Residents who evacuated helped prevent more tragedy after Hurricane Milton, officials say
Milton obliterated homes and killed at least 16 people when it plowed through the entire width of Florida. But officials say the devastation could have been far worse had residents not heeded urgent warnings to evacuate.
“It’s too early to know the full account of damage caused by Milton, but we know lifesaving measures made a difference,” President Joe Biden posted on X Thursday evening.
“More than 80,000 people followed orders to shelter last night. And search and rescue teams were and continue to be at the ready for any calls for help.”
In hard-hit Tampa, where dismal conditions prevented first responders from going outside during the hurricane, police lauded residents who had already fled to safety.
“Thank you to those who followed evacuation orders — you saved lives,” Tampa police said. “We are proud to serve such a resilient community.”
The wrath of Hurricane Helene less than two weeks before Milton helped many Floridians take this storm more seriously.
“Maybe Helene was just a rehearsal” for Milton, Sarasota resident KT Curran said.
But now, with an influx of Floridians trying to return home, officials are urging them to do so cautiously.
“I know a lot of people evacuated, and we appreciate that,” said Kevin Guthrie, executive director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
“Listen to your local authorities for updates on when it is safe to go outside and when it is safe for you to return to your homes,” he said.
“Do not be in a hurry. … There may be extenuating circumstances in the neighborhood level, so please make sure you’re checking before you come back home.”
Find more tips on what to do immediately after a hurricane here.
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