Sending in the Cavalry: Florida's Unique Response to Hurricane Ian

This presentation describes Florida's unique approach to restoring water and wastewater operations after Hurricane Ian, a Category 4 Atlantic hurricane with reported sustained winds of 150 mph (240 km/h) and approximately 12-18 feet (3.7-5.5 m) of storm surge. This approach lessened physical and financial burdens on utilities and improved the recovery process timing. By FDEM coordinating and providing equipment and supplies for emergency and temporary operations, it shifted the financial obligation of securing emergency supplies and equipment away from the local utilities. At the same time, FDEM had the ability and resources to commence detailed site damage assessment inspections within two weeks of the storm which lead to the expeditious development of draft damage assessments in advance of initial FEMA inspections.