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After Irma, Beware of Price Gouging, Disaster Scams and Looting

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As Tropical Storm Irma continues to move through Florida, Attorney General Pam Bondi is warning those in impacted areas to guard against price gouging, contracting scams and looting.
“Irma is still moving through Florida and already we are hearing reports about looting and robbery. This is disgraceful and anyone who steals from Floridians in this time of crisis will be caught and prosecuted,” said Attorney General Bondi. “My office and law enforcement continue to work tirelessly to protect Floridians, but citizens can help by taking steps to avoid being victimized.”
After a natural disaster, consumers should be wary of tree service scams, building and home repair scams, disaster relief scams, and water testing and treatment scams. If you suspect criminal activity such as looting, robbery or any violent crime, call 911 immediately.
Building Repair and Contractors: After a disaster, qualified contractors are in high demand, making things ideal for scam artists. If your home is damaged, be sure to follow these tips when hiring a contractor:

  • Watch out for unsolicited offers or contractors claiming they can perform repairs at a discount with leftover supplies from another job;
  • Have your insurance company evaluate damage before arranging repairs to ensure that the work will be covered under your policy;
  • Get at least three written, itemized estimates or bids on repairs;
  • Verify a contractor has a license with local and state licensing boards;
  • Additionally, ensure the contractor is licensed for the job. Check to see if a company is properly licensed and if there are any consumer complaints filed against a licensed contractor at MyFloridaLicense.com, the Department of Professional Business Regulation’s website;
  • Research the company and its reputation–ask for references;
  • Contact the Florida Attorney General’s Office at 1 (866) 9NO-SCAM to see if there are complaints against a company or contractor;
  • Check for proof of insurance and verify with the insurer that their policy is current;
  • Check to see if the contractor is bonded and verify with the bonding agency;
  • Never pay the full amount of a repair up front and hesitate before providing large deposits;
  • Read entire contract, including the fine print, before signing to ensure it includes the required buyer’s right to cancel language. Understand cancellation rights and penalties you may experience for cancelling;
  • Homeowners may unknowingly have liens placed against their properties by suppliers or subcontractors who have not been paid by the contractor. If the contractor fails to pay them, the liens will remain on the title. Insist on releases of any liens that could be placed on the property from all subcontractors prior to making final payments; and
  • Do not sign a certificate of completion or make final payment until you are satisfied with the work performed.

Tree Service Scams: Heavy winds from a hurricane or tropical storm results in littered roads and uprooted trees. If you plan to have nearby trees removed to protect your home from danger or have fallen trees removed after a storm, follow these tips to avoid being scammed:

  • Watch out for anyone who approaches unsolicited about tree removal;
  • Get multiple written estimates and ask whether debris removal is included in the estimate;
  • Research the company and its reputation–ask for references. Contact the Florida Attorney General’s Office at 1 (866) 9NO-SCAM to check if there are complaints against the company;
  • Check for proof of insurance and verify with the insurer that their policy is current, and
  • Never pay the full amount up front and do not make a final payment until you are completely satisfied with the work done.

Charity Scams: This scam is particularly effective after a disaster, during which numerous disaster-specific charities crop up. If you would like to donate to help with disaster relief, consider these tips:

  • Avoid solicitors that use high-pressure tactics or are hesitant to provide additional information on the charitable organization;
  • Be wary of charities with similar sounding names. Some phony charities may attempt to capitalize on disasters by using names similar to legitimate, well-known charities;
  • Consider donating to an established disaster-relief charity; and
  • Contact the Florida Attorney General’s Office or the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (1-800-HELP-FLA), the agency that regulates charities, to determine if the charity you are donating to has any complaints against them.

Disaster Relief Scams: The Federal Emergency Management Agency offers disaster relief to eligible victims through various programs. When seeking aid, consider the following:

  • No state or federal disaster relief agency will call you for your financial information;
  • State and federal workers carry identification and will not ask for or accept cash;
  • Know that applications for federal FEMA relief programs are free and can be accessed at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA; and
  • Be wary of anyone who offers to fill out, assist with or expedite your application as they may be seeking access to your personal information.

Water Testing and Treatment Scams: Water mains and personal wells can be affected during hurricanes, and dishonest companies and individuals may insist upon pricey tests to determine water safety. Avoid falling victim by following these tips:

  • If someone claims to be a representative of your city, county or utility provider needing to inspect your water line or well, ask for proof of identification;
  • Check for water safety alerts as provided by local media and utility providers;
  • If you doubt the safety of your water, contact your local health department or utility. Local water utilities are required to test water quality on a regular basis;
  • If you doubt the safety of your well water, seek advice from your state or local health department to determine what tests should be performed and find certified testers in your area; and
  • If in doubt, boil water vigorously for one to three minutes or drink bottled water.

The state of emergency is still in effect and that means Florida’s price gouging law still applies to anyone who sells essential commodities or provides essential services to our consumers. We anticipate an uptick in price gouging complaints and complaints about unscrupulous contractors and charities post-Irma, especially tree service scams, building and home repair scams, disaster relief scams, and water testing and treatment scams.  
Please report any scams to the Florida Attorney General’s Office by calling (866) 9NO-SCAM. If you cannot get a live operator file a complaint online at MyFloridaLegal.com.

Senator Farmer Thanks First Responders

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On the 16th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, and following Hurricane Irma

16 years ago our country suffered a devastating attack that was felt the world over. Today we remember that what makes us stronger as Americans is our dogged persistence, even in the face of hatred and bigotry, to our founding principles of tolerance and love for our fellow man.
It is in our response to adversity that our character is truly revealed. On September 11, 2001 we saw the character of America, and it was one of which we could be proud. Once again, today we are faced with adversity, this time in the form of a devastating hurricane. Much like on the fateful day of 9/11 we have seen our first responders put others first in an effort to secure the safety of our communities. We have seen an outpouring of support from fellow Floridians and our friends in states across the country.  On a day when we remember the sacrifices of those who choose to run into burning buildings, we could not have a better example to look upon than the brave men and women who are actively supporting us now, from far and wide.
Today, recall the amazing work that our police, fire, EMT’s, and national guardsmen do for us each and every day. Remember that there are those who forgo personal safety for the benefit of others. Thank you to our first responders.
As we remember this solemn moment in America’s recent history, I wish you all a path to swift recovery.
-Senator Gary M. Farmer, Jr.

Florida Forest Service and Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement Begin Urban Search and Rescue Missions

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Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today announced that the Florida Forest Service and the Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement, along with other agencies, have begun urban search and rescue efforts. They will also be conducting infrastructure assessments.
“Urban search and rescue efforts are among the highest priorities immediately following a hurricane, and the Florida Forest Service and Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement, along with other agencies, have begun these life-saving efforts.”

Sen. Nelson calls on Dept. of Energy to help address Florida's gas shortage

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Sen. Bill Nelson today sent the following letter to Dept. of Energy Secretary Perry regarding Florida’s gas shortage.
Following is the text of Nelson’s letter to the Dept. of Energy:

September 11, 2017

The Honorable Rick Perry
Secretary
U.S. Department of Energy
1000 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20585
Dear Secretary Perry:
I write today regarding the gasoline shortages that occurred in Florida prior to landfall of Hurricane Irma, and are likely to persist in the days and weeks that follow.
I appreciate efforts taken to date by the Department and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to try to expedite the flow of gasoline shipments into Florida in the wake of the storm. At least some of these efforts, however, appear to have been hampered by the apparent lack of adequate gasoline reserves in Florida prior to the storm.
Unfortunately, this was also the case in the Northeast U.S. after Superstorm Sandy – where some communities waited weeks for gasoline shipments after the storm. These shortages hampered relief and recovery efforts in many communities. In response, the Department created a Northeast Gasoline Supply Reserve (NGSR) in 2014 to ensure an emergency gasoline supply for future natural or man-made disasters in that region.
In the wake of Hurricane Irma, I urge you to consider using your authority to create a similar gasoline supply reserve for the State of Florida. A Florida Gasoline Supply Reserve would ensure that residents and first responders have access to an emergency supply of fuel, and help prevent the shortages that may have kept some from evacuating and may hinder recover efforts going forward.
Thank you in advance for your attention to this critical issue. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Attorney General Bondi’s Statement on Patriot Day

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Attorney General Pam Bondi today released the following statement in remembrance of those killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks:
“Today, we remember the thousands of innocent lives lost in the September 11th attacks and the brave first responders who gave their lives to save others. We will never forget their sacrifice and the men and women who answered the call of duty in the days, months and years following the worst terrorist attack in U.S. history. After the cowardly attacks, our country came together like never before, and today we are a stronger, more resilient nation—still leading the world with freedom and democracy.”

28 States and D.C. Provide Assets for Hurricane Response and Recovery

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Governor Rick Scott today outlined support that has been deployed to Florida from twenty-eight states and Washington D.C. to aid in the response and recovery of Hurricane Irma. Governor Scott has worked closely with local, state, and federal governments to coordinate preparation efforts.
Governor Scott said, “Florida has received an incredible outpouring of support from other states in responding to Hurricane Irma. Responding to catastrophic storms like this takes a collaborative and coordinated team effort. The strength and speed of these states’ help has been instrumental in our planned response to Irma. The people of Florida are incredibly thankful for their selfless dedication. Together, we can withstand this storm and come back even stronger.”
The following personnel and resources have been deployed to Florida to assist in Hurricane Irma response and recovery:

  • Alaska – Deployed a Geographic Information Science Supervisor and Emergency Operations Center Support Team
  • Alabama – Deployed two CH-47 Chinook helicopters, along with cargo trucks and other logistical assets
  • Arkansas – Deployed 28 Swiftwater Rescue Personnel and Boats
  • California – Deployed an Emergency Management Assistance Compact Advance Team
  • Colorado – Deployed Graphical Information Systems and Emergency Operation Center Support Team
  • Connecticut – Deployed two CH-47 Chinook helicopters
  • Washington D.C. – Deployed an All Hazards Incident Management Team
  • Indiana – Deployed Tactical Command Post staff and equipment
  • Iowa – Deployed four LUH-72 Lakota helicopters and two CH-47 Chinook helicopters
  • Kentucky – Deployed six FEMA Type II ambulances
  • Louisiana – Deployed Type III Urban Search and Rescue Teams, an Animal/Human Swiftwater Search and Rescue Team and Emergency Operations Center Support Staff
  • Massachusetts – Deployed Infrastructure Support Staff, an All Hazards Incident Management Team and a nurse team
  • Michigan – Deployed Type III Urban Search and Rescue Teams
  • Minnesota – Deployed an Emergency Operations Center Support Team along with a CH-47 Chinook helicopter
  • Mississippi – Deployed a Type III Urban Search and Rescue Team, 26 Special Response Teams and equipment, an All Hazards Incident Management Team, lead staff for Mass Care, Emergency Support Function 8 Leadership Support and 2 CH-47 Chinook helicopters
  • North Carolina – Deployed Medical Center Evacuation Assistance
  • North Dakota – Deployed an Emergency Management Assistance Compact Advance Team and Nurse Teams
  • Nebraska – Deployed multiple aviation assets
  • New Hampshire – Deployed 2 Air Operations Branch Directors
  • New Jersey – Deployed cargo trucks and other logistical transportation assets
  • New York – Deployed a Type III Urban Search and Rescue Team along with 10 UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters
  • Ohio – Deployed Type 3 All Hazards Incident Management Teams
  • Oklahoma – Deployed an Emergency Operations Center Support Team
  • Pennsylvania – Deployed a CH-47 Chinook helicopter with air support
  • Tennessee – Deployed a Type II Urban Search and Rescue Team, Emergency Support Function 8 Augmentation Teams, 40 Nurses and 5 Ambulance Strike Teams
  • Texas – Deployed 66 Swiftwater Search and Rescue Teams
  • Utah – Deployed a Human Services Emergency Operations Center Support Team
  • Washington – Deployed an All Hazards Incident Management Team
  • Wisconsin – Deployed Wide Area Security and Humanitarian Relief on a 30-day mission along with Type III Urban Search and Rescue Teams

Gov. Rick Scott: President Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration

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Just hours after Governor Rick Scott’s request, President Donald Trump today approved a major disaster declaration. This declaration authorizes federal funding to flow directly to Floridians impacted by Hurricane Irma and reimburses local communities and the state government to aid in response and recovery from Hurricane Irma. This morning, Hurricane Irma made landfall at Cudjoe Key in the Lower Florida Keys.
Governor Rick Scott said, “It’s clear that the entire country is standing with Florida as Hurricane Irma batters our state right now. I have heard from people all across the world that want to help and support Florida. It’s encouraging, and on behalf of all Floridians – we appreciate the support and constant collaboration.
“I am thankful that President Trump, who I’ve spoken with multiple times this week, has been 100 percent supportive of our efforts and offered every resource of the federal government. Working with local emergency management professionals and FEMA, we will make sure that no expense is spared to help families respond and recover.”
The Major Disaster Declaration approved by President Trump authorizes the following:

  • 100 percent federal reimbursement for thirty days in all counties for emergency protective measures, such as Emergency Operation Center costs, evacuation costs, sheltering costs, and other costs associated with emergency response. After the thirty days, the federal government will reimburse 75 percent of these costs. This includes both local and state expenses;
  • 75 percent federal reimbursement for all counties for debris removal;
  • Direct federal financial assistance for impacted Florida families in the following counties: Charlotte, Collier, Hillsborough; Lee, Manatee, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Pinellas, and Sarasota Counties.

**NOTE: As Hurricane Irma moves through Florida, Governor Scott will work with President Trump and FEMA to approve more funding to additional communities affected by the storm. Also, the approval indicated that the federal reimbursement percentage may increase as damage assessments are reported.
To view the declaration, click HERE.

Attorney General Bondi’s Statement on the Passing of Hardee County Sheriff’s Deputy and Corrections Sgt.

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Attorney General Pam Bondi today released the following statement regarding the passing of Florida Department of Corrections Sergeant Joseph Ossman and Hardee County Sheriff’s Deputy Julie Bridges:
“My prayers are with the families of Sgt. Ossman and Deputy Bridges who lost their lives this morning serving their community during this State of Emergency. Sgt. Ossman and Deputy Bridges served our state for many years, taking risks every day to ensure the safety of others. The two officers’ vehicles collided in a tragic accident while they were out working to protect our state.

Consumer Alert: Managing the Post-Storm Insurance Claims Filing Process

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As Hurricane Irma continues to impact Florida, residents affected by the storm will soon begin the process of surveying damages to their property and belongings. Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis and Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier have the following tips to help consumers as they begin the process of filing insurance claims on damaged property and belongings:
Tip 1:  Locate all applicable insurance policies. This may include a homeowners’ policy, flood policy (flood coverage is not covered under a typical homeowners’ policy and is separate coverage) and an automobile policy (may cover damage to your car from flooding).
Tip 2:  Document all damaged property and belongings. Take photos or shoot video footage before attempting any temporary repairs. When you file an insurance claim, you may be asked for visual documentation of damages. A photographic home inventory is a handy resource for this situation. A free smartphone app developed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners called “MyHome Scr.APP.book” can help you take and store a room-by-room log of photos.
Tip 3:  Contact your insurance company or insurance agent as soon as possible to report damages. Insurance policies require prompt reporting of claims, so it is important to act as soon as possible. If you need help finding your property insurance company’s website and contact information, click here. For a list of licensed insurance agents in Florida, click here.
Tip 4:  Cover damaged areas that may be exposed to the elements in order to prevent further damage. Your insurance company may reimburse the expense of these temporary repairs, so keep all receipts. Remove water-logged and otherwise damaged items from your house to prevent the spread of mold, but document them and do not dispose of any damaged property until your insurance company adjuster has had an opportunity to survey it.
CFO Patronis’ toll-free Insurance Consumer Helpline (1-877-693-5236) can answer business and consumer-oriented insurance-related questions. CFO Patronis has launched a Hurricane Irma Insurance Resources webpage to provide comprehensive insurance information. Access the webpage by clicking on the “Hurricane Irma” button on www.myfloridacfo.com
The Office of Insurance Regulation also has additional storm-related materials online. To visit their website, click here.

Gov. Scott Issues Updates on Hurricane Irma Preparedness and Response Efforts as Storm Impacts Florida

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Governor Rick Scott today received a full update from the State Emergency Operations Center as Hurricane Irma impacts Florida. A majority of the state remains under a hurricane warning. The Governor will continue to be in constant communication with state and local emergency management officials, city and county leaders, law enforcement and utility officials throughout the storm’s impact. For more information on preparedness actions, click HERE. Click HERE to see the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center (NHC).
EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTIONS BY STATE EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM 
WATCHES AND WARNING –

  • Storm Surge Warning:
    • The Florida/Georgia line southward to Jupiter Inlet
    • North Miami Beach southward around the Florida peninsula to the Ochlockonee River
    • Florida Keys
    • Tampa Bay
  • Hurricane Warning:
    • Fernandina Beach southward around the Florida peninsula to Indian Pass at the Gulf/Franklin County line.
    • Florida Keys
    • Lake Okeechobee
    • Florida Bay
  • Tropical Storm Warning:
    • West of Indian Pass to the Okaloosa/Walton County Line
    • North of Fernandina Beach to South Santee River

EVACUATIONS

  • IF THERE ARE ALREADY STORM IMPACTS IN YOUR AREA, DO NOT GET ON THE ROAD. SHELTER IN PLACE.
  • DEM estimates that 6.5 million Floridians have been ordered to evacuate.

SHELTERS

  • More than 530 shelters are open throughout Florida with a total population of more than 116,000 individuals. More than 75 special needs shelters are open with a total population of more than 12,700 individuals. This number is being updated throughout the day. Visit floridadisaster.org/shelters/summary.aspx to find information on shelters in your area.
  • Shelters are continuing to open across the state, including shelters for people with special needs, pets and general populations. To find information about available shelter information by county, floridadisaster.org/shelters.
  • FEMA is also hosting shelter information on its mobile app which can be found atfema.gov/mobile-app. 

POWER AND UTILITIES

  • The current power outage as of 12:00 p.m. is1,528,282 accounts. For a full breakdown, click HERE.
  • Restoration personnel have been activated to help restore power as quickly as possible following the storm’s impact.
     

MILITARY SUPPORT

  • Governor Scott has activated the entire force of the Florida Army and Air National Guard – 7,000 guard members – to support with planning, and logistics operations in preparation for potential impacts from Hurricane Irma. These members are stationing across the state and actively assisting with preparation efforts and supporting more than 200 shelters. The Florida National Guard has 1,000 high water vehicles, 13 helicopters, 17 boats and more than 700 generators on standby.
  • More than 700 more guardsmen are preparing to set up food and water distribution sites as soon as the storm passes and we are working alongside FWC to prepare for search and rescue mission as soon as it is safe.
  • The Florida National Guard is coordinating a multi-state response focused on planning and preparing thousands of forces to enhance security and support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. States that have deployed troops or are positioning support include North Carolina, Ohio, Wisconsin, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Connecticut, Mississippi, New Jersey, Alabama, Michigan, Massachusetts, Maryland and Iowa.
  • The Florida National Guard is coordinating with the National Guard Bureau to identify approximately 30,000 troops, 4,000 trucks, 100 helicopters, and air evacuation crews that are standing by for Hurricane Irma support, if needed. 10,000 of those troops are in the process of joining Florida Guard members for deployment after the storm.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

  • More than 200 FWC officers statewide, including partner agencies, will be standing by in areas expected to be safe with resources such as trucks, coastal and river patrol boats, ATVs and shallow draft boats to respond to critical areas based on the storm’s path. FWC Special Operations Group (SOG) officers, National Guard members and an Urban Search and Rescue Team are staged for reconnaissance once the storm passes that area.
  • FWC has more than 500 law enforcement vessels standing ready and is prepared to sustain these resources as long as necessary.
  • FWC is swearing in more than 200 officers that are being deployed from Mississippi, South Carolina, Arkansas and Texas. By the end of today, FWC will have 50 additional officers from Louisiana, 28 officers from Arkansas, and 26 from Mississippi.
  • The entire Florida Highway Patrol, approximately 1,700 troopers, is on 12-hour shifts, with the primary mission to assist emergency response. In addition, a total of 330 troopers are on standby to assist with recovery and road clearance efforts after the storm passes.
  • Florida Incident Management Teams (IMT) are mobilizing to provide overall statewide command and control for all Urban Search & Rescue (US&R) and lifesaving operations.
  • FEMA Urban Search & Rescue (US&R) teams are staged for rapid deployment behind Hurricane Irma, including additional teams standing by in Georgia.

TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC WORKS
Sustained winds over 40 miles per hour will prompt the Florida Highway Patrol to close bridges. The state Emergency Operations Center is receiving regular wind status updates from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and closely monitoring the wind speeds across bridges. The following major bridges are currently closed:

  • Sunshine Skyway Bridge

Airport Updates:
The following airports are closed:

  • Airport Manatee (48X)
  • Albert Whitted Airport (SPG)
  • Boca Raton Airport (BCT)
  • Downtown Fort Lauderdale Heliport (DT1)
  • Everglades Airpark (X01)
  • Fernandina Beach Municipal (FHB)
  • Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International (KFLL)
  • Immokalee Regional Airport (IMM)
  • Key West International Airport (KEYW)
  • Keys/Marathon International (MTH)
  • Kissimmee Gateway Airport (ISM)
  • Leesburg International Airport (LEE)
  • Marco Island Airport (MKY)
  • Miami Seaplane Base (MPB)
  • Naples Municipal Airport (APF)
  • North Perry Airport (HWO)
  • Northeast Florida Regional (SGJ)
  • Ocala International-Jim Taylor Field (OCF)
  • Okeechobee County Airport (OBE)
  • Orlando–Sanford International (KSFB)
  • Ormond Beach Municipal (OMN)
  • Peter O Knight Airport (TPF)
  • Plant City Airport (PCM)
  • Pompano Beach Airpark (PMP)
  • Saint George Island Airport (F47)
  • Sarasota–Bradenton International (KSRQ)
  • St Pete-Clearwater International (PIE)
  • Tallahassee Commercial Airport (68J)
  • Tampa Executive Airport (VDF)
  • Tavares Seaplane Base (FA1)
  • Williston Municipal Airport (X60)

The following airports have terminated Commercial Service:

  • Daytona Beach International (KDAB)
  • Melbourne International Airport (MLB)
  • Palm Beach International (KPBI)
  • Punta Gorda Airport (PGD)
  • Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)

The following airports are conducting emergency operations only:

  • Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport (TNT)
  • Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE)
  • Miami Executive Airport (TMB)
  • Miami Homestead General Aviation (X51)
  • Miami International (KMIA)
  • Opa-Locka Executive Airport (OPF)
  • Orlando International (KMCO)
  • Tampa International (KTPA)
  • Venice Municipal Airport (VNC)
  • Vero Beach Municipal Airport (VRB)
  • Winter Haven’s Gilbert Airport (GIF)

Port Updates:

  • Key West: Port closed
  • Miami: Port closed
  • Port Everglades: Port closed
  • Palm Beach: Port Closed
  • Manatee: Port closed
  • St. Petersburg: Port closed
  • Canaveral: Port closed
  • Ft Pierce: Port Closed
  • Jacksonville: Port closed
  • Fernandina: Port closed
  • Tampa: Port closed
  • Panama City: Port Closed
  • Pensacola: Open with restrictions 

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

  • Free Xfinity WiFi hotspots are available throughout the state for individuals in need, including non-Xfinity customers, to help residents and emergency personnel stay connected. For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, which are located both indoors and outdoors in places such as shopping districts, parks and businesses, please visit Xfinity.com/wifi.
  • Charter Communications opened all of their Spectrum WiFi hotspots across Florida to help those affected by Hurricane Irma get connected.
  • Telecommunications Partners are monitoring fuel levels for generators and back-up power supply for cell towers, mobile switching centers and central offices.
  • The state is working with city, county and state entities to re-route phone lines. At this point, there are no out of ordinary reports of any major outages.

STATE EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER/ CONTACT INFORMATION

  • The State Emergency Operations Center remains activated at a level one, which is a full-scale, 24-hours-a-day activation.
  • The Florida Emergency Information Line has been activated and is available 24/7 for families and victors at 1-800-342-3557.
  • Floridians can text FLPREPARES to 888777 in order to receive text alerts from FDEM.
  • The media line is 850-921-0217.
  • Follow @FLSert or @FLGovScott on Twitter for live updates on Hurricane Irma.
  • Visit http://www.floridadisaster.org to find information on shelters, road closures, and evacuation routes.
  • On Monday, Governor Scott issued Executive Order 17-235 declaring a state of emergency in all 67 counties within the State of Florida.