Gov. Ron DeSantis said Wednesday that more than 50,000 linemen were killed as the massive Category 4 storm hit the Sunshine State, “the largest mass of utility workers and linemen in American history ahead of Hurricane Milton.” announced that it would respond. .
In an update Wednesday morning, DeSantis outlined some of the preparations the state took ahead of the storm. The storm is expected to make landfall on Florida's west coast, south of Tampa, late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning, but is expected to wobble before making landfall south of Tampa. The wobble is certain.
“Hurricane Milton is heading our way. It's expected to arrive late tonight or early tomorrow. We're bracing ourselves for a big hit. We're taking it not just with the seriousness it deserves. “We approach this issue with the determination that we will get through this,” DeSantis said, adding that first responders are ready to respond to Hurricane Milton.
“The common virtue is dedication: dedication to the task at hand, dedication to the response, helping our fellow Floridians in danger, and ensuring that Florida weathers this storm and comes out stronger on the other side.” “It's a dedication to making it happen,” he said. He has met with President Joe Biden and remains in “regular contact” with FEMA. “We are ready and we will respond.”
DeSantis added that 20 other states are supporting Florida's efforts. He thanked them for their assistance.
“This is exactly what we Americans do. We have had the opportunity to help other states in the past, including most recently Western North Carolina. “I think it shows the spirit of these states stepping up and providing really valuable assistance,” he said.
“We have delivered tons of supplies, meals, water bottles, sandbags, tarps and generators to help local communities respond to this storm,” he said, adding that Starlink Internet has also been rolled out across the state. He pointed out that “We have also deployed over 11,000 feet of flood protection systems and built them around critical infrastructure such as hospitals, wastewater treatment facilities, and electrical infrastructure.”
“We quickly added 600 more ambulances that are still in service and supporting operations.Florida has significant fuel reserves beyond Milton, and that is being done in phases. “It will be used as needed after the storm,” he continued.
“We have hundreds of state search and rescue personnel on standby, 26 teams in total. They are currently stationed at potential impact points along the West Coast to begin rescue operations as soon as the storm passes. He said the National Guard is deploying 6,000 Florida National Guard troops and “3,000 National Guard troops from other states.”
Additionally, it has 34 search and rescue aircraft, 500 tactical vehicles, “including 180 high-water vehicles, airborne water and ground National Guard search and rescue teams.”
“This is the largest Florida National Guard search and rescue deployment in Florida history,” he said.
Additionally, DeSantis announced Tuesday that he would have 37,000 linemen on standby to restore power, a number that now stands at 50,000 thanks to out-of-state staff from as far away as California. .
“We have also worked with power companies to deploy the largest number of power company workers and linemen ahead of the storm in American history,” he announced.
“There will be over 50,000 linemen in Florida by the time the storm hits, and those linemen are being brought in from places as far away as California,” he continued.
“Therefore, as soon as the storm passes, an assessment will be carried out and power restoration efforts will begin immediately,” he added.
Attention — Milton evacuation: Heavy traffic jams in Florida as residents evacuate
See the full press release below.
