Flagler to declare local state of emergency; sheriff issues hurricane tips

Inmates will be helping to fill sandbags.


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  • | 3:46 p.m. August 28, 2019
Sheriff Rick Staly addresses the community about Hurricane Dorian Aug. 28. (Courtesy of the FCSO)
Sheriff Rick Staly addresses the community about Hurricane Dorian Aug. 28. (Courtesy of the FCSO)
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Flagler County officials are planning to hold a special meeting on Thursday, Aug. 29, to declare a local state of emergency as Hurricane Dorian approaches.

The afternoon of Wednesday, Aug. 28, Sheriff Rick Staly issued a community video alert. The transcript is as follows:

Good afternoon, I am your Sheriff Rick Staly. 

Around noon today we had a countywide briefing with Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord and all city and county authorities to further plan for the potential arrival of Hurricane Dorian. 

As you are likely aware, there were significant changes overnight and this morning, and it is predicted to make landfall as CAT 3 hurricane on the Florida coastline. 

It is likely that Flagler County could see tropical storm force sustained winds beginning midnight Sunday into Monday morning with the potential of hurricane force winds reaching over 110 mph. The pending arrival of the storm may be felt as soon as Saturday evening. 

Locations for filling sand bags will be available beginning on Thursday – we will let you know what time and where you can go to get them. I will have the inmate work crew from the Flagler County Jail available to help fill the sandbags and load them in your car for you at designated locations. Follow our social media pages for more information. 

Sheltering options are currently being discussed and that information will be made available as soon as plans are completed. If the storm remains on track, shelters will possibly be opening Saturday afternoon. 

While we still have a couple of days to prepare, make sure you have an evacuation plan in place that your entire family is aware of it. Storms can change quickly and you must start preparing now. 

If you choose to shelter in place, plan to have enough resources such as food and water to sustain 

yourself and your family for 72 hours. 

If you haven’t already, sign up for ALERTFlagler in order to receive the latest updates for our area. You can sign up at www.flaglercounty.org/ALERTFlagler.

Individuals with special needs who may need to evacuate to a shelter, including people who require daily assistance with medical conditions that prevent or hinder their ability to care for themselves, should register now at www.flaglercounty.org/specialneeds.

If you have storm related questions, there is a dedicated phone number that you can call to receive information. It is 386-586-5111. You may also visit flaglercounty.org/emergency. Only call 9-1-1 for a critical emergency. 

As your Sheriff, I am committed to protecting and serving this community. We will provide updates as they become available. 

Please remember that these storms change quickly and what we know right now may change by tomorrow. You should start planning now to prepare for the worst but hope and pray for the best. 

I want you to know that your Sheriff’s Office is prepared, equipped and ready to serve you during this event, especially should it make landfall in our county. 

Stay safe, prepare now and pay attention to official updates as this storm progresses.

 

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