FLORIDA, USA — As parts of Florida's east coast are under a hurricane warning ahead of Hurricane Isaias, Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a partial state of emergency.
The governor's order is in place for the following counties: Brevard, Broward, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Indian River, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Nassau, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Putnam, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, and Volusia.
The forecast has the storm maintaining hurricane strength as it approaches the east coast of Florida through Saturday. The storm is then forecast to turn north, with the center likely coming very close to making landfall.
The state of emergency allows the Divison of Emergency Management to provide response, recovery and mitigation plans necessary to 19 of Florida's 67 counties.
DeSantis' order states the declaration was given due to the "foregoing conditions" related to Hurricane Isaias.
During a Friday morning press conference, DeSantis told Floridians that the state is prepared for this storm and any ones that follow.
He also shared that the Division of Emergency Management has had the state operations center at Level 1 since march to allow them to prepare for hurricane season.
But should it become necessary, is the state ready to handle tropics and the coronavirus this season?
According to DeSantis, the answer is yes, with the state having the following supplies prepped:
- 20 million masks
- 22 million masks
- 10 million gowns
- 1.6 million face shields
- 270,000 coveralls
- 20,000 thermometers
- Directed the purchase of 50 generators
The state also has food, water, shelters and shelter kits ready--- if needed.
"The most important thing people can do right now is just remain vigilant and pay close attention to local warnings and local news," DeSantis said.
DeSantis sent a letter Friday to President Donald Trump requesting that he declare a pre-landfall emergency for the state ahead of Hurricane Isaias. During a news conference Saturday, the governor said the president approved that request.
You can read the letter here.
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