SARASOTA, FL (WWSB) - It's an all-hands-on-deck situation in Florida as Hurricane Irma encroaches upon the state's southern coast.
The storm is forecast to move up the western spine of the state, but it is large enough to bring dangerous winds, tornadoes and rainfall to the entire peninsula.
Because of the state's familiarity with dangerous storms, Florida has one of the most comprehensive and advance emergency protocols in the U.S.
Here are just some of the key numbers from the governor's office regarding the early hours response to Hurricane Irma:
- The Florida Division of Emergency Management estimates that 6.5 million Floridians have been ordered to evacuate.
- There are 460 emergency shelters open in the state. More than 127,000 people are taking refuge at those locations.
- There are more than 70 special needs shelters housing 12,000 individuals.
- Gov. Rick Scott has activated all 7,000 members of the Florida Army and Air National Guard.
- The national guard has 1,000 high water vehicles, 13 helicopters, 17 boats and more than 700generators.
- There are an additional 30,000 troops, 4,000 trucks and 100 helicopters on standby for support.
- All 1,700 troopers in the Florida Highway Patrol are working 12-hour shifts.
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