TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Governor Ron DeSantis held a press conference at 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday at the State Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee.

“Do not go outside in the midst of this storm if it’s calm where you are it may be because you are in the eye of the storm and those conditions will change very quickly so wherever you are hunker down and don’t take anything for granted here this is a very very powerful storm,” DeSantis said.

DeSantis advised people to stay inside, stay off the roads, and continue the preparation for the Category 4 storm.

As of this report, 54,000 households have lost power at some point during the storm.

“My concern is protecting the people of Florida and being ready to go,” DeSantis said.

To ensure your safety, do not drive in flooded streets and assume all downed power lines are hot.

Video: Chief Meteorologist Jeff Berardelli gives the latest update on Hurricane Idalia.

DeSantis also said eight urban search and rescue teams, 33 ambulance strike teams, and 5,500 National Guardsmen for search and rescue efforts. Additionally, the Coast Guard is on standby.

Regarding debris, there are 650 heavy equipment and trucks staged for cut-and-toss operations after the storm. 1,100 generators are staged for traffic signal restoration. 1.2 million gallons of fuel are staged, along with more coming in on trucks.

For your safety, those using generators must place them outside your home and at least 20 feet away from doors and windows. The exhaust must be pointed away from the residence.

Alongside DeSantis were FDEM Director Kevin Guthrie, Major General John D. Haas, U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Doug Schofield, and Leon County Commissioner Christian Caban.

Guthrie said a 2 to 3 storm surge is expected in the Tampa Bay area. With the increasing amount of tornado warnings, Guthrie advises you to take proper shelter in your home by getting in a room with limited windows and covering your head.

In the news conference, General Haas said along with helicopters, there are 2,400 vehicles, 1,400 aircraft, and 23 small watercraft to support search and rescue operations ready to go for any rescues.