Expos held as hurricane season begins Saturday

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June 1 marks the first day of the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season, and events were held in multiple counties to help residents get prepared. 

Hurricane expos were held in Pinellas, Pasco and Manatee counties on Saturday, aiming to educate and inform citizens on the measures that need to be taken before a storm hits. 

"Don't wait until we get in the cone or when you start seeing on the news that the storm is coming," said Amber Boulding, emergency manager for St. Petersburg. "Looking prepared is having a plan. It's knowing who's going to come with you, who's staying home with you - your pets, your family and just know. Don't wait til the last minute."

At the St. Pete hurricane expo, residents were able to learn about the new sandbagging machine, as well as understand how storm surge plays a major role in a hurricane's impact. 

Additional cities and counties are expected to hold hurricane-preparation events throughout the month of June. 

You can get hurricane supplies tax-free until June 6. For the full list of items that qualify, click here.