Please make sure you have an emergency plan and kit of supplies and know where storm shelters will be set up in your area. Local, county, and state officials provide this information as storms approach. 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.
Here are other actions taken and resources available:
- 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). 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 in Lake, Sumter, and Polk.
- 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.
Congressman Daniel Webster represents The Villages in the U.S. House of Representatives.
