Get ready: The Florida Department of Financial Services (FLDFS) has scheduled a number of hurricane expos around the state, and many are open to the public.

Topics vary for each meeting but focus on hurricane mitigation techniques to boost a home's defenses against a storm, including information about the state's My Safe Florida Home program and defensive moves such as storm shutters and fortified garage doors.

Currently scheduled expos and topics are listed below, but for more information or to see future events, visit the FLDFS Web site at: http://www.fldfs.com/Consumers/consumerOutReach/eventsbycategory.asp.

By phone, call the FLDFS Consumer Services Helpline at (800) 342-2762.

July 12: Jacksonville

Habitat for Humanity/UNF hurricane preparedness

July 14: Miami-Dade

Hardening your home against hurricanes

July 18: Jacksonville

Hurricane preparedness

July 20: Delray Beach

Hurricane preparation lecture

July 21: Orlando

Hurricane mitigation (What to do before and after a storm)

July 23: Jacksonville

First time homeowner's workshop - hurricane preparedness

Aug. 8: Jacksonville

First time homeowners' workshop - hurricane preparedness

Aug. 9: Kissimmee

Homeowner insurance class - hurricane preparedness

Aug. 11: Jacksonville

SHADCO safety fair - hurricane preparedness

Aug. 24: Naples

Resource to create, maintain and grow your business - hurricane preparedness

Aug. 27: Jacksonville

First time homeowner's workshop - hurricane preparedness

Sept. 24: Jacksonville

First time homeowners' workshop - hurricane preparedness