TALLAHASSEE -- The State Emergency Operations Center switched to full operations Monday morning as Tropical Storm Fay continued to head toward Florida.
Local emergency operations centers are also monitoring the storm.
The state EOC spent the weekend on a partial activation. In terms of impact, it is planning for a storm that is one category higher than expected.
"You always worry about 'hurricane amnesia,'" Gov. Charlie Crist said Sunday, referring to the tendency to forget the danger of a tropical storm. "I don't think that's going to be a problem, though, not with the emphasis that Craig (Fugate, director of the State EOC) and the team have put on this. I think we're going to be in good shape. I know that local officials are working hard."
Crist also gave hard-hit counties the authority to close early voting locations.
The State EOC offered many safety reminders as the storm approaches, including the following:
- Be safe. Be smart.
- Boaters: Stay off the water. If possible, get boats out of the water as well.
- Stay home Tuesday if you do not have to leave your house. During tropical weather, many deaths are attributed to accidents on the roads.
Brevard County
The Brevard County EOC is opening emergency operations at 8 a.m. They are at level 2 activation and are monitoring the storm. Weather related issues should be reported to the Titusville Emergency Operations Center hotline at (321) 264-4024.
Lake County
Lake County Emergency Management director Jerry Smith said the local EOC has not been activated. It is currently at Level 3 activation, meaning they are monitoring the storm.
The Lake County Citizens Information Line is (352) 253-9999.
Officials do not anticipate too much wild weather, but are urging residents to have plenty of supplies handy.
Three shelters will open at 9 a.m. Tuesday: Leesburg Elementary at 2229 South St., Leesburg, Lost Lake Elementary, 1901 Johns Lake Rd., Clermont and Umatilla Elementary, 401 Lake St., Umatilla.
Polk County
Three special needs shelters are open Monday in Polk County.
The shelters, in Haines City, Lakeland and Bartow, are only for people with medical and physical conditions who need help to evacuate.
For more information on the shelters, call (863) 534-0321.
In addition, Polk County Fire and Rescue is offering four locations where you can fill sand bags.
Beginning at noon, fire stations in Lake Wales, Winter Haven, Lakeland and Mulberry will provide sand and sand bags, but you will need to bring your own shovel.
Seminole County
The Seminole County EOC is preparing for the worst.
Officials briefed emergency managers Monday morning, telling crews to pack a bag, prepare their families, eat a good meal and get plenty of rest -- good advice for everyone in the county.
Seminole Emergency Management spokesman Alan Harris made reference to the big three hurricanes that hit Central Florida in 2004.
"Certainly we've had our share, with Charley, Frances and Jeanne," Harris said. "This storm is not Charley, Frances or Jeanne. Those were strong hurricanes. This, again, is just a tropical storm."
Two shelters were scheduled to open at 8 a.m. Tuesday: Lyman High School, 865 S. County Rd., Longwood and Bentley Elementary, 2190 Oregon Ave., Sanford.
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