Updated Thursday, 10/6/16, 12:00 noon -- Hurricane Matthew will severely impact Putnam County beginning tonight (Thursday) around 9:00 p.m. If you plan on evacuating, please evacuate before midnight. Putnam County expects sustained hurricane force winds and flooding through Saturday. Hurricane Force winds up to 85 mph sustained are expected Friday afternoon and evening, and tropical storm force winds will continue until Saturday around noon. If you are in a mobile home, you are advised to evacuate.
Secure anything outside your home that could become a dangerous flying object. Filled sand bags are available at the Downtown Fire Station, 100 N. 11th Street, until they run out. We can deliver to the elderly or disabled. Call 386-329-0107 for delivery.
Shelter openings will be announced by the Putnam County EOC; you can access their website from the information provided below. SPECIAL NEEDS INDIVIDUALS ARE REQUIRED TO PRE-REGISTER IN ORDER TO QUALIFY FOR ADMITTANCE TO THE SPECIAL NEEDS SHELTER. Go to the Putnam County EOC/Emergency Services website at PutnamAlert.com to register on-line or call 386-326-7099.
Filled and prepared sand bags will be freely distributed from the Downtown Fire Station at 100 N. 11th Street until they run out. Delivery of sandbags is available to the elderly, infirm and disabled. Contact Palatka Public Works Department at 329-0107 for more information on sand bags.
To help with drainage, if you notice grass, leaves or other obstructions on top of storm drain grates, please help by clearing the obstructions from the top of the grate. DO NOT PLACE THE MATERIAL INSIDE THE STORM DRAIN. Place it on the curb and our crews will pick it up.
PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE YOUR SHELTER AFTER 9:00 p.m. TONIGHT (Thursday). AVOID DRIVING OR LEAVING YOUR SHELTER AT ALL COSTS. TREES WILL BE DOWN AND FLOODING WILL OCCUR. IF YOU ARE GOING TO EVACUATE, DO IT BEFORE 9:00 PM
Our Sanitation crews will begin picking up garbage and debris on Monday the 10th. Florida Power & Light and Clay Electric Crews are on standby.
Palatka Police Department, Fire Department, Putnam County Emergency Operations Center and public works crews are mobilized and operational and ready to react. For emergency information or if you need help, dial 9-1-1. To receive mobile or email alerts, go to www.putnamALERT.com and fill in the required information. Stay safe and stay dry!
PUTNAM COUNTY INFORMATION:
-EOC Status- ACTIVATED
-Local State of Emergency DECLARED
-Shelter Openings: five shelters - (1) pet friendly (1) special needs, three additional -- take toiletries, bedding and necessiities. You will be given space, food and water only. Go to PutnamAlert.com or to the Putnam County EOC Facebook paged for information on shelter locations.
-Government Offices CLOSED beginning noon today
-Evacuations: recommended, especially for elderly and infirm and those in mobile homes
