Florida Gov. Rick Scott has activated another 3,000 National Guard members to help with shelter operations and evacuations as Hurricane Irma barrels toward Florida.
Scott was in Jacksonville Thursday meeting with city officials about storm prep.
He said as of Friday every available member of the National Guard — that’s 7,000 — will be deployed around the state.
“Florida will have major hurricane impacts with deadly storm surge and life-threatening winds,” he said.
He said the giant hurricane’s effects will be felt statewide and he’s readying all the resources he can.
“Thirteen helicopters and more than 1,000 technical high-water vehicles are on standby ready to be deployed,” he said.
He added that by using resources from other states, Florida also has 30,000 troops, 4,000 trucks, 100 helicopters and air evacuation crews at the ready.
Scott said President Donald Trump has assured him Florida will get all the federal help it needs. Florida is requesting supplies including water and baby food.
And he said the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission is preparing search and rescue teams, with 200 officers on standby.
And Scott is also calling on the public to help. He said the state needs nearly double the number of volunteers who have signed up at VolunteerFlorida.org.
Over the last few days more than 8,000 people have raised their hands to volunteer, but he said 17,000 volunteers are needed statewide.
“We need more volunteers.” he said. “You make a big difference in people’s lives.”
Scott says those who sign up can help with shelters, food distribution and response efforts.
Lindsey Kilbride can be reached at lkilbride@wjct.org, 904-358-6359 or on Twitter at @lindskilbride.
