Bilirakis Encourages East Coast Residents to Prepare for Hurricane Irene

"While Hurricane Irene isn't a major threat to the Florida coast, I still am encouraging all residents along the potential path of the storm to take the proper steps to protect yourself and your belongings," Bilirakis said. "Everyone should develop family disaster plans and create supply kits. As I like to say, we must hope for the best but prepare for the worst."

For resources and more information about hurricane preparedness, click here to visit Bilirakis' website.

"During a natural disaster, households, governments and local businesses must be as prepared as possible to respond and rebuild after a major catastrophe strikes," Bilirakis said.