Below is the update from the OSFM team working in Hardee County, Florida in response to Hurricane Ian.
The Peace River entered a moderate flood stage, remaining in a flood warning, but showing signs of progress as the community works towards recovery. Flooding remains, but electrical companies restored power to nearly 84% of the community. Bowling Green and a majority of Zolfo Springs had power return Monday morning, while Wauchula is up to 85% of homes with power Monday evening. Water treatment plants were restored to the grid and taken off generator power. The return of many community members to their once-submerged homes begins the next step in healing and rebuilding.
Incident objectives are focused on establishing road system infrastructure, developing stable communications, and formulating temporary housing plans. More than 50 personnel from Hardee County Emergency Management, the state emergency response team (SERT) of the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal’s (OSFM) incident management team (IMT), and 18 emergency support functions (ESF) continue to work long hours to support boots on the ground and the citizens of the community.
The OSFM was able to speak with the Oregon IMT in Florida on Friday evening. At the time, the team was working with limited communication, connectivity, and infrastructure issues due to damage done by Hurricane Ian.
Follow the work in Hardee County, Florida on the Hardee County Emergency Management Facebook Page.