40K Power Workers and 600 Rescue Personnel Poised for Recovery Efforts

LAKE CITY (FLV) – State officials announced 600 boots on the ground are poised for search and rescue operations following Hurricane Ian.

Florida’s five Urban Search and Rescue teams along with out-of-state teams are prepared to roll in as soon as it is safe, according to Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis. That includes trauma surgeons, engineers, canine units, in addition to shallow water boat vehicles.

“These groups will enter into those neighborhood of the affected devastated areas,” Patronis said. “As soon as the roadways are clear, they will literally be riding right behind DOT and forestry vehicles.”

The teams will go door to door in neighborhoods to administer life saving services.

“Please understand, they will make repeated visits they will be doing welfare checks,” Patronis said.

Patronis said his office will set up insurance villages where insurance carriers will be set up in affected areas. They will take claims and issue emergency assistance based on policy terms.

“I cannot urge you enough. If it sounds too good to be true, it is. Do not sign anything,” Patronis said. “When anybody comes to your doorstep, providing any type of services on behalf of your of any services you might need, your first call needs to be to my office.”

Patronis said to call 1-877-693-5236 and your insurance agent and carrier to begin the claims process.

More than 40,000 people are ready to help bring the power back on following the storm. The governor said Wednesday morning he expects millions to lose power “no question.”

“And these folks are staged across the state of Florida,” DeSantis said.

DeSantis said the “strong storm” will push trees over and affect power lines. Florida Power and Light Director of External Affairs Jim Bush said line workers have traveled from 30 states to help Florida.

“There have been many times that FPL employees have traveled to other states to help them when they were in need,” Bush said.

Bush expects linemen to work 16 hour days in “difficult conditions” to help put the power back on.

Officials ask people not to call 911 if the power is interrupted. They asked people call their service provider instead.

If anyone has questions or need to contact the state for assistance, the number is 1-800-342-3557.