PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis visited the Palm Beach County Emergency Operations Center on Friday to give an update on Hurricane Dorian.
The governor announced Florida's request for federal assistance has been approved by President Donald Trump, meaning the state can get more federal resources ahead of the storm's arrival.
Gov. DeSantis said emergency shelters in Palm Beach will open starting on Sunday. For a list of hurricane shelters in Palm Beach County, click here.
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"This is a major event," the governor said on Friday. "We still have some degree of uncertainty, but you still see major impacts potentially in South Florida."
The governor advised residents to be prepared for a multi-day event, and have at least seven days worth of food, water, and medicine. available at your home.
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Gov. DeSantis again urged residents to prepare now by putting together a hurricane survival kit, and know your evacuation zone in case you are forced to evacuate.
WHAT SHOULD BE IN YOUR HURRICANE KIT?
When it comes to fuel shortages, Gov. DeSantis said Florida officials are now bringing in extra fuel from Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia so drivers can fill up.
"We're doing all we can on the fuel," the governor said. "The FHP is going to be escorting some of that fuel very shortly, and we hope that makes a positive impact."
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The governor said 4,000 Florida National Guard members will be mobilized by Saturday to respond to any emergencies, and FWC is preparing officers for potential deployments.
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"You're looking at a potentially significant water event throughout portions of the state," Gov. DeSantis said.
According to the governor, the state has close to a million gallons of water and almost two million meals ready to be distributed to residents in need.
"We stand ready to distribute the meals when we can," Gov. DeSantis said, who added the state is working with stores like Publix and Walmart to make sure shelves are restocked as quickly as possible.
The governor said he spoke with President Trump Wednesday who promised to provide all the resources Florida needs. The president canceled his diplomatic trip to Poland to remain in the U.S. to monitor Hurricane Dorian.
On Friday, the president released a short video on Twitter saying his administration is closely monitoring Hurricane Dorian.
"We're ready. We have the best people in the world ready and they're gonna help you. We're shipping food, we're shipping water," the president said, who added the storm looks like an "absolute monster."
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 29, 2019
The governor also said Florida's Disaster Fund has been activated to help communities in need. To donate or volunteer, click here.
Visit Florida has also activated a program with Expedia to help Florida residents find lodging if they leave their homes. For more on that program, click here.
