Sep 7, 2008 2:05 pm US/Eastern
Crist: Evacuate If Ordered, Ike A "Serious Threat"
TALLAHASSEE (CBS4) ―
Florida's Governor is urging people not to relax their guard as Hurricane Ike churns in the Caribbean even as the storm continues to take an increasingly southern path. At a news briefing in Tallahassee Sunday, state officials urged people, especially residents of the Keys under an evacuation order, to continue to see Ike as a danger and threat.
"Hurricane Ike is a very dangerous storm. All residents should take it seriously," said Governor Crist as he was flanked by state emergency officials.
Craig Fugate, Director of the Division of Emergency Management, was even more blunt, especially when discussing the evacuation order in the Keys.
"I'm sure most people in South Florida have looked at the track and are breathing a sigh of relief," Fugate said. "My concern is that people in the Keys will do the same thing, and they should not."
"This is not the time to second-guess the hurricane watch or local officials. This is the time to implement your evacuation plan, move to the mainland, and allow your local officials to do the things they need to do to protect life and property."
Fugate said Keys residents had today and part of Monday to complete their plans, find a place to be safe, and leave the chain of Islands.
"People who delay may find their escape route blocked by a hurricane," he said.
State officials are concerned about the potential effects of Ike even beyond the Keys. Lake Okeechobee is of special concern.
"We're concerned about rainfall, particularly for Lake Okeechobee which continues to rise," said Ben Nelson, state Meteorologist. "We could see up to 3" of rain in spots, depending on where Ike ends up tracking."
Gov. Crist said he has received commitments from FEMA to be ready to respond should the need arise, and pointed out that emergency supplies have been pre-positioned for quick response after a storm.
However, state emergency officials are still reminding people they need to plan to be self-sufficient for 72 hours after a storm ends.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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