DeSantis urges preparation, not panic, as Hurricane Ian approaches Florida

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is urging residents to prepare for Hurricane Ian without panicking and unnecessarily loading up on water, fuel and needed supplies.

The storm is projected to approach the state on the Gulf Coast as a major hurricane before slightly weakening as it makes landfall sometime Wednesday. Don’t take comfort in that news, DeSantis said. “You’re going to see major storm surge” long before landfall, he said, and hurricane conditions . “There’s going to be an interruption of power. That’s just the name of the game.”

Tampa Bay and Clearwater were the focus of the governor’s remarks, but residents along the entire west coast need to be prepared. Retailers are keeping up with the demand for water, the governor said.

“Remain calm. There is no need to panic,” DeSantis said. “There’s no need to panic-buy fuel.”

Though landfall is two days away, the governor and safety officials are already looking to keep residents safe once the storm has passed and the damage is done. Most hurricane-related deaths come after the winds and rain have subsided, they said.

DeSantis reminded homeowners to keep generators outside the home, warning that exhaust fumes are deadly. Property damage can be repaired, he said. Lost lives cannot.

“We can help rebuild, but we need everybody to be safe.”