How is Florida Bracing for Hurricane Milton? Inside DeSantis’ Preparedness Plan

Damaged house with debris in stormy landscape.

Governor Ron DeSantis unveils a robust emergency strategy as Hurricane Milton threatens Florida with devastating force. With Florida still in recovery from Hurricane Helene a week ago, the state now faces another catastrophic hurricane. Ron DeSantis issued 35 counties a mandatory evacuation including Tampa’s mayor Jane Castor who bluntly told residents they would die if they decided to stay. These warnings have created an urgency to leave the state and for many who don’t have the luxury to do such a thing, prepare as their lives depend on it.

State of Emergency Declared

Governor Ron DeSantis has issued Executive Order 24-214, declaring a state of emergency in 35 Florida counties as Hurricane Milton threatens to make landfall. The hurricane, having intensified to a Category 5, poses significant risks including life-threatening storm surges and wind impacts. Central to the state’s strategy is ensuring that firearms sales and transportation remain unaffected to support personal security measures amidst the crisis.

The storm, projected to make landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast late Wednesday, brings with it devastating winds exceeding 180 mph. Governor DeSantis has called for a coordinated response, prioritizing public safety through adherence to evacuation orders and strategic preparedness measures.

Federal and Local Coordination

President Joe Biden’s approval of an emergency declaration enables FEMA to effectively spearhead disaster relief operations. FEMA has pre-positioned staff and resources in Florida from prior hurricane recoveries. Residents are strongly advised to consider the forecasts seriously and initiate early preparation efforts to mitigate the hurricane’s impact.

Mandatory evacuations have been proclaimed across several counties, including Lee, Hillsborough, and Sarasota, with Tampa Bay International Airport and numerous schools closing in anticipation of the extreme weather conditions.

Community Awareness and Preparedness

The state’s emergency response plan is reinforced by the opening of Disaster Debris Management Sites around the clock, aiding in swift post-storm recovery. Safety measures meticulously laid out include clear public instructions that demand strict adherence, reflecting Governor DeSantis’ commitment to minimizing injury and infrastructural damage.

Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and responsive to official communications, as Florida prepares for this unprecedented natural threat. By following the established guidelines, Floridians can work collectively to ensure safety and resilience in the face of adversity.

Sources:

There is an increasing risk of life-threating storm surge and wind impacts for the west coast of Florida and heavy rainfall that will affect the area well ahead of the storm.

Today, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order (EO) 24-214, Emergency Management – Tropical Storm Milton, declaring a state of emergency in 35 Florida counties ahead of the storm,

“Our staff is coordinating closely with Federal agencies and Tribal, state, and local government officials in Florida to support local residents and prepare for the impacts of Hurricane Milton on the state, our facilities, and projects,” said Col. Brandon Bowman, Jacksonville District Commander.

“Milton has the potential to be one of the most destructive hurricanes on record for west-central Florida,” National Hurricane forecasters wrote in a Monday evening forecast.

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