CHARLOTTE, FL — February 17th — Charlotte County Emergency Management welcomed kids from the Junior Leadership Charlotte program for an inside look at local preparedness and emergency operations. The visit demonstrated how planning and preparation go place all year round, not only when severe weather is forecast.

Director Patrick Fuller spoke to students about the department's activities in both everyday "blue skies" operations and active disaster response. The conversation centered on emergency planning, training, partnership development, and response and recovery coordination. Students also visited the Emergency Operations Center, where they learned how organizations collaborate and make real-time decisions to protect people and property. According to officials, the initiative inspires future leaders and encourages young people to have an active role in making their communities safer and more resilient.