As Hurricane Irma continues its uncertain path west, Gov. Rick Scott said Tuesday the state is taking no chances getting prepared for what has become a massive storm.
Scott has activated 7,000 members of the National Guard and talked to President Trump Monday night, trying to making sure that federal resources now tied up with the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey will be available. And state workers dispatched to Texas and Louisiana are on their way home.
"I talked to the President last night, he said they would provide all the resources," he said Tuesday during a stop in Tampa. "Right before I asked for the pre-landfall declaration, I talked to the administrator of FEMA, I've not heard back yet. I think they're going to be great partners, and I'm going to do everything I can to make sure I make sure they know what our needs are, and push to make sure we get all the federal resources that we need.
Scott says people should buy emergency supplies now, before they run low.
"As you go to the grocery store, as you get food - take what you need. Don't take too much," he said. "We'll do everything we can to make sure there's enough bottled water here, there's plenty of food here, there's plenty of fuel here. Take what you need, but don't take too much."
He also responded to reports about price gouging.
"It's crazy that people would ever take advantage of somebody," Scott said. "I know the Attorney General Pam Bondi will prosecute anybody that price gouges. Don't do it. Don't think about doing it. But also be considerate. Don't take more than you need, because right now we don't know where this is going to hit."
He's waived fees on the state's toll roads, and has set up a web site, www.floridadisaster.org.
