Florida using obscure law for storm prep

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Sept. 5 (UPI) -- Officials in Florida say an obscure state law is helping them prepare for the next major hurricane or tropical storm by better securing area gas stations.

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services spokesman Terence McElroy said nearly all of the estimated 970 gas stations in the state that are included in a 2006 law have fallen in line with the legislation, Stateline.org said Friday.

"We found their compliance and cooperation very encouraging," McElroy said of such responses by Florida gas station owners.

The law requires targeted gas stations to have special wiring that would allow them to use backup power in emergency situations such as hurricanes. Those sites along main travel routes are also required to have on hand or have immediate access to generators, Stateline.org reported.

The Web site said the emergency measures were put into place to ensure that the gas stations would be able to function during a major storm or hurricane and supply those evacuating from such natural disasters.