20230424 Florida Division of Emergency Management Issues Updates on Emergency Response in Florida

Nov 12, 2023

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Broward County FloodingFor Recovery Information

4/24/2023

Florida Division of Emergency Management Issues Updates on Emergency Response in Florida

Governor DeSantis to Request Major Disaster Declaration

In response to the significant flooding in southeast Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis will request a Major Disaster Declaration for Broward County due to the catastrophic impacts of unprecedented flooding in Southeast Florida. If granted by the White House, a Major Disaster Declaration will provide a wide range of federal assistance programs for individuals and public infrastructure damaged by the floods. Joint State & Federal Teams have been in the field conducting Preliminary Damage Assessments in impacted flood areas since Wednesday, April 19th assessing over 1,300 homes and identifying over 1,000 with major damages.

Governor DeSantis has also activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, making $5 million available for businesses impacted by flooding in Southeast Florida. Businesses in Broward County, including sole proprietors, are eligible to apply. Florida's small business owners in need of assistance are encouraged to visit FloridaJobs.org/EBL to apply for the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program.

On April 13, less than 24 hours after flooding began, Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 23-65 declaring a State of Emergency in Broward County. The SERT remains in communication with areas impacted by devastating flooding and continues to deploy state resources and assistance as requested by Broward County.

The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) has activated the High Water Mark Survey for homeowners and local communities to document water levels and damages. Data collected in this survey is uploaded to a GIS-based dashboard that allows the Division to determine affected neighborhoods and the scope of the flooding to assist with requests for federal assistance. The State Emergency Response Team has also taken the following actions:

Other state efforts include:

Department of Transportation

Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission

Florida Department of Economic Opportunity

Department of Business and Professional Regulation

Department of Environmental Protection

Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Department of Health

Agency for Health Care Administration

Agency for Persons with Disabilities

Department of Elder Affairs

Seniors in need of services may call the Helpline at 954-745-9779.

Florida Division of Emergency Management Issues Updates on Emergency Response in Florida The State Emergency Response Team has also taken the following actions: The SERT deployed 1-million gallons to stations in Southeast Florida and stands ready to assist private sector partners in fuel distribution and delivery. SERT feeding partners have served over 4,300 hot meals and distributed over 20 cases of water and 1,100 clean-up kits. Lunch and dinner are being offered to impacted residents at the following locations: Fort Lauderdale - SW 21st Ave. and Frontage Rd. Fort Lauderdale - 27th Ave. and 6th Court Miami - SW 6th St. and Long Island Ave. Over 4,000 Meals Ready to Eat (MREs) have been delivered by Feeding Florida for distribution at comfort stations in Ft. Lauderdale. The Merrel United Methodist Church shelter remains open serving 21 people and one pet at the following location: 3900 FL-7, Lauderhill Lakes, FL 33319 The SERT is coordinating with the following Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters on the following actions: Florida Catholic Conference is providing case management and services to Shelter Residents. United Way Broward in partnership with The Salvation Army has established a donations site. Midwest Foodbank is supporting shelter feeding operations and has transported Shockwave into the impacted area to assist with cleanup. Team Rubicon and the Southern Baptists are preparing to begin Muck and Gut operations. The local 211 services has received over 300,000 calls regarding flooding. The Salvation Army is supporting community and shelter feeding and distributing over 1,000 flood buckets with more buckets enroute. The Salvation Army is working to provide volunteer housing to Support Team Rubicon. Church World Services is delivering 1000 Flood Buckets Friday to Feeding Florida - will distribute through their partner agencies to impacted areas. United Methodist have opened their Disaster Recovery Hotline to the public to assist with cleanup, tarping, and debris removal – the public can report any needs to: 855-CAT-FUMC The Attorney General's Price Gouging Hotline has been activated. Price gouging during a State of Emergency is unlawful and reports of unconscionable price increases should be submitted through the hotline at (866)-966-7226. FDEM deployed staff to support local efforts including coordinating damage assessments and collecting damage assessment data in Broward County. The State Emergency Operations Center activated to a Level 2, activating all Sections of the State Emergency Response Team. The SERT hosts daily calls to include weather updates and partner brief outs. Department of Transportation Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Department of Business and Professional Regulation (866) 532-1440 Department of Environmental Protection Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Department of Health Agency for Health Care Administration Agency for Persons with Disabilities Department of Elder Affairs

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