TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) continues to monitor and prepare for the potential impacts of Tropical Storm Debby.
On Friday, Gov. DeSantis issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency in 61 counties which allows state officials to make important resources available to communities ahead of the storm.
Recommended Videos
RELATED | County-by-county: Northeast Florida increasing preparation efforts ahead of potential tropical storm | LIST: Where to get sandbags in Northeast Florida ahead of potential tropical storm
A faster rate of strengthening is expected Sunday through Monday, and the system could be near hurricane strength when it reaches the Florida Gulf Coast.
According to a news release, FDEM is hosting daily calls with all 67 counties to identify needs and to ensure the state is prepared to respond quickly and efficiently.
FDEM is also coordinating with state agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private sector partners for any potential resource requests.
Floridians are encouraged to know about the flood risks in their area. To learn more, residents can visit this website.
State agencies have been increasing their preparedness efforts. Here’s a list:
FDEM
FDEM has activated the State Emergency Operations Center to a Level 1 and is leading coordination efforts for the State Emergency Response Team. The agency has also deployed several resources and personnel for storm preparedness such as water, meals, tarps, and sandbags.
Following DeSantis’ authorization, the Florida National Guard (FLNG) is moving forward with activation of its service members for response operations. The FLNG is mobilizing up to 3,000 guardsmen to provide staffing and support at their local armories, logistics supply areas and aviation support as needed.
Florida State Guard
The Florida State Guard has assigned 70 members to support response and recovery operations, and nine shallow-water vessels and 10 UTV’s are staged for deployment.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
The FWC has high-water vehicles and other storm resources available statewide so they can be easily deployed to help Floridians in need in the event of damage or flooding.
FWC officers are ready to deploy and respond with a variety of specialized equipment as necessary, such as:
- Airboats
- Shallow draft boats
- ATVs/Side by Sides
- Larger platform vessels
- Four-wheel vehicles
Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ)
DJJ offices and facilities have finalized storm preparations to ensure the safety and security of staff and youth.
Preparations include fueling all vehicles, moving vehicles in low-lying and flood-prone areas to higher ground, testing and ensuring adequate fuel supplies for generators in the event of loss of power, and ensuring food, medicine, and emergency supplies are stocked and ready.
Florida Department of Health (DOH)
The DOH is staging 90 ambulances, two ambulance buses, and 10 paratransit vehicles to support emergency evacuations as needed.
The State Surgeon General signed Emergency Order 24-001, which:
- Waives competitive procurement requirements in order to procure commodities, goods, and services expeditiously in response to the emergency.
- Permits emergency medical transportation services to operate across county lines.
- Permits paramedics and emergency medical technicians licensed in other U.S. states, territories, or districts to practice in Florida in response to the emergency without penalty.
Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)
FDOT’s statewide preparedness efforts include:
- Clearing shoulders in preparation for potential Emergency Should Use (ESU).
- Currently analyzing flooding vulnerabilities for major roadways and bridges.
- Inspecting and clearing drainage systems, monitoring flood-prone and currently saturated areas, and pre-positioning pumps as appropriate.
- Securing maintenance yards, active construction projects, high mast lighting, rest areas/welcome centers, service plazas, and weigh stations.
- Barges at the Howard Frankland Bridge construction site are actively being secured.
- Replenishing fuel reserves, checking generator readiness, and pre-positioning assets as appropriate.
- Completing repairs on malfunctioning vehicles and equipment in preparation for deployment.
- Initiated communication with modal partners – seaports, airports, railroads, transit, and spaceports. All partners are currently in monitoring posture.
- Staging ITS trailers, as well as drone teams and equipment are being prepped and ready to deploy as needed.
- FDOT encourages drivers to download the FL511 app or visit FL511.com for road/bridge closures and potential detours that may be activated. Remember to always follow the direction of local law enforcement and emergency personnel.
Here’s a list of resources for employees, businesses and consumers:
Florida Attorney General’s Office
The office has activated the Florida price gouging hotline to accept reports of extreme price increases on essential items. The hotline is 866-966-7226.
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)
The DBPR organized Emergency Response Teams across 13 offices statewide, who are ready to deploy once it is safe to complete damage assessments and disaster inspections of licensed establishments.
DBPR encourages Florida’s licensed contractors who provide post-storm construction-related services to register with its Florida Disaster Contractors Network at DCNOnline.org.
VISIT FLORIDA
VISIT FLORIDA has activated Emergency Accommodation Modules on Expedia and Priceline to provide real-time hotel availability and lodging resources for impacted Floridians and visitors.