Tornado Updates: At A Glance

February 16, 2016

5 p.m. Update from Escambia County on Century/McDavid tornado


Essential Information

·         Residents are going to be allowed to re-enter closed roads on foot with proof of residency Escambia County is working with the Town of Century and various agencies today to complete damage assessments and remove downed trees.

·         Search and Rescue was completed Monday evening, however teams rechecked homes this morning in the daylight ECSO to work with Red Cross to establish areas for Red Cross ERV to set up for distribution of food, supplies

Damage Assessments

·         The National Weather Service determined the tornado that hit Century to be a strong EF2, weak EF3.

·         They will post updates throughout the day on Twitter (@NWSMobile) An estimated 40-50 residences/business were affected by the storm Governmental and not-for-profit agencies are working to complete damage assessments

Shelter Information

·         The Century Community Center (6001-A Industrial Boulevard) is open as the shelter and the Red Cross is on scene for assistance

Red Cross

·         Meals being delivered by Emergency Response Vehicles Clean-up kits/comfort kits will be available soon A family service team is being assembled Red Cross has served 300 meals Wind Creek is bringing meals in again tonight

Relief Resources

·         Century Clerk: Visit Century Community Center and let Red Cross know you are here for one of the following purposes:

o   To register for assistance (such as debris removal and salvage of belongings)

o   Disaster volunteer check-in (Do not self-deploy. Please register at the community center)

o   Red Cross Shelter (for temporary shelter relief)

o   Food (provided by Atmore Poarch Creek Indians)

·         Additional Resources available at Abundant Life Assembly of God Church. They are providing food, water and clothing for anyone who needs it. Donations accepted. 8040 Century Blvd. 850-256-5227

Power Companies

·         As of 12:50 p.m., EREC reported that all power had been restored to those areas able to receive electricity.

·         Gulf Power has 150 poleman on scene trying to restore power; estimated time of restoration for structures that can receive power is between 10 p.m. and midnight tonight tentatively.


Schools

All Escambia County, Fla., public schools are open at their regular times on Wednesday.

Road Closures

·         Pond at Highway 29

·         Hecker at Highway 29

·         Salters Lake at Highway 29

·         Front at Highway 29

·         Bradley at Highway 29

·         Alger at Highway 29

·         Freedom at Jefferson

·         Jefferson

·         Ramar at Highway 29

First Responders

·         Early estimates are that there were 120 first responders on scene Monday night.

Debris Pickup

·         Special debris pickup has not been determined yet but will be addressed in the immediate future.

Electrical Issues

·         If electrical circuits and electrical equipment have gotten wet or are in or near water, turn off the power at the main breaker or fuse on the service panel. If you must enter standing water to access the main power switch, then call an electrician to turn it off.

·         Never turn power on or off or use an electric tool or appliance while standing in water.

·         Do not connect generators to your home’s electrical circuits without the approved, automatic-interrupt devices. If a generator is on line when electrical service is restored, it can become a major fire hazard and it may endanger line workers helping to restore power in your area.

Reentering Buildings

·         Stay away from damaged buildings or structures until they have been examined and certified as safe by a building inspector or other government authority. You may want to wait to return to buildings during daylight hours, when it is easier to avoid hazards, particularly if the electricity is off and you have no lights.

·         Leave immediately if you hear shifting or unusual noises that signal that the structure may fall or if you smell gas or suspect a leak. If you smell gas, notify emergency authorities and do not turn on the lights, light matches, smoke, or do anything that could cause a spark. Do not return to the house until you are told it is safe to do so.

·         Keep children and pets out of the affected area until cleanup has been completed.

Chain Saw Safety

·         Become familiar with the recommended safe operational procedures before attempting to work with a chain saw.

·         Be sure that you are in top physical and mental condition when operating dangerous machinery.

·         Medications and alcohol can cause you to be a hazard to yourself and others when working with chain saws.

·         Equip yourself with protective clothing and equipment including safety goggles, hearing protection, steel-toed shoes, hard hat, gloves, and close-fitting clothing.

·         Always avoid making cuts with the saw between your legs; always cut with the saw to the outside of your legs.

·         Don’t stand on a log and saw between your feet.

·         Always stand to one side of the limb you are to cut, never straddle it.

·         Always keep in mind where the chain will go if it breaks; never position yourself or other people in line with the chain.

·         Keep the chain out of the dirt; debris will fly, the teeth will be dulled and the chain life shortened considerably.

Cleaning Up Safely

·         Always wear gloves and work boots when cleaning or removing debris.

·         Discard unsafe food.

·         Open windows to provide ventilation.

·         Remove wet contents including carpet, furniture and building materials.

·         Do not allow children to play in or around debris piles. Check play areas for hazards.

·         Do not try to move any displaced propane tanks. Get in touch with fire officials to provide them the location of these tanks.

·         Mold growth can be removed from hard surfaces with commercial products, soap and water, or a bleach solution of no more than one cup of bleach in one gallon of water. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners; mixing can produce dangerous, toxic fumes.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive