FLORIDIANS MUST LISTEN TO LOCAL AUTHORITIES AS HURRICANE MILTON MAKES
LANDFALL; FEMA ADMINISTRATOR TRAVELING TO FLORIDA TONIGHT AHEAD OF
LANDFALL
[https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20241009/floridians-must-listen-local-authorities-hurricane-milton-makes-landfall]


Release Date: 
October 9, 2024 

_Hurricane Milton will be catastrophic; FEMA is working in close
coordination with state and local officials _

WASHINGTON – Ahead of Hurricane Milton’s landfall, FEMA
Administrator Criswell will travel to Florida tonight to work
alongside state and local officials as they prepare for the impacts of
this catastrophic storm. Floridians in the storm’s path must
continue following the instructions of local officials, as the storm
is expected to bring destructive storm surge along portions of
Florida’s west coast as well as devastating hurricane-force winds,
heavy rainfall and life-threatening flooding across the Florida
Peninsula. 

Floridians in Milton’s path in vulnerable parts of the state have
been ordered to evacuate. Those who have stayed behind are urged to go
immediately. Many residents outside of mandatory evacuation zones
will experience significant rain and hurricane force winds. 

FEMA HAS OVER 1,000 RESPONDERS ON THE GROUND in Florida supporting
Milton and previous disasters. There are OVER 1,400 SEARCH AND RESCUE
PERSONNEL PRE-STAGED to support Milton response efforts.

FEMA and its federal partners are leaning forward and already
pre-positioned resources to support local and state response efforts
ahead of Hurricane Milton. FEMA pre-staged SEVEN FEMA INCIDENT
MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE TEAMS, EIGHT FEDERAL URBAN SEARCH & RESCUE AND
SWIFT WATER RESCUE TEAMS, THREE U.S. COAST GUARD SWIFT WATER RESCUE
TEAMS, 10 HEALTHCARE SYSTEM ASSESSMENT TEAMS, TWO U.S ARMY CORPS OF
ENGINEERS TEMPORARY POWER TEAMS, debris experts, Environmental
Protection Agency wastewater experts, OVER 400 AMBULANCES, 20
HELICOPTERS prepared to support medical requirements following
landfall, and 60 HIGH WATER VEHICLES WITH LADDERS from the Department
of Defense. 

Additionally, FEMA has FIVE INCIDENT STAGING BASES with commodities
including food and water. Right now, FEMA has 20 MILLION MEALS and 40
MILLION LITERS OF WATER ready to deploy to address ongoing Helene and
Milton response efforts with capacity to expand as needed.

President Biden granted emergency declarations for the state of
Florida and the Seminole Tribe of Florida for Hurricane Milton,
enabling FEMA to provide direct assistance to the state, local and
tribal response, preposition supplies and response assets and mobilize
hundreds of personnel in the state, many of whom were already in place
supporting the Hurricane Helene response.

STAY SAFE IN THE STORM

Those in the path of Hurricane Milton should take every precaution as
the storm passes through.

	* MOVE TO HIGHER GROUND: Free shuttles are operating this morning in
Manatee, Pinellas, Pasco, Hillsborough and Sarasota counties. To
locate shuttle locations, visit www.FloridaDisaster.org/updates
[https://www.floridadisaster.org/Updates].  Residents may also use
Uber code MILTONRELIEF to receive free Uber ride to a shelter.
	* SHELTER IN PLACE: Do not attempt to travel during the storm.
Hurricane winds are expected to impact a significant portion of the
state, far away from the eye of the storm. Flash flooding, tornadoes,
high-velocity debris, fallen trees and power lines will pose a
significant danger.
	* IF YOU DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN YOUR HOME: A list of emergency shelters,
including those that can accommodate people who need assistance and
those who have pets can be found at Shelter Status | Florida Disaster
[https://www.floridadisaster.org/shelter-status/]. If you plan to go
to a shelter, do so before the storm arrives. 
	* STAY OUT OF FLOODWATER: Walking or driving through flood waters is
extremely dangerous. Standing water may be electrically charged from
underground or downed power lines or contain hazards such as wild or
stray animals, human and livestock waste, and chemicals that can lead
to illness. 

	* BE PREPARED FOR SERVICE OUTAGES:

	* Fill and freeze empty water bottles to help keep food cool in the
event of a power outage. Fill your bathtub so you have a clean water
supply in the event of water service disruption.
	* Charge all electronic devices, then put them in low power or
battery saver mode. While cell service and power may be disrupted
during the storm, your phone is a lifeline to family, friends,
emergency assistance and alerts. Preserve your batteries so your
devices are ready if you need them. Text messages or social network
sites may be the best way to get in touch with family and friends as
Hurricane Milton moves through the state.
	* Use only flashlights or battery-powered lanterns for emergency
lighting. Never use candles during a blackout or power outage due to
extreme risk of fire.
	* When using generators, always use them outdoors and at least 20
feet from windows, doors and attached garages. Make sure to keep the
generator dry and protected from rain or flooding.