Governor Rick Scott today received a full briefing on Hurricane Florence from the Florida Division of Emergency Management. Governor Scott has also spoken to the governors of Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia to offer support as they prepare for impacts from Hurricane Florence. Florida emergency managers are in constant communication with these states as the storm approaches.
Governor Scott said, “We will continue to do all we can to support our neighbors in the Southeast as we prepare for Hurricane Florence. In Florida, we are fortunate to have the best emergency management professionals in the world to respond to disasters in our state and to help other states during times of emergency. As we continue to monitor the path of Hurricane Florence and make preparations, Floridians must remain vigilant. While Florida is not currently anticipated to have major impacts from this storm, we know that weather situations can change quickly. Families should go to FloridaDisaster.org and monitor local news reports for updates.”
The State of Florida is taking the following actions in support of states impacted by Hurricane Florence:
- Two Urban Search and Rescue teams have been deployed to North and South Carolina in response to Hurricane Florence.
- Florida Department of Health has deployed a Nursing Strike Team of 29 individuals to North Carolina to assist with their special needs sheltering operations.
- Five Ambulance Strike Teams are deploying to North Carolina to assist with medical evacuations.
- Three teams of emergency management specialists from the Florida State Emergency Response Team are deploying to North Carolina to assist with operations and planning in response to the storm.
- Florida utility companies are sending multiple crews to stage and prepare for post-impact restoration of power. More than 2,000 personnel have deployed as of Wednesday.
- The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has coordinated with the Florida Highway Patrol and Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to allow emergency supply and response vehicles to bypass all FDOT weigh stations through September 17, 2018.
- The State has suspended the requirements for transportation of animals across state lines to assist in the safe transfer of livestock.
- Several Florida volunteer teams from the Salvation Army, the American Red Cross and the Florida Baptists have deployed personnel to assist impacted populations.
- VISIT FLORIDA, in partnership with Expedia, has activated its Emergency Accommodation Module as a resource to assist evacuees seeking accommodations in Florida. Expedia.com/Florida provides accommodations availability information.
