TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) continues to monitor and prepare for potential impacts from Potential Tropical Cyclone Four. Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-156 on August 1, declaring a state of emergency for 54 counties, which allows state officials to make critical resources available to communities ahead of any potential areas that the storm may impact.
As of 11 a.m. ET on August 2, Potential Tropical Cyclone Four is over Cuba and is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm in the coming days. Floridians are encouraged to monitor weather conditions, listen to all orders from local officials, create disaster preparedness plans, and stock disaster supply kits with food, water, and other necessities for their households.
FDEM is hosting daily calls with all 67 counties to identify needs and ensure the state is prepared to respond quickly and efficiently. Additionally, FDEM is coordinating with state agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private sector partners for any potential resource requests.
Floridians are encouraged to know the flood risks in their area and prepare for potential impacts from Potential Tropical Cyclone Four. To learn more, residents can visit FloridaDisaster.org/Guide.
State Preparedness Efforts
FDEM has activated the State Emergency Operations Center to a Level 1 and is leading coordination efforts for the State Emergency Response Team.
The Florida National Guard has approximately 3,000 service members readying for response efforts.
The Florida State Guard (FSG) has activated the following:
70 FSG members to support response and recovery operations;
Nine shallow water vessels staged for deployment;
10 UTVs staged for deployment;
Two amphibious rescue vehicles staged for deployment; and
Seven search and rescue crews prepared to deploy from Camp Blanding.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has readied high-water vehicles and all other storm response resources statewide so they may be rapidly deployed to assist Floridians in need in the event of damage or flooding. Contingency plans based on forecasted landfall locations have been developed and remain flexible based on the storm’s projected path. The FWC is fully integrated into the State Emergency Operations Center, and local FWC law enforcement representatives are coordinating closely with county and city emergency operations centers. FWC officers are ready to deploy and respond with various specialized equipment as necessary:
Airboats
Shallow draft boats
ATVs/Side by Sides
Larger platform vessels
Four-wheel vehicles
These officers and assets are in addition to local FWC officers already assigned to any affected areas. FWC officers have the training, capacity, equipment, and experience to be particularly effective following extreme weather events. FWC Special Operations Group (SOG) teams will serve as reconnaissance units for the State EOC and report back on damage after the storm has made landfall.
FWC Aviation Section has been placed on standby and has readied all appropriate aircraft for potential deployment for EOC aerial assistance, reconnaissance, and post-storm damage assessments when needed.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) FDLE’s Emergency Preparedness Unit is activated and deployed to the State Emergency Operations Center. FDLE has prepared a mobile command bus ready for use in impacted areas if necessary.
The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) has prepared evacuation plans should there be a need to relocate inmates from smaller satellite facilities into larger parent facilities due to flash flooding risks at major institutions. Community Corrections is taking precautionary measures ensuring probation officers' safety while monitoring offenders under supervision during this weather event.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) continues close coordination with state EOC officials:
Clearing shoulders in preparation for potential Emergency Shoulder Use (ESU).
Analyzing flooding vulnerabilities for major roadways.
Inspecting drainage systems.
Securing maintenance yards.
Replenishing fuel reserves.
Pre-positioning pumps as appropriate.
Initiated communication with modal partners – seaports, airports.
Staging ITS trailers.
Encouraging drivers to download FL511 app or visit FL511.com
Health & Human Services
The Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR), along with DOH sent information regarding early prescription refills permitted under Executive Order 24-156. This notice was sent out broadly including health insurers etc.
DOH stages ambulances throughout supporting emergency evacuations as needed while AHCA activates its E-PLUS system initiating an event within HFRS reaching out towards healthcare associations accordingly ensuring preparations ahead supporting drinking/wastewater facilities anticipated heavy rains completing pre-storm beach surveys shoreline counties engaging local governments/drainage operators deploying temporary pumps alleviating localized flooding currently no closures published updates webpage keeping visitors informed possible closures: FloridaStateParks.org/StormUpdates
Resources For Employees Businesses Consumers
Attorney General’s Office activates price gouging hotline accepting reports extreme price increases essential commodities hotline number: (866)966-7226 DBPR organizes emergency response teams across offices statewide ready deploy safe complete damage assessments disaster inspections licensed establishments encouraging licensed contractors register Disaster Contractors Network DCNOnline.org activating private sector hotline open daily inquiries emailed ESF18@em.myflorida.com communicating coordinating private sector partners reviewing emergency plans preparing employees advance updates business closures resources consistently updated:FloridaDisaster.biz/CurrentDisasterUpdates OFR issues proclamation financial institutions securities professionals Invest97L Follow FDEM X Instagram Facebook updates visit FloridaDisaster.org/Updates Potential Tropical Cyclone Four