TS Isaac
Tropical Storm Isaac Update #2
Santa Rosa is currently under a Hurricane Watch, meaning a storm could begin to impact our area within 48 hours. There is some uncertainty in the forecast track, therefore everyone in Santa RosaCounty should prepare as if the storm is headed directly for their home. If the storm changes path or speed, the time between a watch and a warning might be only six hours. During a watch, the focus should be on preparing for the warning. If you are in an evacuation zone or a mobile/manufactured home, the goal is to be fully prepared to evacuate on Monday. If you live in a non-evacuation zone, the goal is to complete all preparations by Monday.
Storm Information as Currently Forecasted by the National Weather Service
· Isaac is now getting stronger and better defined. There will be frequent adjustments to the track. The storm is currently moving northwest.
· Current projections indicate a category 2 hurricane at landfall. However, the category could change in the coming days.
· It is still too early to highlight a specific location for landfall. Do not focus on the skinny black line which represents the current forecast track, but rather, on the probability cone. There is still much uncertainty.
· The winds are forecasted to be gusting to 40 mph in passing rain squalls by Tuesday afternoon. Hurricane force winds projected to arrive early Wednesday.
· Rough surf and dangerous rip currents will increase today as swells off of Isaac approach from the southeast. Conditions will worsen through Tuesday.
· There is a chance that 10 to 12 inches of rain could fall over portions of our area Tuesday into Wednesday. This would result in an increased risk of freshwater flooding by Wednesday.
Actions Taken by Santa Rosa County
- A local state of emergency was declared at 10 a.m. Declaring a local state of emergency allows the county to make formal requests to the state and FEMA for assistance.
- The emergency operations center is currently activated at a level three or partial activation and will rise to a level two, or partial activation, at 7 a.m. on Monday, August 27 and level one, or full activation at 7 p.m. on Monday.
- Santa Rosa County officials have issued a mandatory evacuation order for Evacuation Zones A & B including all mobile homes, RV parks, campgrounds, those living in low-lying areas and all of Navarre Beach beginning at 8 a.m. Monday, August 27.
- The Citizens Information Line will open at 8 a.m. on Monday, August 27. Citizens may call (850) 983-INFO (4636) with questions at that time.
- Tolls on Garcon Point Bridge will be waived beginning at 8 a.m. on Monday, August 27.
- Road department resources will be staged on Monday, August 27 at strategic locations around the county, and staff will be ready to begin any necessary clearing of road as soon as it is safe to do so.
Evacuations
· Residents living in the mandatory evacuation areas are reminded that you need not travel outside the county. It is often easier to shelter with family or friends who live outside the called evacuation zones, a hotel or a public shelter.
· To find out if you live in an evacuation zone, visit www.santarosa.fl.gov/gis and enter your address.
· If you are going to evacuate and you are able, do so as soon as possible to avoid heavy traffic and line.
· Don’t wait! Downed power lines, trees and flooding make it difficult, if not impossible to reach shelters during a hurricane. Remember, for their safety and protection, emergency and rescue personnel will not be able to respond to a call for assistance at the onset of sustained tropical storm force winds. After the storm, help may not be able to immediately respond to your area because of damage, road debris and downed trees.
· When evacuating, be sure to evacuate in daylight if possible, tell some outside the warning area where you are going, take your important papers like insurance documents and any prescriptions you may need, and follow the official evacuation routes.
· Navarre Beach residents, who have not yet done so, can obtain a reentry permit on Monday, August 27 from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Navarre Beach Utility Office located at1411 Utility Drive.
· Visit www.floridaevacuates.com for state-wide evacuation & shelter information.
· Tips for evacuations can be found online atwww.santarosa.fl.gov/news/factsheet/2012%20Disaster%20Guide.pdf#page=12
Shelters
- Milton Community Center located at 5629 Byron Street in Milton, will open at 9 a.m. on Monday, August 27 as a general shelter.
- Additional locations will be announced as they open. All designated shelter locations may not open. Please monitor the local media for announcements for specific shelter openings.
- Shelters are opened to ensure your safety. Please remember they are crowded and usually uncomfortable. It is recommended that other arrangements be made to stay at a hotel or with a friends or family in a well-constructed home out of the evacuation area that is properly protected to withstand hurricane force winds.
- Anyone needing transportation assistance to a shelter, call (850) 983-4636. We will only provide transportation to a designated shelter.
- If you go to a public evacuation shelter, you will need to take the following items:
- Personal identification
- A change of clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes.
- Toiletries and personal items.
- Blankets or sleeping bags.
- Identification and any important papers.
- Games or toys for children; books for adults.
- Special items for infants or elderly family members.
- Any special dietary needs and nonperishable foods for snacks.
- Battery operated radio, flashlights and plenty of spare batteries.
- Prescription medications or any over-the-counter medications you normally take.
- Those with special needs must come with their own caregiver.
A shelter map and tipswww.santarosa.fl.gov/news/factsheet/2012%20Disaster%20Guide.pdf#page=12
Public Schools
- Monday, August 27 will be a full day of school for all Santa Rosa Schools. The school system will be closed on Tuesday, August 28 until further notice.
- All after school activities will be cancelled for Monday, August 27 until further notice.
- Santa Rosa Community School after school program will not operate on Monday, August 27until further notice. Parents utilizing the after school service should make other arrangements for after school care.
County Offices
- County offices will be open on Monday, August 27. Offices will be closed on Tuesday, August 28 until further notice.
- The MSBU Public Hearing scheduled for Tuesday, August 28 at 6 p.m. will be continueduntil September 4 at 6:30 p.m. immediately after the scheduled Budget Public Hearing in the board room located at 6495 Caroline St., Milton. This means the August 28 hearing will not take place.
- County parks, the Navarre Beach Pier, and Central Landfill will close on Tuesday, August 28until further notice.
- County libraries will close early, at 5 p.m. on Monday, August 27 until further notice.
Court System
· A decision is pending on the closing of court offices. An update will be released as soon as a decision is made.
Steps Residents Can Take Now
- Fill vehicle gas tank.
- Get cash and secure papers and valuables.
- Refill medications.
- Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys and garden tools.
- Shutter your windows.
- Prepare boats.
- Help neighbors with their preparations.
- Make final preparations to secure your home so you can leave as soon as an evacuation order is issued.
- If you are registered for transportation to a public shelter, be sure you have everything you need for your “go bag”.
- Santa Rosa County Division of Emergency Management’s latest all-hazards disaster guide is now available online atwww.santarosa.fl.gov/news/factsheet/2012%20Disaster%20Guide.pdf or at county offices and libraries, local chambers of commerce, and local retailers.
Traffic Conditions
- Bridges will be closed at the onset of substained tropical storm force winds, or 39 MPH.
- Residents are asked to stay off the roads on beginning Tuesday afternoon.
- Any closures will be announced as they occur.
Impacts of a Category 1 & 2 Storm can Include
· Category 1: Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to roof, shingles, and vinyl siding and gutters. Large branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in power outages that could last a few to several days.
· Category 2: Well-constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding damage. Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads. Near total power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks.
Sand & Bags
Sand and sand bags are available at local home improvement stores for purchase. Santa RosaCounty is making limited supplies available at no cost at several locations. Residents should bring shovels and be prepared to fill and load their own bags. County and fire department staff ARENOT available to make home deliveries. If fire department staff are on calls, they will not be available to hand out sand bags.
· Sand only is available at the following locations while supplies last.
– Tiger Point Park-1370 Tiger Park Lane, Gulf Breeze
– The intersection of Pine Forest Road and Carroll Road in Milton
· Empty Sandbags (25-bag limit per vehicle) while supplies last at:
– Midway Fire District Station at 1322 College Pkwy.
– Midway Fire District Station at 1801 Abercrombie Rd.
· Sand & Sandbags (25-bag limit per vehicle) while supplies last at:
– Pace Fire Rescue District at 4773 Pace Patriot Blvd.
General Safety Information
· www.santarosa.fl.gov or follow us on Twitter at @SRCBOCC
· Please monitor your home weather radio and local media outlets for the most up-to-date information.
· Your best defense in any disaster is a NOAA Weather radio.
· Citizens can signup to automatically receive breaking news alerts from Santa Rosa County Emergency Management via e-mail or as a text message on their cell phone at: www.santarosa.fl.gov/emergency/publicwarning.html
