Hillsborough County EOC is Ramping-up

[stormie]

The Hillsborough County EOC definately takes all potentially threatening storms to the Tampa Bay area seriously and does a great job of preparing well in advance, as evidenced by the lastest Situation Report. I receive these by e-mail, and I know there's a place for them on their web site for the public to access, but I don't see the latest one up there...so I will share with you what's going on (i.e., the following is paraphrased from the actual report).

The EOC recognizes that Wilma is a direct threat to the Tampa Bay Area, and if she follows the current projected track, we can expect heavy downpours and tropical storm force winds. They are advising that all concerned agencies finalize their plans, and that essential employess are now given time to prepare their families and property so that they will be ready to perform their emergency assignments on short notice, as needed. They are also advising transportation managers to alert their drivers that they may be required to work this weekend.

There will be a state conference call this morning and an EOC ops meeting tomorrow morning. Shelters are advised to review their plans and alert their staffs that they may be activated in the next 48 to 72 hours.

Also, note the following state action such that an executive order declaring a state of emergency in Florida has already been prepared for the Governor's signature...

[stormie]

Whoops! I thought I posted this in the "Tampa Thread:Pasco,Pinellas,Hillsborough" thread. I don't think I can move it myself -- mods please move this post there if you can and/or want to...my bad! Thanks!