Florida using obscure law for storm prep

Published: Sept. 5, 2008 at 11:44 AM

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.

© 2008 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Order reprints



Additional News Stories
Your Daily Horoscope
The almanac
COL BKB: Butler 69, UCLA 67
COL FB: Boise St. 44, Nevada 33
NHL: San Jose 5, Edmonton 4 (SO)
NBA: Sacramento 109, New Jersey 96
COL BKB: Utah 60, Illinois 58
fark
Getting caged up at a Warsaw zoo is so easy a caveman can do it
Couple can't afford big wedding, gets married in line at Best Buy on Black Friday, before buying...
Residents of Michigan town don't want it turned into Guantanamo North to make money: "We don't want...
Photoshop this swimmer with whale
Muslims and Christians find common ground
University says it's hiring someone to research lap dances. Job is certain to be a grind