This week, Florida was struck by its second major hurricane in 14 days. As a lifelong Floridian, I have seen my share of storms, and Milton was like none other. Its windspeeds grew from 60 to over 180 mph in less than 2 days over the Gulf. This rapid intensification was shocking to all of us.
For the first time ever, my family boarded up the windows on our Tampa home and bought a generator. We don’t live in an evacuation zone, so we opted to hunker down and prepare for the worst—power loss, downed trees, inland flooding, tornados. We made it through the storm relatively unscathed; so, so many others across the state did not.
Milton is yet another indication that climate pollution puts our weather on steroids. And that puts our lives, our children’s lives, our homes, and our communities in danger.
Milton and other recent extreme weather events are also stark reminders of how our votes this election season will determine how climate and children’s health will be addressed by our policymakers. That’s why it’s so important that we make a plan to vote.
FIND OUT WHAT IS ON YOUR BALLOT AND MAKE A PLAN TO VOTE
Making a plan to vote is essential, and it’s easy with Moms Clean Air Force’s voting guide. Just enter your address and the guide will tell you where to vote early, how to vote by mail, what’s on your ballot, and where your Election Day polling place is. It’ll even help you contact your local Election Office.
Voting is a crucial way to express your values. Remember, your vote is your voice. It’s your power to affect policies that affect our families, our communities, and our climate.
Take time now to make a plan to vote by November 5. And then share our guide with 5 of your friends.