EMERGENCY OFFICIALS ENCOURAGE FLORIDA RESIDENTS AND VISITORS TO STAY INFORMED AS TROPICAL STORM ISAAC APPROACHES
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sunday, August 26, 2012 12:30pm
www.FloridaDisaster.org
TALLAHASSEE – As Tropical Storm Isaac approaches Florida, Governor Scott and Emergency Management Officials encourage all Floridians to stay informed and finalize emergency preparations. Several tools exist where the public can find information on warnings and watches, available shelters, and other general questions.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management website, www.FloridaDisaster.org, provides the most current official information from the State Emergency Response Team about response and recovery efforts during and after a disaster. The Division also provides updates via social media on Facebook, at www.facebook.com/FloridaSERT, and Twitter by following @FLSERT.
Launched in 2009, Florida Evacuates is a mobile application and website that provides local evacuation information for shelters and lodging. Users enter their location in the search field and a list of open shelters from the American Red Cross, as well as area accommodations provided by VISIT FLORIDA, are populated at the bottom. Visit www.FloridaEvacuates.com for information.
Individuals with questions or concerns can call the Florida Emergency Information Line at hotline for residents to obtain accurate, up-to-date information about Isaac. The FEIL will be available from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. The toll-free number is 1-800-342-3557. Hearing-impaired persons may call the Florida Telecommunications Relay at 1-800-226-4329 to receive information and access TDD systems.
The American Red Cross recently launched a Hurricane Mobile App that provides local and real time information for individuals in affected areas. Users can monitor personalized weather alerts in locations where family and friends reside and share information with others in their social networks who might also need it. The Red Cross Hurricane mobile app can be found in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.
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The Governor’s Commission on Community Service, Volunteer Florida, was established in 1994 by the Florida Legislature to administer grants under the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993. The Commission grants funds to Florida AmeriCorps and National Service programs; coordinates volunteers in a disaster; and inspires everyone from youths to seniors to people with disabilities to serve their communities. For more information, visit: www.volunteerflorida.org.
AmeriCorps is a national service program administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency that engages more than 5 million Americans in service each year and administers President Obama’s national service initiative United We Serve. Interested individuals can learn about available opportunities and apply online by visiting AmeriCorps.gov.