Weather

According to the National Hurricane Center, Irma continues to be a potentially catastrophic Category 5 hurricane. The threat of direct hurricane impacts in Florida over the weekend and early next week has increased. While the storm is tracking more favorably away from our area, it is important to understand that the projected storm track is still subject to change.

It is vital that our residents take a moment several times a day to monitor the latest information available. IF the storm does track more in our direction, any impacts would most likely be felt sometime the week of Sept. 10.

Host Shelters

• The Escambia County Equestrian Center is being open as a host shelter for evacuees’ horses. Stalls and RV sites are available at a nominal cost on a first come, first serve basis. For more information, visit https://myescambia.com/our-services/parks-and-recreation/equestrian-center/equestrian-center-as-a-storm-shelter.
• Escambia County and the American Red Cross are on standby to open a host shelter for evacuees from other parts of the state as requested by the Florida Department of Emergency Management.

Volunteering

Volunteer Florida is coordinating with volunteer organizations across the state and has partnered with the American Red Cross to provide shelter operations training to volunteers and AmeriCorps grantees. Floridians who would like to volunteer can register at http://redcross.org/volunteer

Other Services/Information

• Veterans from storm-impacted areas who require immediate assistance may contact the VA Health Resource Center Disaster Hotline at 1-800-507-4571
• The Florida Department of Transportation is suspending construction work and lane closures throughout the state in preparation for evacuation routes.
• The toll at the Bob Sikes Toll Plaza onto Pensacola Beach remains lifted, as do tolls around the state.
• Visit http://www.floridadisaster.org to find information on shelters, road closures and evacuation routes.

Storm Preparation

• Review/make your family plan. Need help? Read more on how to care for your family here.
• Know your zone. Look up your address online at http://bit.ly/2vGzR1R. You can search by address or parcel number and then look for the “Emergency Management Report.” The address function is self-populating, so type slowly and then choose the address from the drop down list.
• Restock your disaster kit supplies/get a kit. if we aren’t impacted by Irma, your preparations won’t be a waste, as we haven’t yet reached the height of hurricane season. You’ll be ready for the next storm.  Click here to see our latest disaster guide shopping list.
• Stay Informed – A tropical system can develop very quickly. Be sure you take time every day to monitor the local media. Escambia County also has several tools available for our residents. Learn more here. Monitor local media and legitimate online and social media sources like Escambia County Emergency Management, US National Weather Service Mobile, NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center and Florida SERT.
• Prep your yard - As we are entering the height of hurricane season, it is also recommended that residents take a few minutes to inspect their home and yard. Check for, fix or remove loose items on your home and sheds. Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and down spouts. Trim trees and shrubs around your home.