication of all Public Information Officers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep our communities informed.

Because in an emergency, communication isn’t just important - it can save lives.

Thank you to all who serve in this important role!

Telling the right story the first time is the best way to tell it.

Highlands County is home to more than 100,000 residents, and we welcome many visitors throughout the year. Keeping everyone informed takes clear, reliable communication.

Public Information Officers (PIOs) help make that happen. They share timely, easy-to-understand updates about local news, community events, public services and emergencies, helping people stay informed and make sense of what’s happening in their community.

PIOs may represent different organizations, but they share a common responsibility: communicating clearly, accurately and with care for the community they live in and serve, as well as the people whose stories they share and the people who hear them.

Most days, that means highlighting community events, useful services and the work happening around us. When an emergency strikes, the work shifts into high gear, and timely updates can help people make important decisions.

Today, the Highlands County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed Nov. 1-7 as Public Information Officers Week, recognizing the people who help keep our community informed in everyday life and when it matters most.

10/20/2026

Pedestrians and vehicles share parking lots, so always stay alert when driving through one. 🚗🚶

A few simple choices can help pedestrians and motorists safely share the road. Here are three more safety tips from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).

Pedestrian Walking Tip:
- Watch for vehicles entering or exiting driveways and backing out of parking spaces.

Motorist Safety Tips:
- Be extra cautious when backing up. Pedestrians may not notice your vehicle, especially if they can't see your taillights.
- Never cut through parking spaces. Follow the designated lanes and traffic flow when entering, driving through and exiting parking lots.

Remember: Everyone has a role to play in keeping our roads safe.

10/20/2026

🏢 Is your business ready for the unexpected?

Whether you're a business owner, manager or employee, you can play a role in keeping your workplace prepared.
📲 Get Informed!
🤝 Stay Connected
🔄 Keep Operations Moving
📋 Insure Your Business
🛡️ Secure Your Property

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

📋 Review our All-Hazards Guide: https://bit.ly/HCallhazards25

Highlands County Economic Development

10/19/2026

You’ve heard the terms, but do you know what they mean?

Brush up on tropical weather terms & alerts so you can:
• Understand important information
• Know what actions to take
• Know when it’s time to act

Stay informed & weather-aware at FloridaDisaster.org/Updates

📱 Sign up for local alerts at http://bit.ly/hcbccalert

📋 Review our All-Hazards Guide: https://bit.ly/HCallhazards25

10/16/2026

Crosswalks give pedestrians a safer place to cross — and drivers a place to expect them.

A few simple choices can help pedestrians and motorists safely share the road. Here are three more safety tips from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).

Pedestrian Walking Tips:

•Never enter the street from between parked cars. If crossing mid-block cannot be avoided, pedestrians must yield the right of way to vehicles on the roadway.

Motorist Safety Tips:

• Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk. Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing that you can’t see.

•Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, and stop well back from the crosswalk to give other vehicles an opportunity to see and stop for the crossing pedestrians.

Remember: Everyone has a role to play in keeping our roads safe.

10/16/2026

Heading out for a day of fun on the lake?

Pay attention to thunderstorm development! Make sure to check the forecast before heading out and have a portable radio in the boat to get the latest forecasts.

If the skies turn threatening, head to shore!

📱 Sign up for local alerts at http://bit.ly/hcbccalert

📋 Review our All-Hazards Guide: https://bit.ly/HCallhazards25