Preparedness is paramount to safety when a hurricane threatens.

Governor Bush and I are urging Floridians to secure their property, have supplies such as food and water for at least 72 hours, and evacuate if necessary.

My hope is that residents in the Keys and those in mobile homes or in flood-prone areas have already taken steps to successfully evacuate.

Following a storm, my first goal is to ensure your safety. As State Fire Marshal, I help coordinate search and rescue efforts.

We deploy teams from our State Fire Marshal’s Office to help stranded or wounded Floridians and help clear roadways of debris.

We also mobilize our sworn law enforcement with the Division of Insurance Fraud to assist law enforcement efforts in preventing looting, price-gouging and other scams.

Some things you can do to protect yourself include:

• If you use a generator for power, remember to keep it outside and in a well-ventilated area because generators produce carbon monoxide.

• Beware of downed power lines, especially near water – to avoid risk of electrocution.

• If your house is damaged, shut electricity off at the breakers.

• Never drive through floodwaters or on flooded roads. If your vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground. Water only two feet deep can sweep away most cars.

I will also be dispatching our consumer response teams to impacted areas to assist with insurance claims and get money for additional living expenses.

We are here to serve and we are here to help.

Godspeed,

GALLAGHER URGES FLORIDIANS TO PREPARE FOR ERNESTO 

Tom Gallagher, Florida’s chief financial officer and state fire marshal, is urging residents and visitors throughout Florida to stay alert to news regarding the path of Tropical Storm Ernesto and to complete hurricane preparations.

“Our state’s experience over the past two years has highlighted the urgency and importance of being prepared,” Gallagher said.  “Take steps now to make sure your family and your home are ready.”

In the event of heavy storm damage, Gallagher will oversee the fire and rescue operations at the state’s Emergency Operations Center and deployment of staff to assist with rescue and recovery.  

The Department of Financial Services’ storm hotline, 1-800-22STORM, can assist residents in preparing for a storm as well as dealing with damage after a storm.  In addition, the department’s website at www.MyFloridaCFO.com contains a wealth of information to assist consumers in getting ready for a storm and dealing with the potential aftermath.  The website includes a Hurricane Toolkit, an Insurance Checklist, and answers to common insurance questions. CONTINUED

GOVERNOR BUSH REWARDS ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE WITH $157.6 MILLION TO HIGH-PERFORMING SCHOOLS

Nearly 1,800 schools statewide receive school recognition funding

Governor Jeb Bush and state education leaders today announced $157.6 million in funding to 1,799 Florida schools in recognition of academic achievement and improvement during the 2005-2006 school year – more than five times the number of schools and funding first rewarded in 1999. As part of the A+ School Recognition Program, schools that achieve an “A” based on the school grading criteria or improve at least one grade from the previous year, are awarded $100 per student. Since 1999, Florida has awarded more than $852.7 million in school recognition funding.

“Today, we reward the tireless efforts of students, parents, and educators who are committed to achieving academic success,” said Governor Bush. “When the standards for success are set high, we begin to fully recognize what our students can accomplish.”  CONTINUED