A new AAA survey released Monday found that 42% of Floridians interviewed by the auto club group said they would be less likely to evacuate for a storm this year for fear of contracting the coronavirus.
Twenty-nine percent of the residents who responded said they would not leave their homes if they were warned to evacuate.
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“The coronavirus just complicates matters even more for those preparing for what is forecast to be an active hurricane season,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group in an email to WJCT News.
Of those who would evacuate, 80% said they would leave for a Category 2 hurricane or greater.
AAA Survey: What Category Hurricane Would Floridians Evacuate For?
- Category 1 74-95 mph winds 8%
- Category 2 96-110 mph winds 23%
- Category 3 111-129 mph winds 29%
- Category 4 130-156 mph winds 19%
- Category 5 157 mph or higher winds 9%
- Did not know 12%
The survey’s margin of error was 5.9%, with 401 completed surveys that were weighted to match the demographics of the state's adult population.
To help Florida residents prepare for hurricane season, which began Monday, June 1, a sales tax holiday for storm preparation items like batteries, generators, coolers, and more is underway until Thursday, June 4.
A full list of hurricane items that qualify for the tax holiday is available here.
Bill Bortzfield can be reached at bbortzfield@wjct.org or on Twitter at @BortzInJax.
