Flagler County Emergency Management has a keen eye on the western Caribbean as the National Hurricane Center is messaging that a “potential tropical cyclone” is on the verge of developing into a depression or storm. It will likely become a hurricane as it moves toward the U.S. Gulf Coast. The county is currently just outside of the eastern edge of the “cone of error.”
“It is important not to focus on the hurricane cone, as impacts are possible outside of the cone. Therefore, just in case this system has impacts on Flagler County later this week, it is a good idea for you to take time now to review how you will protect your home and your family and update your emergency supply kits,” said Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord. “It’s never too early to ensure that you are prepared, which includes checking to see if you live in a potential hurricane evacuation zone.”
Build a Kit
- Gather supplies – now before store shelves are emptied – that will last for a week after a disaster for everyone in the home.
- Don’t forget to consider the unique needs that each person or pet may have.
- The kit should include nonperishable food, water, medications, clothing, cash (as credit cards/ATMs may not work), radios, and batteries.
- Portability is key should evacuation be required.
Make a Plan
- Talk to friends and family about how communicating before, during, and after a disaster will work.
- Have a primary, secondary, and possibly even tertiary plan for where to go in the event of an evacuation.
- Consider staying with family or friends outside of the evacuation area in addition to hotels or motels. (NOTE: Flagler County always opens public shelters at the time evacuations are ordered.)
“We recommend staying aware of the weather and the tropics throughout the Hurricane Season as things can rapidly change,” Lord said. “Preparation is the key, and we’re here to help.”
Individual, household, and business preparedness – for all disasters, not just tropical storms and hurricanes – is urged. For more guidance on how to prepare for and deal with disasters, download the countywide Emergency/Disaster Preparedness Guide at www.FlaglerCounty.gov/emergency, or pick up a copy at any local library, the Flagler Beach Historical Museum, city halls, and the County Administration Building. The latest version of this guide includes the new Potential Hurricane Evacuation Zones map, which can also be viewed by clicking on “Hurricane Evacuation Zones” at www.FlaglerCounty.gov/emergency.
Sign up for the ALERTFlagler notification system at www.FlaglerCounty.gov/AlertFlagler. Get involved – register for Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training and other volunteering and training opportunities by going to www.FlaglerCounty.gov/emergency and selecting “Volunteering & Training.”
