Capital Soup

Florida News Straight From the Source

You are here: Home / Archives for Preparation

Preparation

FDACS Readies Millions of Food Servings in Preparation for Hurricane Irma

Posted on

Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today announced that the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has readied millions of servings of food that will be on-hand for Hurricane Irma response efforts. This effort is being conducted as part of the Division of Food, Nutrition and Wellness’ Emergency Support Function 11 role.
“We are doing everything we can to support statewide disaster preparedness efforts so we can quickly address arising needs in the wake of Hurricane Irma,” stated Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam.
The Division of Food, Nutrition and Wellness, in its role as ESF-11, has ready:

  • 6.3 million servings of meat, eggs, nut butters, and beans;
  • 3.8 million servings of canned and frozen vegetables in USDA foods on-hand;
  • 2.6 million servings of cheese;
  • 1.6 million servings of canned fruit and applesauce; and
  • ESF-11 is quoting 120,000 dehydrated meals for delivery to mass care agencies in preparation for landfall.

During an emergency, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides necessary food and water to affected areas and helps protect animals and pets. The department’s Florida Forest Service is responsible for incident management and assists emergency responders in clearing debris and distributing supplies. Additionally, the department’s Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement provides law enforcement services to police departments and county sheriff’s offices as necessary.
For more information and tips on hurricane preparedness, visit FloridaDisaster.org.

OFR Provides Guidance to Florida Financial Institutions in Preparation for Hurricane Irma

Posted on

Florida’s financial services providers stand ready to work with Floridians to meet their financial needs. The Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) has issued a proclamation providing guidance to Florida’s financial institutions in areas where the major impacts of Hurricane Irma are expected. 
Floridians preparing for Hurricane Irma should:
  • Monitor weather reports and follow the direction of local officials
  • Double-check your emergency supplies
  • Fill up your vehicles with gas
  • Make sure you have enough cash on hand to last for several days
The OFR is continuing to work with the Federal Reserve Bank, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the National Credit Union Administration, to communicate the latest developments and information regarding Hurricane Irma. State and federal agencies will continue to monitor the impact of the storm on the financial services industry in Florida, and information will be available at www.flofr.com regarding financial services availability and areas impacted throughout the state.

FMEA Statement on Hurricane Irma Preparation

Posted on

Statement by Amy Zubaly, Executive Director, Florida Municipal Electric Association, regarding Hurricane Irma preparation:
“Florida’s municipal electric utilities have been preparing for Hurricane Irma. We have been in touch with mutual aid partners across the country and are lining up resources to immediately assist affected Florida communities with power restoration.
We have also been in close communication with Gov. Rick Scott, who we commend for his assistance in helping us prepare and his tremendous leadership during this time of uncertainty.
As we get ready for the impacts of Hurricane Irma, we encourage Floridians to do the same. Get a plan and be prepared.”

Gov. Scott Directs State Offices to be Closed Friday in Preparation for Hurricane Irma

Posted on

Encourages State Employees to Volunteer in Support of Emergency Shelters

Governor Rick Scott directed state offices to be closed in all 67 Florida counties this Friday in preparation for Hurricane Irma. Prior to Friday’s statewide closures, state office closures will follow the direction of county officials and will be announced as they are determined. The Governor also issued a call to state employees across Florida encouraging them to volunteer in support of the state’s emergency shelter mobilization efforts.
Governor Scott said, “Our state workforce is filled with dedicated individuals who go above and beyond every day in service to the families who call Florida home. Ensuring the safety of these hardworking individuals and their families is a top priority, and I am directing all state offices to be closed this Friday so our state employees can fully focus on preparing for this storm and keeping their families safe. I am also asking these talented individuals to consider donating their time and effort to become a certified American Red Cross Disaster Services volunteer to help Floridians in need.
“I have directed all state executive agencies to authorize the deployment of any American Red Cross certified employees willing to volunteer to help in or operate shelters in response to this unprecedented storm. Agency leaders have also been authorized to grant employee volunteers training time in order to become certified if they are not already. We must do all we can to prepare our families and communities for any potential impact from this major weather event, and I appreciate the many volunteers who are gearing up to help our state during this critical time.”
In partnership with the American Red Cross, salaried, non-essential state employees can receive expedited volunteer certifications for disaster services so that they may assist in or operate shelters in response to Hurricane Irma impacts and preparation. Florida law allows Governor Scott to grant full-time, salaried state employees up to 15 days of administrative leave for emergency volunteer efforts through the American Red Cross. All Floridians can register for American Red Cross certifications at VolunteerFlorida.org.