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Hurricane Irma

Gov. Scott and HHS Secretary Discuss Hurricane Irma Recovery Efforts in Florida Keys

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Governor Rick Scott and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Tom Price today met with local and state officials in Monroe County to discuss Hurricane Irma response and recovery efforts in the Florida Keys. See updates on the state’s resources in Monroe County below.

STATE RESOURCES CURRENTLY BEING DIRECTED TO THE FLORIDA KEYS

FWC

  • FWC has more than 40 additional officers, including Special Operations Group (SOG), in Monroe County. These officers are working with National Guard members and an Urban Search and Rescue team to continue rescue operations in the Keys.

Florida National Guard

  • The Florida National Guard is operating seven points of distribution in Monroe County to ensure supplies, such as food and water, are quickly provided to those who need them.
  • The Florida National Guard is also manning the Logistical Staging Area in Marathon which distributes supplies to the points of distribution.

Florida Department of Transportation

  • FDOT damage assessment teams and debris removal crews areassessing damage and cleared U.S. 1 down to Key West.
  • FDOT is closely coordinating support of debris removal in off-systemroads in Monroe County. FDOT has cleared local roads in Big PineKey, Little Torch and Ramrod keys.
  • FDOT worked with ATT to install temporary towers so those with ATT phones should have normal connectivity.

Florida Highway Patrol

  • FHP continues to provide multiple escorts to the Keys to ensure the quick delivery of relief supplies, such as food to local supermarkets, portable toilets, water and resources with the Red Cross.
  • FHP has assigned troopers to assist Monroe County with traffic response throughout the Keys.
  • FHP has six troopers assigned to the Key West Police Department to assist with area law enforcement.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)

  • FDLE coordinated repairs to the state law enforcement radio system in Monroe County.
  • FDLE has coordinated dozens of law enforcement missions for Monroe County including local EOC staffing, patrol and supply missions for generators and ice.

Florida Department of Environmental Protection

  • At the state’s request, EPA issued a No Action Assurance to allow emergency and backup electric generating units in Monroe County to operate without meeting all pollution controls in order to facilitate the supply of needed electricity during and after Irma.
  • At DEP’s request, crews from Tennessee, South Carolina and North Carolina, as well as Miami Dade and Jupiter, have been deployed and are currently working on repairs along the 117-mile main line from Key Largo to Key West.
  • DEP continues to coordinate with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, FDOT, U.S. Coast Guard, FWC, and FEMA on debris removal statewide. DEP contractors are mobilizing to county-identified debris sites. The State has received 27 debris reports in Monroe County, 21 of which are vessels.
  • DEP contractors are en route to assist DEP employees with debris cleanup and repairs to Florida State Parks in Monroe County.

Additional Resources

  • The Following resources are mobilizing to be deployed to Monroe County: baby supply kits for 1,000 babies and food and water to support more than 100 first responders.
  • The following resources have been deployed to Monroe County: 3 trailers of ice, food and water, 2 trailers of ice, 7 truckloads of ice and 32 truckloads of food and water, 100,000 Dehydrated Meals to Salvation Army Warehouse, 36,000 bottles of water and 415 portable restrooms.
  • Since Saturday, the Salvation Army has served more than 13,000 hot meals throughout Monroe County from their staging area in Marathon.

FEMA

  • At the state’s request, as of September 16, 2017, FEMA transferred more than 7 million meals and more than 5 million liters of water and 74 generators to Florida.
  • Florida Keys residents with homes damaged by Hurricane Irma and hotels able to accommodate those Monroe County residents are eligible for assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which has activated its lodging program. FEMA’s Emergency Lodging Assistance (ELA) program provides temporary shelter and lodging reimbursement for pre-qualified individuals. Program administrator CLC Lodging provides rule-based payments for qualified applicants at participating hotels.

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

  • HHS response coordinators are working with federal and U.S. Virgin Islands territory agencies to identify long-term solutions for health care in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
  • HHS continues to provide the Disaster Distress Helpline (1-800-985-5990), which remains open 24/7 for free help coping with the stress of the storm.

Shelters

  • There are three shelters open in Monroe County.
    • Island Christian School
    • Marathon Middle High School
    • Sugarloaf School

Gov. Scott to Discuss Hurricane Irma Recovery Efforts in Collier County

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Today, September 18th, Governor Rick Scott will meet with state and local officials in Collier County to discuss Hurricane Irma response and recovery efforts.
WHAT: Meeting on Hurricane Irma Response and Recovery
WHEN: 3:00 PM
WHERE: Collier County Emergency Management
8075 Lely Cultural Parkway
Naples, FL 34113

Commissioner Putnam Announces Free School Meals for All K-12 Students in 48 Counties Impacted by Hurricane Irma

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Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam announced today the U.S. Department of Agriculture accepted a request to allow all students in 48counties subject to a FEMA Major Disaster Declaration access to free school meals through the National School Lunch Program. These changes, in effect Sept. 18 – Oct. 20, will potentially impact over 3,000 schools and 2.5 million children. The department is requesting additional flexibilities as counties are being declared major disaster areas and as requests are submitted by counties. As such, additional counties could be added to the waiver in the coming days.
All Students in the following counties can access free school meals through the National School Lunch Program from Sept.18 – Oct. 20, 2017: Charlotte, Collier, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Pinellas, Broward, Palm Beach, Glades, Hendry, Sarasota, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns, Brevard, Citrus, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Indian River, Lake, Marion, Martin, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Polk, St. Lucie, Seminole, Sumter, Volusia, Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Lafayette, Levy, Nassau, Suwannee and Union.
Parents or guardians can find additional information here or contact the department at 1-800-504-6609 or [email protected].

Senator Lauren Book Files Legislation to Require Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities to Have Working Generators

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Changes proposed in Irma’s wake to protect Florida’s most vulnerable

State Senator Lauren Book (D-Plantation) today filed legislation (SB 284) that would require nursing homes and assisted living facilities to have working generators. The proposed bill is response to the deaths of eight elderly residents at the Rehabilitation Facility of Hollywood Hills, following air conditioner failure within the facility in Hurricane Irma’s wake.
“There is no excuse for failing to protect those most vulnerable among us,” says Sen. Book, who co-signed a letter to Governor Scott requesting the Florida Department of Law Enforcement open a formal investigation into the tragedy. “The loss of eight lives at Hollywood Hills was completely preventable, and that is what is so heartbreaking about this situation. One of the residents who perished lived to be 99 years old – but because of air conditioning failure and human negligence in the days following a storm, this very special life was lost. We can prevent these things – which never should have happened in the first place – from happening again…and we must, for the sake of our senior citizens and their families.”
If passed, the legislation would add electricity and emergency power sources to unannounced inspections of nursing homes and assisted living facilities, as well as require equipment sufficient to provide adequate day-to-day electricity, a fully operational emergency power source, and a supply of fuel sufficient to sustain the emergency power source for at least five days during a power outage.
The Rehabilitation Facility of Hollywood Hills air conditioning malfunctioned on Sunday and elderly residents had to endure oppressive conditions for three days before an evacuation was conducted.
Sen. Book intends to continue to fight for the health and rights of all citizens – especially senior citizens in the state of Florida, making senior wellbeing a special focus during her term.
“This is just the beginning of a set of essential and long overdue reforms needed to help ensure Florida’s seniors are being cared for in the way we would wish for our own parents, or grandparents,” Sen. Book concludes.

Gov. Scott Directs DBPR to Make it Easier for Floridians to Rebuild Following Hurricane Irma

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Governor Rick Scott directed Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s (DBPR) Secretary Jonathan Zachem to suspend certain regulations and fees that may prevent, hinder or delay necessary response and recovery efforts from Hurricane Irma. This order applies to all counties identified in the Major Disaster Declaration and will help Floridians more quickly repair and rebuild their homes and businesses. To view the Emergency Order, click HERE.
Governor Scott said, “Right now, families across the state are beginning the challenging process of repairing and rebuilding their homes and businesses after the impact of this massive storm. It is incredibly important that we do all we can to make it easier for these families to quickly and safely recover, which is why I have directed DBPR to take immediate action to suspend certain regulations that would hinder or delay recovery efforts. We will continue to work closely with our communities across the state to make sure they have all they need to help Florida fully rebuild and recover from Hurricane Irma.”
Secretary Jonathan Zachem said, “Many Floridians have been adversely impacted by Hurricane Irma. Under Governor Scott’s leadership, the Department is working to suspend burdensome regulations and provide the resources needed during this difficult time to help quickly repair and rebuild.”
The Emergency Order allows licensed general, building, and residential contractors to perform roofing repair and installation and also permits local governments to authorize local and specialty contracting licenses for individuals and businesses that are already licensed in jurisdictions throughout Florida so they can perform roofing repair and installation in impacted areas. This will allow areas of the state most affected by Hurricane Irma to be flexible and assist Floridians with immediate restoration during this difficult time. Florida’s high building standards and safety requirements will not be affected. Lastly, the order waives all Department fees for occupational or professional businesses who must relocate or reopen because of damage caused by Irma and its effects.
The Emergency Order will correspond with the effective dates of Governor Scott’s Executive Order 17-235 and any extensions thereof.

Commissioner Adam Putnam Issues Emergency Order

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Commissioner Adam H. Putnam Issues Emergency Order Waiving Fee to Replace
Concealed Weapon and Security Guard Licenses Damaged or Lost in Hurricane

In the wake of Hurricane Irma, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today issued an emergency order to waive the fees to replace Florida concealed weapon licenses and security guard licenses that were lost or destroyed during the hurricane.
“Hurricane Irma devastated Florida, and the last thing someone needs to worry about is paying a fee to have their concealed weapon license or security guard license replaced,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam.
Consumers who wish to request a replacement concealed weapon or security guard license must submit a statement to the department explaining that their license was lost, damaged or stolen. This statement must be notarized.
Requests for replacement concealed weapon licenses should be mailed to: The Division of Licensing, P.O. Box 6387, Tallahassee, Fla., 32314-6387. Requests for replacement security guard licenses should be mailed to: The Division of Licensing, P.O. Box 5767, Tallahassee, Fla., 32314-5767.
For more information on Florida concealed weapon and security guard licenses, visit FreshFromFlorida.com/CWL.

Assisted living facilities, nursing homes and hospitals are receiving frequent wellness checks

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Before, during and following Hurricane Irma, health care facilities throughout Florida have been implementing emergency plans to keep patients safe. The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration and the Florida Department of Health is conducting frequent and vigorous outreach to facilities every day, which includes daily calls with hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities. In-person wellness checks are being conducted for facilities when contact cannot be made or any facility that reports distress. All facilities are being directed to contact 911 if patients are in jeopardy. AHCA is staffing the facility hotline 24 hours a day at 1-888-419-3456. Both AHCA and DOH are working around the clock to ensure all ALFs, nursing homes and hospitals have the resources they need.
Health care facilities have been provided with multiple pathways to communicate their needs with state officials and local emergency officials. This includes convening daily calls with facilities in advance of, during and after the storm. Reporting includes the online facility reporting database, FLHealthSTAT. These multiple mechanisms allow health care facilities to communicate needs to state emergency officials, including power outages, generator availability, fuel needs, spot coolers, ice and any other needs.
Hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities in Florida are required to have emergency operation plans. Requirements vary by facility type, but are all based in statute and rule. A complete list is available here. Hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities are required to submit and receive approval for their plans from either the county emergency management or local county health department (this varies among counties and/or facility type).
Facilities that are not regulated by the state, such as retirement communities, are advised to call local emergency management or 911 if you are in need of support.
Power restoration remains a top priority for the state, particularly for facilities that serve vulnerable populations. As of this morning, more than 70% of power in the state has been restored.
STATUS AS OF 1 PM FRIDAY, SEPT. 15
Assisted Living Facilities:
193 are utilizing generators
1,978 have power
182 have reported as being closed
177 have reported post-storm evacuations
Nursing Homes:
34 are utilizing generators
669 have power
10 have reported being closed
40 have reported post-storm evacuations
Hospitals:
2 are utilizing generators
299 have power
8 have reported being closed
7 have reported post-storm evacuations

Nelson urges financial companies to waive fees and penalties Hurricane Irma victims

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Sen. Bill Nelson urged leaders of a dozen financial companies to provide a moratorium on late fees and other penalties for Floridians affected by Hurricane Irma.
Following is the text of the letter sent yesterday to the companies:

September 14, 2017

Mr. Kenneth Chenault
Chairman and CEO
American Express Company
American Express Tower, 200 Vesey Street
New York, NY 10285
Dear Mr. Chenault
As you know, Florida is beginning to come back from the depths of Hurricane Irma, a monster storm that swallowed much of the state, flooding neighborhoods and knocking out power for millions of people.
As we begin the recovery process, it’s important that consumers not be saddled with late fees and other unnecessary costs—particularly those without the means to deal with such costs. Therefore, I ask that you provide a 60-day moratorium on late fees, interest accrual, penalties, and any other unnecessary costs, to give people time to recover and get back on their feet.
I’ve been heartened by the many stories of Floridians helping Floridians as I crisscross the state and survey the damage. I ask that you follow their example and do all you can to ease the burden on those suffering from the storm. Now is the time to lend a helping hand to your fellow Americans—to help them meet their immediate needs without the added stress of excessive financial demands.
I look forward to hearing your response to this request and stand ready to work with you to serve the people of Florida. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

FEMA/NFIP Announce Enhanced Claims Filing Process for Flood Insurance Policyholders Affected by Hurricane Irma

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The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation is sharing guidance issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) addressing the claims process for its National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policyholders affected by Hurricane Irma. Five bulletins were issued on September 12th to applicable insurance companies and insurance adjusters with information on a variety of subjects.
A summary of the applicable information and links to each bulletin are provided below:

  1. Proof of Loss (POL) Waiver/Extension (Applicable to Standard Flood Insurance Policies) – The POL is waived for the initial claim payment. However, if the policyholder disputes the payment or submits a request for additional payment, they must file a POL with supporting documentation by one year from the date of loss.
  2. Advance Payments (Applicable to Standard Flood Insurance Policies) – The policyholder can request an advance payment of up to $5,000 for covered flood damages prior to the adjuster’s inspection. The policyholder may also request up to $20,000 prior to the adjuster’s inspection if they provide photographs along with receipts or canceled checks verifying covered out-of-pocket expenses or their contractor’s estimate of covered damages.  After the adjuster’s inspection, the policyholder may request a larger advance payment of up to 50% of their contractor’s estimate of covered repairs.
  3. Enhanced Claim-Handling for Prior Loss and Contents Claims (Applicable to the Standard Flood Insurance Policy Dwelling Form Only) – The adjuster may group personal property by category. Also, where there is evidence of completed repairs to damage from prior flood losses, the NFIP is not requiring the adjuster to obtain the prior loss claim file before adjusting the claim.
  4. Extension of the Grace Period for Payment of NFIP Premiums – The 30-day grace period for premium receipt is changed to 120 days for policies expiring within a specified date range. Please review the bulletin for further details.
  5. Enhanced Claim-Handling Process for Building Losses Insured (Applicable to the Standard Flood Insurance Policy Dwelling Form & Group Flood Insurance Policies)– The adjuster may use a building valuation loss adjustment to support a large advance payment or if the policy limit is exceeded, conclude the claim in a timely manner.

For more information on the NFIP, visit their webpage. For additional resources, visit the Office’s “Flood Insurance Resources” webpage.