As Floridians prepare themselves and their families for another hurricane season, government and nonprofit officials are urging them also to prepare to help others if a storm should strike the state.

“Generous volunteers meet essential needs. Their tireless efforts help supplement what government programs provide,” Read more about Hurricane Preparation — Consider Volunteering

Governor Jeb Bush signed legislation authorizing Florida’s second annual 12-day sales tax holiday for hurricane preparedness. The Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday is an important component of Governor Bush’s comprehensive plan to instill a “culture of preparedness” in Florida. Prepared citizens are better equipped to provide for the safety of their families, reduce damage to their homes and recover more quickly from a disaster. Read more about 2006 Hurricane Sales Tax Holiday Approved In Florida

Governor Jeb Bush and Lt. Governor Toni Jennings have outlined a $565 million budget recommendation of state and federal funding for emergency management at the Tiger Bay Club of Central Florida, Inc. The Governor was joined by Emergency Management Director Craig Fugate, Tiger Bay Club of Central Florida, Inc. President Fred Leonhardt, business leaders, club members and members of the community. Establishing a “Culture of Preparedness” for hurricanes is a top priority for Governor Bush. These new efforts will significantly enhance Florida’s ability to prepare for hurricanes, respond quickly in the aftermath of a storm, recover from the damage and impacts to the economy, and mitigate future threats to public safety and infrastructure. Read more about Florida Governor Announces New Funding Recommendations for Hurricane Preparedness, Response and Recovery

A tropical depression drenched St. Vincent and Trinidad on Monday, possibly killing two people in a mudslide and destroying several homes, authorities said.

The tropical depression formed Sunday and was expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Gamma, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida. Read more about Tropical Depression Forms in Caribbean

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, today, activated its National Emergency Resource Registry through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The activation is in response to the outpouring of support offered by generous businesses nationwide.
Read more about Homeland Security Activates Business Donation Site for Katrina Victims

If you are trying to locate a family member who was in a hurricane affected area, there are three places you may have some success.

1. Hurricane Safe List at CNN.com

2. Red Cross Missing List (or call 1.877.568-3317)

3. I’m OK Registry

Susan Pareigis announced today that the Agency for Workforce
Innovation (AWI) and its partners are committing resources to assist
Hurricane Katrina victims through the cooperation of local, state and
federal agencies. Among the services being provided are assistance in filing unemployment compensation claims, general workforce services and
referrals to humanitarian and health service agencies. Read more about Florida’s Workforce Partners Provide Assistance to Hurricane Katrina

Instapundit.com has compiled an extensive list of links to ways you can help in the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

Go to the Hurricane Relief post now.

In Katrina’s path: Reported safe

CNN.com has been posting the names of those who wish to let loved ones know they are alright after the storm. If you were in Katrina’s path and want to post your name there, please send an e-mail to the Hurricane Victims Desk. For each person you are reporting for the list, include first and last name, age, hometown, state and a brief message. You may also include a phone number or e-mail address where those on the list may be reached. The list will be updated regularly.

Go to the Hurricane Katrina Safe List at CNN.com here >>

FEMA (the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency) lists some ways we can provide some help to people who have been most affected by this disaster.

*American Red Cross, 800-HELP NOW (435-7669) English, 800-257-7575 Spanish.
*Operation Blessing, 800-436-6348.
*America’s Second Harvest, 800-344-8070.
*Adventist Community Services, 800-381-7171.
*Catholic Charities, USA, 703-549-1390.
*Christian Disaster Response, 941-956-5183 or 941-551-9554.
*Christian Reformed World Relief Committee, 800-848-5818.
*Church World Service, 800-297-1516.
*Convoy of Hope, 417-823-8998.
*Lutheran Disaster Response, 800-638-3522.
*Mennonite Disaster Service, 717-859-2210.
*Nazarene Disaster Response, 888-256-5886.
*Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, 800-872-3283.
*Salvation Army, 800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769).
*Southern Baptist Convention — Disaster Relief, 800-462-8657, ext. 6440.
*United Methodist Committee on Relief. 800-554-8583.