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Escambia County Under Hurricane Warning


Escambia County Information
Escambia County remains under a Local State of Emergency. The Board of County Commissioners declared the State of Emergency at 3:10 p.m. on Sunday, August 26, 2012.

EVACUATIONS – Escambia County has issued an order of evacuation for Zones A, B and C. This includes the barriers islands of Perdido Key and Pensacola Beach/Santa Rosa Island, as well as inland areas along Perdido Bay, Escambia Bay, Santa Rosa Sound and portions of downtown. OTHER AREAS OF THE COUNTY ARE INCLUDED IN THIS EVACUATION ORDER.

Please check www.bereadyescambia.com and use the address look up tool to confirm whether or not you are in an evacuation zone.
Shelters will open at 9:00 a.m. Monday morning. A list of shelters can be found at www.bereadyescambia.com.

Escambia County Public Schools will be closed Monday, August 27 and Tuesday, August 28. Private schools will remain open or close at their own discretion.

All Escambia County offices will be closed to the public at 12:00 p.m. (noon). This includes the offices of the Clerk of Courts, Tax Collector and Property Appraiser. Court Operations – including those at Blanchard, Bruno and COB buildings in Escambia County will be open until further notice.

Escambia County Emergency Operations Center was activated at 7:00 a.m., Monday, August 27. At that time, the County will also activate the Citizen Information Center (CIC), residents can call (850) 471-6600 for information after 7:00 a.m. Monday.

The Development Review Committee meeting scheduled for Monday has been cancelled.

The Perdido Key Master Plan meeting scheduled for Monday, August 27 at 6 p.m. has been cancelled due to the uncertain forecast of Tropical Storm Isaac. A new date will be announced when the meeting is rescheduled.

ECUA has not announced any changes to residential or commercial garbage pick-up at this time. ECAT will run normal schedules on Monday, August 27.

Escambia County is now under a Hurricane Warning. A hurricane warning means hurricane conditions are possible in the next 36 hours. While Isaac seems to be on a more westerly track, the actual landfall of this storm remains uncertain. Tropical storm force winds extend out 200+ miles. Residents are
advised to exercise caution and use their best judgment in preparing for the impacts of this storm.

Deteriorating weather should begin throughout the day Monday, with tropical storm force winds reaching Escambia County on Monday evening. By that time, residents should have their emergency plans complete.

Feeder bands from Tropical Storm Isaac may bring heavy rainfall of up to 12 inches. Due to high levels of rain this month, Escambia County residents should be alert for areas of localized flooding.

There is a high risk of dangerous rip currents along the beaches of Escambia County.

Please follow flag colors. A red flag means the water is closed to swimmers. Double red means the water is closed to everyone.

Increased surf and tides will run well above normal and bring the potential for coastal flooding and beach erosion.

No bridges in Escambia County are closed or are scheduled to close at this time.

Escambia County is NOT supplying sandbags to residents.

Only call 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency. The Citizens Information Center will be activated effective 7:00 a.m., Monday, August 27. Residents can call (850) 471-6600 for information after 7:00 a.m. Monday.

Gulf Islands National Seashore will be closed at 6:00 pm today including Fort Pickens, Perdido Key, Fort Barrancas, Naval Live Oaks, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa areas to all public use. All visitors currently at the seashore are being instructed to leave by 6:00 pm today and are urged to immediately return home and beginning safeguarding their property. J.E. Bowden Way through the Santa Rosa area will remain open pending effects
from the storm.

Pensacola International Airport
Due to inclement weather statewide, Pensacola International Airport (PNS) is experiencing airline cancellations. PNS recommends passengers contact their air carrier for flight information. Phone numbers for airlines can be found at www.flypensacola.com.

What Residents Can Do Now
Check your emergency kit for supplies. For information on what should be contained in your visit Escambia County’s Emergency Management web site at
www.bereadyescambia.com. Remember, “The First 72 are on You!” Residents should complete preparations to protect life and property. Consider moving to
a safer location if your home is vulnerable to high winds or flooding.

Follow Escambia County on Twitter at @bereadyescambia for timely updates. Residents should closely monitor the latest forecasts and advisories for more information.

Review your disaster plan.

Prepare your disaster kit to include water, clothing, medications and other necessary items.

If you are making plans to evacuate, make sure you leave yourself enough time. Take your disaster kit with you and notify a friend or family member of your intended location.

Prepare your yard and property for the arrival of the storm and secure yard furniture. Also, test your generator to make sure it works properly. If you get fuel for your generator, make sure you store it in an open area with proper ventilation and away from
open flames.

THE NEXT STATEMENT WILL BE ISSUED AT 11:00 AM
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