Aug 18, 2008 2:19 pm US/Eastern
Crist Emphasizes Preparedness For Fay
TALLAHASSEE (CBS4) ―
As Tropical Storm Fay continues to inch closer and closer to the Florida coastline, Governor Charlie Crist sought to reassure residents while also keeping them aware of the dangers that are still possible.
"We want every Floridian and every guest to be a survivor," Governor Crist said.
He also warned of complacency when people only focused on the exact track of the storm from the National Hurricane Center.
"Floridians should not focus on storm track, as we always say, it's a broad area where it will have an impact and we should pay attention to that," Crist said.
Emergency Management Director Craig Fugate echoed the governor's sentiments. "Well, I've been in this business long enough to know, I've seen as many people die when I have a blob shaped, asymmetric storm that they dismiss as being not very dangerous," Fugate said. "This system is very dangerous if people don't do the common sense things, like the governor said, be safe, be smart."
Crist recommended people stay in if at all possible and to pay attention to the local media for their area for the latest updates on closings.
He also said Attorney General Bill McCollum had activated the price gouging hotline to protect customers affected by the storm.
The price gouging hotline number is 1-866-NO-SCAM or 1-866-966-7226.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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