Rick Scott Urges Floridians Ready for Tropical Storm Erika

Gov. Rick Scott urged Floridians to be careful and stay ready after getting an update regarding Tropical Storm Erika at the Miami-Dade County Emergency Operations Center on Friday. 

Scott noted that he had declared a state of emergency for all of Florida earlier in the day. 

“This morning, I declared a state of emergency in Florida for the threat of Tropical Storm Erika, and the National Guard is now partially activated and they have more than 8,000 personnel ready to mobilize,” Scott said. “As of now, much of Florida is projected to be in the path of this storm. Everyone in our state, from South Florida to North Florida, should be closely watching this storm.than 8,000 personnel ready to mobilize. As of now, much of Florida is projected to be in the path of this storm. Everyone in our state, from South Florida to North Florida, should be closely watching this storm.
 
“The weekend is coming and that means families sometimes travel or are away from the news,” Scott added. “We cannot afford to be complacent. Every Floridian must have a game plan if they need to evacuate or help a family member evacuate the path of this storm. 
 
“Tropical Storm Erika will begin to affect Florida as early as late Sunday night or Monday morning,” Scott continued. “Local leaders and our Florida National Guard are already preparing their plans for possible evacuations or sheltering needs for our vulnerable populations. I have spoken to Florida Power and Light and other Florida utilities to make sure they are prepared to help families who may lose power over the weekend and early next week and many of them are pre-positioning their teams now. This is the time to get prepared.
 
“We continue to hope for the best, even as we prepare for the worst,” Scott said in conclusion. “Working with the National Guard, local leaders and emergency management officials – Florida is preparing for the worst case scenario from Tropical Storm Erika. But, we need every family to prepare their own game plan as well. Watch the news. Pay attention to updates from your local elected officials throughout the weekend.”

Scott will be giving another update on Tropical Storm Erika at Tampa later on Friday afternoon.