Florida Division of Emergency Management Encourages Preparedness and Vigilance as System Strengthens into Tropical Depression Nine
The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) continues to monitor the trajectory of Tropical Depression Nine and its potential strengthening and impact on the State of Florida. FDEM Director Kevin Guthrie remains in constant communication with the National Hurricane Center, the National Weather Service and county emergency management directors.
"The Division is working closely with our federal, state and local partners to ensure we are prepared to provide assistance to impacted areas if Tropical Depression Nine makes landfall in Florida next week," said FDEM Director Kevin Guthrie. “It is critical that Floridians remain vigilant and prepared – it only takes one storm to cause costly or irreversible damage to your home or business.”
As of 5:00 AM ET, Invest 98L strengthened into Tropical Depression Nine. The system is located about 615 miles east-southeast of Kingston, Jamaica and is moving toward the west-northwest at 13 mph. Computer model guidance is in decent agreement that Tropical Depression Nine may strengthen into a tropical storm over the next 36-48 hours. The next storm name on the list is Hermine.
The Division encourages Floridians to review their disaster preparedness plans and listen to all orders from local officials. The Division continues to host daily calls with all 67 counties to identify potential resource gaps and to implement plans that will allow the state to respond quickly and efficiently. Additionally, the Division is coordinating with state agencies, non-governmental organizations and private sector partners for potential resource requests.
No-Cost and Low-Cost Preparedness Measures for Floridians
- Make a Plan – Every household should have a disaster plan specific to the needs of their household. Every individual in the household should assist in developing the emergency plan and understand the plan. Visit FloridaDisaster.org/Family-Plan for more information.
- Know Your Zone, Know Your Home –It’s important for residents to know if they live in an evacuation zone, a low-lying, flood-prone area, a mobile home or an unsafe structure during hurricane season. It is also very important for residents to know their home and its ability to withstand strong winds and heavy rain. This information will help residents better understand orders from local officials during a storm. Visit FloridaDisaster.org/Know for more information.
- Keep Gas Tanks Half Full – Residents should keep their vehicle’s gas tanks at least half full during hurricane season to ensure they have enough fuel to evacuate as soon as possible without worrying about long lines at gas stations and to avoid gas shortages prior to a storm. For Floridians with electric vehicles, it’s recommended that the battery be maintained between 50% - 80% capacity at all times, depending on the type of vehicle and what the vehicle’s manual recommends. Visit FloridaDisaster.org/HalfwayFull for more information.
Visit FloridaDisaster.org/Info to find information on shelters, road closures, evacuation routes and more.
Follow the Division on Facebook and Twitter @FLSERT for live updates on Tropical Depression Nine.
Updated: Friday, September 23, 2022
