Daytona Speedway Hosts Free Hurricane Expo for Volusia County | The Locally Times
Over 50 vendors will offer critical storm readiness resources and interactive family activities at the free April 18 event, building on last year's 1,500 attendees.
Daytona International Speedway isn't just for racing anymore. This April, it transforms into a key hub for hurricane preparedness, offering Volusia County residents a free, family-friendly expo to gear up for the 2026 storm season. Scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the event will take over the pavilion area of the iconic motorsports venue at 1801 W. International Speedway Blvd. ## Expert Resources and Community Collaboration This Hurricane Expo is a massive collaborative effort, coordinated by the Volusia County Organizations Active in Disasters (COAD) in partnership with Volusia County Emergency Management. The partnership brings together over 50 vendors, community organizations, and government agencies, all dedicated to hurricane preparedness and response, as detailed by the Florida Department of Health Volusia County. These participants will be on site, offering products, services, and key information to bolster storm readiness. Attendees can explore exhibits covering critical aspects of preparedness, including understanding emergency alerts, developing effective evacuation plans, and implementing property protection measures for homes and businesses. The expo provides a direct connection to local emergency response teams and community partners, facilitating expert guidance and fostering community resilience. Last year's expo drew over 1,500 attendees, demonstrating significant community interest and the clear need for these preparedness initiatives. ## Hands-On Learning for All Ages Beyond static displays, the expo's agenda is packed with educational and interactive elements designed for all ages. Live safety demonstrations will offer practical insights into emergency procedures, from properly securing a home to navigating power outages. Educational presentations and guest speakers will provide key guidance on staying safe throughout hurricane season, covering everything from creating a disaster kit to understanding insurance policies. Younger attendees won't be left out, with a hands-on 'Touch-A-Truck' experience featuring emergency vehicles from fire, EMS, law enforcement, and utility services. This interactive display allows children to explore the equipment used by first responders, adding an engaging and educational component to the event. ## Gearing Up for the 2026 Storm Season Timed less than two months before the official start of the 2026 hurricane season, this expo offers a proactive opportunity for residents to finalize their preparedness plans. Attending allows residents to gather essential information and connect directly with local resources that can assist them before, during, and after a storm, potentially mitigating risks to life and property. The event's accessible location at the Daytona International Speedway, a central point within Volusia County, aims to maximize community participation and ensure broad reach. For additional information, including updates or specific details regarding participating organizations and the schedule of presentations, residents are encouraged by the Florida Department of Health Volusia County to visit www.volusia.org/hurricaneexpo. This comprehensive approach to preparedness seeks to enhance overall community resilience ahead of potential storm impacts. ## Your Quick Guide to the Expo **What information can I get at the expo?** The expo provides practical information on emergency alerts, evacuation planning, and property protection measures, connecting attendees with emergency response teams and community partners. **Is there a cost to attend?** The Volusia County Hurricane Expo is a free event for all attendees, though food will be available for purchase. **Where can I find more details about the event?** Additional information is available on the volusia.org/hurricaneexpo website.