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Hurricane Helene SPOTREP #1

September 25, 2024  /  TLP:CLEAR

Healthcare Ready is MONITORING for this event. We are monitoring potential concerns for supply chain disruptions and impacts on healthcare services on our Alert Hub.

Contents

• Situation Overview and Key Updates
• Transportation Waivers and Re-Entry Procedures
• Sheltering and Evacuation Orders

Situation Overview and Key Updates

• As of September 25, Helene has been upgraded to a hurricane. The projected trajectory of Hurricane Helene has it making landfall along the west coast and Florida Big Bend.
  • Life-threatening storm surge, devasting winds, and heavy rainfall are expected in Florida.
  • As the storm is projected to move north and fast, heavy rainfall, high winds, and significant flooding can be expected in Georgia, Tennessee, and Kentucky.
• On September 25, Governor Cooper (North Carolina) issued Executive Order No. 315.
• On September 24, Governor DeSantis (Florida) issued Executive Order 24-209 declaring a state of emergency for 61 counties.
  • On September 24, President Biden approved the Florida emergency declaration.
• On September 24, Governor Kemp (Georgia) declared a State of Emergency for all 159 counties.

Transportation Waivers and Re-Entry Procedures

• Florida
  • On September 23, Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) issued Emergency Order 24-08.
    • This emergency order suspends the size and weight restrictions for carriers transporting emergency services/supplies.
    • On September 24, FDOT issued an Emergency Road Use Permit for the purpose of Hurricane Helene emergency response.
    • On September 24, FDOT issued an authorization for emergency response vehicles to bypass weight stations for the purpose of Hurricane Helene emergency response.
  • On September 24, Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHSMV) issued Emergency Order 24-05.
    • This emergency order suspends the enforcement of registration requirements for carriers entering Florida to provide emergency services/supplies.
• Georgia
  • Governor Kemp’s Executive Order declaring a state of emergency for Georgia also includes transportation waivers for suspending limiting hours of carriers to ensure the uninterrupted supply of services/supplies to respond to Hurricane Helene.
• Kentucky
  • Kentucky Transportation Cabinet issued Official Order No. 113789. 
    • This provides an exemption of hours of service and stoppage at weight stations.
• North Carolina
  • Governor Cooper's Executive Order declaring a state of emergency for North Carolina includes transportation waivers and suspension of motor vehicle regulations.
• Re-entry Procedures
  • Florida
    • Individuals and businesses seeking to provide services/supplies in response to Hurricane Helene can be allowed reentry with:
      • A valid government-issued ID
      • Proof of employment
      • Demonstrated need to enter the area
  • Georgia
    • Businesses seeking re-entry access are required to apply through the state.
    • Re-entry permit applications can be filled out and emailed to ExternalAffairs@gema.ga.gov.
  • Alabama
    • There is no formal statewide re-entry system.
    • Contact each county emergency management agency for local procedures.

Evacuation Orders and Open Shelters

• Florida Evacuation Orders
  • A list of mandatory and voluntary evacuations can be found here.
• Florida Shelters
  • General population shelters are open in Hernando County, Manatee County, Pinellas County, and Sarasota County.
  • A list of open shelters in Florida can be found here.

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