Private Sector Advisory

FEMA Urges Residents to Remain Vigilant in Preparation for Hurricane Dorian

August 31, 2019

• Hurricane Dorian is expected to bring life-threatening storm surge, dangerous winds and significant infrastructure damage to much of the Florida peninsula beginning Monday. Evacuations have begun to be issued in Florida, and additional evacuation orders may follow. Fill your tank, stock your vehicle with supplies, and if ordered to evacuate, go.  
• The forecasted track for Dorian can change quickly.  If you’re anywhere in the forecasted path of Hurricane Dorian, take steps to prepare now.
• Hurricane Dorian is a big storm, and the federal, state and tribal governments are preparing for a big response.

Follow Instructions from Local Officials:

• Dorian is currently forecasted to make impacts along Florida’s Atlantic coast as a major hurricane, which means it could cause significant damage to power, water and road systems.
• Remember: storm surge and related inland flooding is often the greatest threat to life and property from a hurricane.
• Monitor the storm closely and follow the guidance of your local officials.  Be ready to leave, have a plan for where you will go, and if ordered to evacuate, go.
• Florida residents and visitors are warned to heed all emergency guidance provided by local officials and avoid any areas under evacuation.

Now is the Time to Prepare:

• Download the FEMA App for preparedness tips, shelter information and weather alerts.
• Residents are encouraged to have supplies for up to seven days, including: prescription medication, items to care for infants and toddlers, pet supplies, water and non-perishable food.
• You should refill any necessary prescriptions today.  Florida’s state of emergency allows you to obtain a 30-day refill of your prescription medication.
• Make sure you have cash on hand and collect important papers such as property deeds, birth certificates, and rental leases – or create password-protected digital copies. 
• Fill up your gas tank, stock your vehicle with emergency supplies and know your evacuation routes.
• Visit Ready.gov for more information on what you can do ahead of this dangerous storm.
• Floridians can visit FloridaDisaster.Org to find information on emergency preparedness, shelters, road closures and evacuation routes and download the FL511 Mobile App for updated road and traffic conditions.

It’s a Big Storm and We’re Preparing for a Big Response:

• FEMA, through the National Response Coordination Center (NRCC) and its regional offices, is monitoring the effects and track of Hurricane Dorian and remains in contact with state and tribal emergency management officials.
• Personnel and resources are moving to incident support bases to be ready to support response activities as requested by the state.
• The NRCC and FEMA Region IV’s Regional Response Coordination Center are both conducting 24-hour operations.
• FEMA’s Hurricane Liaison Team is working jointly with the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida, and an Incident Support Base is established at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama.
• Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for the entire State of Florida ahead of Hurricane Dorian.
• Georgia Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency for several counties in Georgia ahead of any potential impacts from Dorian.
• The Seminole Tribe of Florida has declared a state of emergency as well.

Declarations:

• On  Aug. 30, President Trump approved Florida’s request for an emergency declaration allowing direct federal assistance for emergency and life-safety actions taken ahead of Hurricane Dorian.
• FEMA received Chairman Marcellus Osceola’s request for an emergency declaration for the Seminole Tribe of Florida on Aug. 30.  The request is currently under review. 
• President Trump approved emergency declarations for Puerto Rico on Aug. 27 and the USVI on Aug. 28, making federal funding available to assist those territories with emergency and life-safety actions taken ahead of Dorian. 

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