Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks on safety and preparations ahead of Helene

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Governor Ron DeSantis speaks on the preparation and safety ahead of Hurricane Helene at TECO Energy in Tampa.

Joined by Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie, DeSantis spoke on the importance of safety for the storm.

FEMA approved the state’s pre-landfall disaster declaration which will provide important resources and assistance from the federal government.

DeSantis said over 18,000 linemen are in Florida ready to work on power outages. The state also has Starlink satellite and flood protection devices ready for use.

“There have been local communities and counties that have issued evacuation orders in a number of Florida counties, you still have time to be able to do that and so I would heed those warnings. You can hide from the wind, and there will be significant wind on this storm, but you have to run from the water,” DeSantis said.

Residents need to know their evacuation zone, where shelters are located, and to be prepared for the storm. DeSantis advises the community to be prepared before the storm comes.

All but three counties are under either a watch or warning during this time, according to Guthrie.

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