Florida Governor Crist Attends Drought And Wildfire Summit

January 15, 2008 -- TALLAHASSEE – Florida Governor Charlie Crist today joined Florida’s State Emergency Response Team members and water management and state fire officials to conduct the 2008 Drought and Wildfire Summit at the State Emergency Operations Center. The first-ever summit brought together local, state and federal officials to gain a better understanding of the current conditions and threats facing Florida and the Southeast.

“We welcome our neighboring states and federal partners who have come together with our team to address very serious issues and to seek solutions that will not only help Floridians, but that will also benefit communities across our region and country, said Governor Crist. “As we’ve seen time and time again, disasters such as droughts and wildfires know no borders, so I applaud the efforts today by these responders and emergency officials to make a difference before the next event occurs.”

Over 100 officials attended the one-day meeting convened at the request of Governor Crist to receive updates on the ongoing drought conditions, water supplies, and wildfire threats from top experts. The group then attended various breakout sessions to discuss common issues such as fire resources, economic impact, public education and information, federal declarations, and water conservation.

The primary objective of the summit was to give the Florida’s first responders an opportunity to engage in policy and operational-level discussions with federal and regional colleagues. These discussions will work to coordinate and craft a response plan to meet immediate and long-term issues and identify solutions with partner agencies.

“Florida’s strength has always been in harnessing individual talents in a team-concept, then applying the combined resources to respond to the issue at hand,” State Emergency Response Team Chief David Halstead said. “I am confident that through our unified planning efforts today, we will be able to develop a solid game plan to guide us through this crisis.”

Representatives from the National Weather Service, Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Centers for Disease Control, as well as emergency management officials from Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee also participated in the event. State Emergency Management Director Craig Fugate noted the importance of the day’s gathering and the responsibility for individual preparedness and conservation by all Floridians.

“We’ve come together today as members of the State Team and our partners to better understand and plan for the needs of our residents during this time of drought, but it is equally important that all Floridians play a vital role by conserving our water supply every day, “said Fugate.

TIPS FOR ALL FLORIDIANS DURING DROUGHT/ WILDFIRE SEASON:

Adhere to local water restrictions.

If you must, water lawns in the morning to avoid evaporation, and adjust sprinklers to avoid watering the sidewalk.

Take shorter showers.

Check sinks and pipes for leaks and repair them.

Take steps to reduce your home’s vulnerability to wildfires by visiting www.firewise.org.

For a complete list of ways to be water smart, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/drought/tips.htm.

For more information regarding family preparedness plans and the State Emergency Response Team go to: www.FloridaDisaster.org or www.myflorida.com.

Source: Florida Governor

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