Florida Prisons Prepare for Hurricanes: Ensuring Inmate Safety and Keeping Families Informed
Fort Lauderdale, FL – Florida’s correctional facilities face a daunting task: ensuring the safety of nearly 96,000 inmates housed across the state. The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) has implemented comprehensive protocols to prepare for and respond to hurricanes, prioritizing the well-being of inmates and staff.
As Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm, barrels towards Florida, the state has taken significant measures to ensure the safety of its incarcerated population. With winds exceeding 155 miles per hour and the potential for unprecedented damage, the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) has evacuated over 4,600 inmates to more secure facilities. This proactive approach is part of a broader strategy to protect vulnerable populations during extreme weather events.
Evacuation and Safety Measures
The FDC has a comprehensive emergency plan that includes relocating inmates from low-lying and vulnerable facilities to more fortified institutions. These “hardened” facilities are better equipped to withstand the severe impacts of hurricanes, including high winds and flooding. The evacuation process is meticulously planned to ensure that public safety is not compromised. Inmates are transported under strict security measures, and their new locations are made public 24 hours after relocation to maintain transparency.