Hurricane Irma inspires Florida and Flagler County to declare State of Emergency

Palm Coast Observer
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Flagler County at noon Sept. 5 declared a State of Local Emergency following the statewide declaration made by Gov. Rick Scott on Monday, Sept. 4.

“Current forecast models show Hurricane Irma, which is a Category 5, making landfall in South Florida and traveling north impacting the entire state,” said County Commission Chair Nate McLaughlin in a county press release. “This threat requires us to make timely preparations to protect our community.”

Emergency shelters

As Hurricane Irma continues to get closer, Flagler County will announce when emergency and special needs shelters will open as preparations solidify.

“We are taking this very seriously, and we are planning for the worst with the hope that we don’t have to activate all those plans,” said Flagler County Public Safety Emergency Manager Steve Garten. “We are working with the Health Department and Flagler County Schools to ensure we have everything in place when the time comes.”

The earliest shelters are proposed to open is Saturday. Flagler County should not feel the effects of Hurricane Irma until noon Sunday if the storm remains on the current track.

“We will likely open three shelters,” County Administrator Craig Coffey said. “Rymfire for special needs, Bunnell Elementary for residents who need to evacuate with pets, and portions of the Buddy Taylor-Wadsworth campus for general populations.”

No evacuation orders have been issued.

A “Family Emergency Communications Plan” should address how family members will communicate with one another before, during and after an emergency.

1. Have a paper copy of important contact information for family members, family doctors, schools, service providers and other important people.

2. Have several copies available to each and every family member. FEMA provides a fillable and printable PDF file to use as a guide that is available at www.flaglercounty.org/emergency.

3.      Decide on familiar places to retreat for safety or to reunite after an emergency.
          • During wind events: choose a small, interior windowless room – such as a closet or bathroom – on the lowest level of a sturdy building.
          • Within the neighborhood (during a house fire or other single-residence event): choose a neighbor's home or driveway, or a nearby landmark.
          • Outside the neighborhood: choose a place to reunite such as a library, community center, house of worship, or a family friend's home.
          • Out of town: choose the home of a friend or relative in the event of evacuation. Discuss ways to get to the meeting location.

The proclamation will be in effect for seven days. It allows Flagler County to enter into contracts and incur obligations, as well as acquire and distribute materials and supplies for the health and safety of its residents.

“We are making our preparations as a county, and we are asking our residents to do so as well,” said Public Safety Emergency Manager Steve Garten. “Please fuel up your vehicles and prepare an emergency supply kit that will last you and your family a minimum of three days. Keep in mind that we may not have as many resources available given where the storm is likely to make landfall.”

That kit should minimally include the following:

Water — one gallon of water per person, per day, for at least three days to be used for drinking and sanitation.
Food — at least a three-day supply on non-perishable food. Choose foods the family will eat even under blue skies. Include some snacks and comfort food to ease stress.
Radio(s) – battery powered or hand-crank radio, and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert. Have extra batteries for both.
Flashlight(s) – and extra batteries.
Whistle – to be used to signal for help.
Dust mask – to help filter contaminated air, and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place.
Moist towelettes – and other personal sanitation items like garbage bags and plastic ties.
Wrench or pliers – to turn off utilities.
Manual can opener
Local maps

Check for current information on Flagler County’s website www.flaglercounty.org, and follow “Flagler County Government” or “Flagler County Emergency Management on Facebook or Twitter. The county’s social media team will provide updates through these official accounts:

Facebook.com/FlaglerCountyGovernment
Facebook.com/FlaglerEOC
Twitter.com/FlaglerCtyGov
Twitter.com/FlaglerEM

— Julie Murphy, Flagler County communications

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Hurricane Irma inspires Florida and Flagler County to declare State of Emergency

Do you have emergency supplies? Here's your to-do list. Also: Emergency shelter update.

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