8/29/2019

Governor Ron DeSantis Receives Hurricane Dorian Briefing at National Hurricane Center, Issues Updates on Preparedness

State of Emergency Now Declared in All 67 Counties

Today, Governor Ron DeSantis visited the National Hurricane Center in Miami where he received a full briefing on Hurricane Dorian. The Governor is in constant communication with federal, state and local emergency management officials and state agency leaders to ensure the state is fully prepared.

"Due to Hurricane Dorian’s uncertain projected path, I am expanding the state of emergency to include all 67 counties throughout Florida," said Governor DeSantis. "All residents, especially those along the east coast, need to be prepared for possible impacts. As it increases strength, this storm has the potential to severely damage homes, businesses and buildings, which is why all Floridians should remain vigilant. Do not wait until it is too late to make a plan."

Yesterday, Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 19-189, declaring a state of emergency in 26 counties.

Today, Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 19-190, expanding the state of emergency to include all 67 counties in Florida. This provides state and local governments ample time, resources and flexibility to prepare as the exact landfall location of Hurricane Dorian continues to fluctuate.

Governor DeSantis also visited the Brevard County Emergency Operations Center and will visit the Duval County Emergency Operations Center this afternoon. This morning, the State Emergency Operations Center activated to a Level 2, enhancing coordination between federal, state and local emergency management agencies.

Photo Credit: Governor’s Press Office

STATE PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS

WATCHES AND WARNINGS

• Florida is not under any watches or warnings.

EVACUATIONS

• No evacuations have been ordered at this time.

FUEL

• Through Executive Order 19-189, Governor DeSantis waived hours of service and truck weights for fuel trucks. Additionally, the State of Florida is requesting surrounding states, such as Alabama and Georgia, waive requirements as well while trucks move throughout the Southeast in preparation of Hurricane Dorian.
• The State of Florida is working with industry partners to identify additional resources, including trucks, staff, etc. to distribute more fuel throughout the state.
• Florida officials are working with ports along the East Coast of Florida to monitor resources and assist with closures and re-openings.

FOOD AND WATER

• The State has 819,000 gallons of water and 1.8 million meals ready for distribution.

TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC WORKS

• The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is working with State and local officials to assess the current situation and needs.
• FDOT is monitoring the storm and holding teleconferences with the FDOT district offices.
• FDOT urges all motorists to use caution when driving during storm conditions.
• Florida’s 511 Traveler Information System is one of the most effective ways drivers can keep informed about the state’s roadways during severe weather.
• The Florida Department of Management Services (DMS) is preparing all state-owned buildings along the east coast for possible severe weather. Updates of state office closures will be updated on DMS’ website as soon as more information is available:  https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/real_estate_development_and_management/bureau_of_operations_and_maintenance/building_closure_information.

PUBLIC HEALTH AND MEDICAL

• The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) has activated the Emergency Status System (ESS) for health care facilities statewide to enter their storm preparedness status including generators and utility company information, emergency contacts, and bed availability: http://fl-generator.com/
• The Department of Health (DOH) currently has no active boil water notices. However, it has two webpages that will be updated in real time as notices are issued.
  • Normal version: http://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/drinking-water/boil-water-notices/index.html.
  • Low-bandwidth version: http://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/drinking-water/boil-water-notices/mobile.html
• The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) has begun reaching out to group homes in the counties potentially impacted by the storm to ensure all the necessary steps have been taken to ensure the health and safety of APD customers.
• APD Waiver Support Coordinators will reach out to individuals in independent living to ensure proper safety measures are being taken.
• APD has updated its Recovery Toolkit at www.apdcares.org to provide the latest information about the hurricane, disaster preparations, and resources after the storm.

 BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY

• The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) continues to encourage businesses to visit www.FloridaDisaster.biz for disaster preparedness tips and register to receive updates as the storm progresses.
• DEO is extending the deadline for local governments to submit applications for the $85 million Rebuild Florida Infrastructure Repair Program.
• VISIT Florida has activated the Expedia/VISIT Florida Hotel Accommodation Web Portal to support evacuation orders.
• The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) offers a Hurricane Guide with information about hurricane preparedness, what to do as a storm approaches, disaster recovery, and helpful hurricane-related resources. DBPR has shared the Guide on social media and it is available at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/documents/HurricaneGuide_web.pdf.

EDUCATION

• While no school closures have been reported at this time, the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) will be posting up-to-date information regarding closures at www.fldoe.org/hurricaneinfo.

INSURANCE

• DMS’ Division of State Group Insurance, has arranged for early prescription renewals starting today for members of the state group insurance program.

VOLUNTEER EFFORTS

• Individuals who are interested in volunteering after the storm are encouraged to visit www.volunteerflorida.org where they may register to become a volunteer and search for volunteer opportunities. Volunteers should affiliate with an organization before deploying. Volunteers should not self-deploy.

STATE EMERGENCY OPERATION CENTER / CONTACTS

• The State Emergency Operations Center has activated at a Level 2.
• The State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) contact number: 1-800-342-3557.
• The State Emergency Operations Center Media Line: 850-921-0217.
• Follow @FLSERT and @GovRonDeSantis on Twitter for live updates on Hurricane Dorian.
• Visit http://www.floridadisaster.org/info to find information on emergency preparedness, shelters, road closures and evacuation routes.