BRACE YOURSELF:

Be Ready Alliance Coordinating for Emergencies (BRACE) invites businesses and organizations to participate in the upcoming Hurricane Expo from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, April 12 at the Pensacola Civic Center. The Expo will educate homeowners and businesses about the importance of preparing for and mitigating against disasters. The services provided by BRACE Partners will be highlighted, including the availability and benefits of free wind home inspections through the My Safe Florida Home Program.

This year's Expo builds on the success of the My Safe Florida Home Expo and Fair events held in 2006 and 2007. Those events enjoy attendance in excess of 3,000 participants each year. More than 1,000 local residents registered for the My Safe Florida Home Program during the 2007 Expo.

BRACE is partnering with the Escambia County Department of Public Safety, the Local Mitigation Strategy Committee, the University of Florida I F A S Extension, and the My Safe Florida Home Program of the Department of Financial Services to present the Expo.

BRACE, a network for linking organizations together, was developed from the lessons learned during the Hurricane Ivan recovery experience. BRACE is helping to create the most disaster prepared community in America by stressing preparedness and mitigation and better preparing for response and recovery for residents and businesses.