DeSantis Says Linemen, Water Supply on Standby

By Lydia Nusbaum

Published Sep. 26, 2022, 5:01 p.m. ET | Updated Sep. 26, 2022

LARGO (FLV) – Gov. Ron DeSantis said more than 25,000 linemen with major utility companies throughout Florida will be on standby to bring the power back on following Hurricane Ian.

“You have more than 25,000 linemen that are stationed ready to go once the all clear is given,” DeSantis said. “And they are given the go ahead to go and get the power back on.”

DeSantis warned Floridians to be prepared to lose power, whether they were in or out of an evacuation zone.

“Depending on the severity of the storm, you know those power outages can be can be lengthy and may not just be one day where you’re out of power,” he said. “So prepare for that.”

After the storm passes, DeSantis said the Department of Emergency Management will be delivering a lot of water as a “big priority.” The department is prepared to bring water into Pinellas County by helicopter if need be.

The Florida National Guard activated 5,000 Florida guardsmen on top of 2,000 guardsmen from Tennessee, Georgia and North Carolina. Five urban search and rescue teams are activated as well as the U.S. Coast Guard on standby.

Attorney Gen. Ashley Moody: "Folks have been advised, encouraged, pleaded with to evacuate and they chose not to… Law enforcement had to put their lives on the line to go into very dangerous situations to save them… Please consider the lives of your fellow community members." pic.twitter.com/4MD2DzGHf5
— Florida’s Voice (@FLVoiceNews) September 26, 2022

About 300 ambulances supporting special needs evacuations have been deployed in the area.

The state has deployed 210 medical professionals to Hillsborough County special needs shelters and another 122 professionals to surrounding counties. A logistical staging area will be set up in Polk County.