- May 2, 2024
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City officials have advised Palm Coast residents to avoid traveling through areas hard-hit by last night’s tornado, photograph any damage to their homes and choose contractors with care.
“I know there’s a tendency to want to get out and see what’s going on, but the FPL trucks are on the street, city workers are on the streets now, and as people start to clean up after this weather incident, you’ll do them a big favor if you just stay home and stay out of the areas that are involved,” Palm Coast Mayor Jon Netts said during a Sunday morning press conference.
City staff are going door to door to assess damage caused by the tornado that touched down Saturday evening, and the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office has dedicated patrols in the hardest-hit areas to prevent crime, said Undersheriff Rick Staly. There haven't been any arrests, he said.
So far, officials said, it seems three to five homes are a total loss, another 15 were seriously damaged in the storm, and about 40 sustained slight damage. No one was injured. Palm Coast Fire Chief Mike Beadle said people with damaged homes should use smart phones to record damage to their homes before cleaning things up.
“Homeowners need to document damage on their property,” he said. “Take pictures. You’re going to need them for your insurance company.”
But Beadle also warned people to be wary of unlicensed contractors who could swoop in from out of town.
“You’re going to start having people come in wanting to help you clean up your property. Get with city officials, get with the building department and the code department and ensure that these people are licensed and insured to work in the city,” he said.
Palm Coast residents who need assistance with tornado-damaged homes can call 986-3700 for help, he said.
“City staff will be in the street as long as we need to be," Beadle said. "Contact one of them, and we’ll send you in the right direction.”
