Gov. Ron DeSantis gave an update on the state’s recovery from Hurricane Ian.
Here’s what is being done so far:
- FEMA is assisting Lee County, which has lost water due to a major main break. The Army Corps of Engineers is assisting.
- A total of 20,000 Floridians have filled out a “shelter in place” form to alert officials that they are in need of assistance.
- Those without internet/phone service can fill out a form at Missing.FL.gov. to let loved ones know they are safe.
- The governor said 1,000 dedicated rescue personnel are working their way inland, checking on residents that did not evacuate.
- The Charlotte Sports Park and Lee County Sports Complex have been set up to distribute food and water.
- DeSantis said 1.6 million gallons of fuel have been assembled to help those in need, but the gas stations cannot open until they have power.
- The governor said 1.9 million people were without power Friday morning, but 42,000 linemen were working to get the lights back on.
- He said 34,000 people have already registered with FEMA to receive assistance.
- Roughly $12 million has been raised in two days via FloridaDisasterFund.org, which will supplement taking care of the needs FEMA is unable to address.
- Officials reiterated anyone using generators cannot use them inside, even in garages. They urged people using chainsaws to be careful.
- Florida Director of Emergency Management Kevin Guthrie said secondary search and rescue efforts will ramp up Friday.
- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell said crews have begun moving food and water into the impacted areas.
- Criswell said teams will enter shelters to help people begin the process of filling out paperwork.
Here’s how you can help those affected:
- Florida’s Disaster Fund, which is used to help the state with its response and recovery efforts during emergencies and disasters like Ian. The money raised will be distributed to service organizations that help people affected in the stricken communities.
- Catholic Charities, of the Archdiocese of Miami, is accepting monetary donations to help people recover from Ian and is working directly with Catholic Charities on the west coast that are part of the Dioceses of Venice and St. Petersburg. The Miami-area Catholic Charities is also sending staff to assist with recovery efforts.
- American Red Cross is accepting monetary donations to help people affected by Hurricane Ian.
- Global Empowerment Mission works around the world to respond to disasters. It has already deployed teams, loaded trucks with supplies and established partnerships in the affected areas and plans to provide emergency and humanitarian aid, as well as support in reconstruction efforts.
- The Collaboratory, which is collecting funds to support Southwest Florida nonprofits helping people affected by Ian.
- AmeriCares, which is collecting funds to help deliver medicine, medical supplies and emergency support to people impacted by Ian.
- Save The Children, which plans to deliver “child-focused” items to those who need them in Florida.
- All Hands and Hearts, which initially plans to provide help with chainsaw work, mucking, gutting and roof tarping to help communities rebuild.
- Florida Rising, which is working with a coalition of organizations to provide disaster relief and recovery to under served communities to ensure equitable recovery.
This is also the time when donation scams will appear, so be cautious of which organization you donate to. If you’re not familiar with their work, research them.
Sources
https://www.wesh.com/article/desantis-hurricane-ian-florida-impact/41458636
