PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – Pasco County is shifting its focus toward year-round readiness as Emergency Management officials prepare to host the 2026 Disaster Preparedness Expo on Saturday, May 2.
The event, designed to tackle everything from seasonal wildfires to major hurricanes, will take place at Pasco Safety Town in Shady Hills from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The expo aims to give residents a head start on the upcoming storm season by providing direct access to safety experts and local resources. Organizers are emphasizing that emergencies aren’t just limited to the summer months, noting that the event will help families “be ready not only for hurricanes, but also for other potential disasters.”
The day’s schedule includes a high-profile panel discussion on severe weather featuring Chief Meteorologist Denis Phillips, where attendees can get a breakdown of what to expect in the coming year.
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For those with specific logistical needs, staff will be on hand to help residents register for the Special Needs Assistance program and walk through the details of local evacuation planning.
Safety Town will be transformed into an interactive hub for the afternoon, featuring a “touch-a-truck” display and go-kit building stations specifically for children.
While the kids explore the equipment, parents can consult with Emergency Management teams on how to safeguard their homes and businesses or how to pack effective “go-kits” for both human family members and pets.
Food trucks will be stationed on-site, and the county will be distributing physical copies of the 2026 Pasco County Disaster Preparedness Guide. Officials are also encouraging visitors to sign up for Alert Pasco, the county’s primary emergency notification system, during the event.
Those looking for more details ahead of time can find information and digital resources at bit.ly/PascoEM.
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