JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- As most are looking to the skies for Tropical Storm Issac, FEMA workers are on the ground preparing for what he could bring. "Whatever the state needs, we will respond accordingly," said FEMA Public Information Officer, Jim Homstad.
Dozens of 18-wheelers rolled into Naval Air Station Jacksonville turning an empty lot there into a federal staging area. Each truck is full of thousands of pounds of water, ready-to-eat meals and cots to help any storm victims who may need them.
"Governor Scott has declared a State of Emergency for Florida. So that opens up the whole spectrum of state resources. They will be the first push, but we are here to supplement those state and local resources," said Homstad.
forecasters say Issac could be a hurricane when it hits the Alabama and Florida coastline. And workers here say this Navy base puts them exactly where they need to be to help. "The thing about this spot is it gives us flexibility. Within a matter of hours, we could have these commodities dispatched to an area of need," said Homstad.
Whether Issac blows in as a hurricane or tropical storm, federal workers say they will be ready when he does. FEMA is also setting up another staging area in Montgomery, Alabama.
