Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that Uber will offer free rides to shelters in counties affected by the declared state of emergency due to the potential impact of Hurricane Helene. This initiative aims to assist residents in the 61 counties under a state of emergency.
According to DeSantis, Hurricane Helene has intensified to a Category 2 hurricane with sustained winds of 100 mph and is expected to strengthen further before reaching Florida's Big Bend coast. To prepare for the impending storm, 68 shelters are open statewide, accommodating over 2,500 residents from potentially affected areas.
Uber is offering Floridians free rides, up to $35 each way, to and from state-approved shelters in areas under a state of emergency. Riders can use the promo code HELENERELIEF to access this service.
"I'm happy to announce that the Florida Division of Emergency Management has partnered with Uber to provide free rides to shelters for Floridians in counties with a declared state of emergency," said DeSantis at a press conference in Tallahassee. "You use the promo code Helene relief when you book your ride and you can get a free Uber ride to a shelter for areas that are under a state of emergency."
The Florida Division of Emergency Management activated the State Emergency Operations Center to Level 1, coordinating over 1,150 missions to aid counties in their preparations. Resources are being mobilized, including 35,000 shelf-stable meals, Urban Search and Rescue task forces, and nearly 3,500 Florida National Guard personnel. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has positioned assets for reconnaissance and damage assessments, while the Department of Transportation has initiated extensive pre-storm preparations to ensure road safety and access to emergency services.