The Florida Aquarium Prepares for Tropical Storm Helene

September 24, 2024

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Tampa, FL – (September 24, 2024) As Tropical Storm Helene approaches, The Florida Aquarium is ready to weather the storm with a comprehensive hurricane preparedness plan to ensure the safety and well-being of its animals, staff, guests, and facilities. This detailed plan encompasses pre-storm preparations, actions during the storm, and recovery efforts post-storm, highlighting the Aquarium’s commitment to maintaining operational integrity and animal care during severe weather events.

Ahead of the storm, staff at the Aquarium is securing its buildings and taking down exterior tents, stocking up on the animals’ food and preparing meals, and checking water and oxygen levels in the habitats.

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Preparing for Impact
The welfare of the Aquarium’s nearly 20,000 aquatic and terrestrial animals is a top priority. In the critical days leading up to a storm’s arrival, The Florida Aquarium ramps up its preparedness efforts:

• Animal Care and Health Checks: Ensuring that all animals have adequate food, oxygen, and medical supplies for a minimum of two weeks.
• System Tests: Conducting thorough tests of all animal care and power systems to guarantee they are operating at peak performance.
• Securing Facilities: Locking down and securing all buildings, habitats, and critical infrastructure at multiple locations, including the Downtown Tampa and Apollo Beach sites.
  • Managing water levels at the Aquarium’s Apollo Beach campus to prevent flooding and ensure animal safety for sea turtles and corals.
• Relocation Plans: Strategically relocating animals from areas most at risk of storm impact, if needed.
  • Relocating animals from partner locations such as the fish in the aquarium at Tampa International Airport, and stingrays at the Manatee Viewing Center and Tropicana Field.

Incident Command System and Emergency Procedures
The Florida Aquarium has established an incident command system to manage hurricane preparedness and response:

• Incident Command Center: The command center coordinates all hurricane preparedness and response activities.
• Closing and Reopening Plans: Specific procedures are in place for closing the Aquarium before the storm and reopening afterward for the safety of staff, volunteers and guests.
  • Strike Team: Essential staff responsible for pre-storm preparations, ensuring all systems and supplies are in place.
• Emergency Communication: An emergency phone line and text alert system are activated when a named storm is forecasted in the area to keep staff informed and coordinated.
• Ride-Out Team: Staff members who stay on-site during the storm to monitor life support systems, manage generators, and assess any damage in real-time.

Continuous Monitoring and Coordination

• Storm Tracking: The Aquarium continuously monitors the storm’s path, predicted wind speeds, and storm surge levels.
• Coordination with Local Officials: The Aquarium works closely with local emergency management officials to ensure alignment with broader community safety efforts.

Post-Storm Recovery
After the storm passes, The Florida Aquarium’s recovery team springs into action:

• Recovery team: Conduct a thorough assessment of all facilities to identify and address any damage, make necessary repairs, and assist in reopening the facility.
• System Restorations: Ensuring all life support and power systems are fully operational.
• Reopening Plans: Coordinating with local officials to safely reopen the Aquarium to the public.

The Florida Aquarium is StormReady®
This summer, The Florida Aquarium earned its first StormReady® certification from the National Weather Service, becoming the only aquarium in Florida and one of 164 sites statewide to achieve this recognition. This certification demonstrates the Aquarium’s commitment to safety and preparedness by meeting stringent criteria, including establishing a 24-hour emergency operations center, implementing severe weather alert systems, and conducting regular preparedness drills. As a StormReady facility, The Florida Aquarium is equipped to effectively safeguard its guests, staff, animals, and property during extreme weather events.