August 28, 2023

Dear Friend,

Tropical Storm Idalia is expected to become a major hurricane this week and could impact Central Florida as soon as tomorrow evening. While we don’t know if it will come through our area, there is a significant risk of life-threatening storm surge, hurricane-force winds, and heavy rainfall along Florida’s Gulf Coast.
 
Please make sure you have an emergency plan and kit of supplies. Need tips on what to include in a plan and kit, shelter locations and local contacts for storm updates?  Visit my Disaster Preparedness webpage at https://webster.house.gov/disaster-preparedness.
 
Be sure to heed local and state warnings and directions regarding evacuation and shelters. Know where storm shelters will be set up in your area. Local, county, and state officials provide this information as storms approach. Click here for your county’s emergency management office information.
 
Subscribe to my newsletter, and follow my social media accounts (Facebook, X) for regular updates on storm preparedness and post-storm response and relief.  As we continue to receive updates on Tropical Storm Idalia and throughout hurricane season, my staff and I will do our best to provide regular updates from local, state, and federal authorities.

State of Florida Preparedness Updates

Governor DeSantis has declared a State of Emergency in numerous Florida counties in preparation for the storm’s landing – including Lake and Sumter counties. The Governor has requested President Biden approve a pre-landfall emergency declaration for the Florida’s initial response.

• Updates on school closures will be provided by the Florida Department of Education here.
• Florida Commerce activated the Florida Private Sector Hotline (850-815-4925) today, August 27 at 12:00pm. Inquiries may also be emailed to ESF18@em.myflorida.com.
• Florida’s 511 Traveler Information System is available for drivers to stay informed about roadway conditions during emergencies. This service is monitored and updated 24/7 by FDOT and includes traffic conditions, road and bridge closures, and other specialized alerts. To use Florida’s 511, visit the website at FL511.com or download the app—on both Apple and Android devices.
• 30-day emergency prescription refills of maintenance medication have been approved for residents Lake and Sumter.
• The Florida Highway Patrol has 300 troopers ready to deploy and is prepared to implement 12-hour Alpha, Bravo shifts in preparation for Tropical Storm Idalia.
• The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has completed pre-storm beach surveys in all shoreline counties.
• The Florida National Guard is mobilizing 1,100 personnel to respond and provide immediate support to impacted areas in addition to 2,400 high wheel vehicles and 12 aircraft.

I encourage you to also follow Florida Division of Emergency Management for timely updates and additional materials and information on Hurricane Ian. You can also follow @FLSERT on Facebook and X.

Disaster Preparedness Plan

Here are some good questions to ask yourself as you update your disaster preparedness plan:

1. How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
2. What is my shelter plan?
3. What is my evacuation route?
4. What is my family/household communication plan?
5. Do I need to update my emergency preparedness kit?
6. Is my home vulnerable to storm surges, flooding and wind?

To stay updated on what’s happening in Washington, sign up for my weekly Webster Wire. Thank you for allowing me to serve as your U.S. Representative.

Your servant,

Daniel Webster
Member of Congress