5/25/2018

Governor Scott Issues Updates on Subtropical Storm Alberto Preparedness Efforts

Today, Governor Rick Scott received a full update on Subtropical Storm Alberto from the Florida Division of Emergency Management. The Governor will continue to be in constant communication with state and local emergency management officials and state agency leaders to ensure the state is prepared to respond to any potential impacts from Subtropical Storm Alberto.

See below for more information on what the State of Florida is doing to support Subtropical Storm Alberto preparedness efforts:

STATE PREPAREDNESS FUNCTIONS

 WATCHES AND WARNINGS

• Flood warnings and rip current advisories are in effect across the state. To see the most current advisories in your county, click HERE.

MILITARY SUPPORT

• The Florida National Guard has 5,500 guard members available for deployment if needed.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

• The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is actively monitoring the storm and standing-by to assist with any weather-related missions.
• On May 22, at Governor Scott’s direction, The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) began to pre-position and stage its high-water vehicles and all other flood response resources so they may be rapidly deployed to assist Floridians in need in the event of any flooding.
• FWC Officers in all 67 Florida counties have been placed on a heightened alert status, in anticipation of heavy rains and flooding because of Subtropical Storm Alberto. High water vehicles and shallow draft vessels in all Florida counties have been readied for immediate deployment to affected areas. The FWC continues to monitor the storm and is ready to respond as needed.
• FDLE is coordinating with local law enforcement agencies and emergency operations centers, identifying protective actions in advance of the storm.

TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC WORKS

• The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is actively monitoring for roadway flooding in areas already impacted by heavy rains and stands ready to respond as needed.

POWER AND UTILITIES

• The state has contacted utilities to put them on notice to start reporting outage and restoration information if needed.
• The state is monitoring the power grid for sufficient power in the state.
• The state is monitoring the natural gas infrastructure for any damages that can cause a loss of service to power plants.

FUEL

• The state has contacted fuel industry partners, such as the Florida Petroleum Council, Florida Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association, to prepare for potential storm impacts.
• The state has also contacted emergency fuel and equipment provider for status of emergency fuel supply and equipment.

SHELTERS

• The state is preparing to support local sheltering operations if needed. More information on shelters will be made available as decisions on potential evacuations are made.

PUBLIC HEALTH AND MEDICAL

• The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) and the Florida Department of Health (DOH) are standing by to assist healthcare facilities if needed. 
• DOH is reaching out to Special Needs Shelter Consultants and County Health Department Directors to with updates and preparedness information.
• The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) is closely monitoring the storm and sharing information with waiver support coordinators and providers to ensure they are prepared.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

• All Florida State Parks remain open at this time.
• The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is reaching out to wastewater facilities to remind them of storm preparations they should be making and to determine if DEP can assist them in any way. 
• The current condition of the state’s beaches have been assessed, which will expedite post-storm assessments.
• An online tool for the public to report the location of storm debris in waterways has been deployed.

WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS

• Water Management Districts are monitoring waterways and water levels, preparing staff and vehicles, and are prepared to adjust flows as necessary.
• Lake Okeechobee is currently at 13.67 feet and is being continuously monitored by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, which manages Lake Okeechobee water levels.

BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY

• The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has activated the Private Sector Hotline at 850-815-4925. The hotline is available for business inquiries about the storm, preparedness information and post-impact information.

INSURANCE

• OIR is prepared to order property insurers to submit claims information from Subtropical Storm Alberto, if necessary.
• OIR has updated its Hurricane Season Resources webpage, which contains links to resources from the Governor, Chief Financial Officer, Attorney General, Commissioner of Agriculture, Division of Emergency Management, Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Flood Insurance Program, and contact information for Florida’s property insurers.

CONTACTS

• The State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) contact number is 1-800-342-3557.
• The State Emergency Operations Center Media Line: 850-921-0217.
• Follow @FLSert or @FLGovScott on Twitter for live updates on Invest 90L.
• Visit http://www.floridadisaster.org to find information on shelters, road closures, and evacuation routes.