Escambia County declared a Local State of Emergency for Hurricane Isaias at a Special Emergency Board of County Commissioners Meeting this morning, Thursday, Oct. 8.
A local state of emergency allows Escambia County to spend operational funds if necessary for disaster response and recovery.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis also declared a state of emergency for 25 Florida counties on Oct. 6, including Escambia County.
Residents are reminded to follow these tips to prepare for a storm:
- Know Your Zone – Go to MyEscambia.com/knowyourzone to find out which evacuation zone you are in.
- Know Your Home – Is it newly built – possibly rated for a hurricane? Your safest place may be at home rather than a shelter. Stay tuned to MyEscambia.com for any announcements about shelter openings. For information about preparing your home, visit MyEscambia.com/beready.
- Secure Your Home – Secure any lightweight outside furniture, toys or equipment that could become a projectile in high winds.
- Know Your Plan – Have a disaster plan. If necessary, plan ahead to stay with loved ones, friends or stay at a hotel away from the area.
- Build Your Kit – Residents should have at least seven days’ worth of food, water, and basic supplies on hand for every member of your household, including pets. Click here for a list of what to include in your kit.
- Stay Informed – Pay extra attention to local weather reports until the storm has moved through the area. Be sure to keep your weather radio on and your cell phone charged to ensure you can receive weather alerts.
Residents are encouraged to remain weather aware and continue monitoring the forecast for updates. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive warnings and know your safe place ahead of time.
For more information, monitor the local media and legitimate online and social media sources like Escambia County Emergency Managementand US National Weather Service Mobile.
More information on what to do before, during and after a storm is available online at MyEscambia.com/BeReady. For the latest news and updates on emergencies impacting the community, like Escambia County Emergency Management on Facebook and follow @EscambiaBeReady on Instagram.