Hurricane season started on June 1st. With a storm on track for Florida, it's time to look at your level of preparedness. Here is information on staying in touch with our Local Emergency Operations Center and useful tips to help plan for before, during and after the storm.
* You can contact Putnam County Emergency Management System for storm updates, evacuation routes and emergency shelter information at (386) 326-2793.
* You can follow the steps below to provide your contact information to the Putnam County Emergency Management System to receive continuous storm updates by email, phone or text:
A. Cut and paste the following weblink into your URL (or see the link at the bottom of this page) https://member.everbridge.net/index/453003085613768#/login
B. Enter your information to receive updates by email or text or phone.
C. After you have entered in your information, click on Submit Information
E. You will then be asked to confirm and verify your information.
* Go to their Facebook page at Putnam County Emergency Management and "Like" their page to receive Facebook updates. You can also sign up for Putnam Alerts from there.
For questions please contact Putnam County Emergency Management at (386) 326-2793
Monitor the National Weather Site here: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/serfc/?n=radar (copy and paste this link to your browser)
HURRICANE & TROPICAL STORM PREPAREDNESS TIPS: A tropical storm or hurricane may or may not be an immediate threat to our area. However, we should all be vigilant and prepare NOW. Below are some tips you might find helpful to prepare your families and homes should Putnam County experience an impact from severe storm or emergency event. STAY SAFE!
BEFORE THE STORM
• Have a family emergency and communications plan.
• Build an emergency kit. Consider some of the following in your kit:
- A 3-day supply of water (one gallon per person, per day)
- a 3-day supply of non-perishable food
- first-aid kit
- battery-powered radio
- flashlight and extra batteries
- portable charging stations for cell phones and tablets (don't forget to charge them up before the storm!)
- credit card and cash
- special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members
- prescription and non-prescription medication
• Prepare to secure your home. Purchase materials to protect your home (i.e. plywood, sandbags, etc.)
• Determine your evacuation route.
• Keep trees and shrubs trimmed to prevent them from causing damage to your home or utility lines.
• Don't forget about your pets. Consider locating pet-friendly lodging should you need to evacuate.
DURING THE STORM
• Stay informed. Frequently listen to radio or TV for official announcements of the storm's progress.
• Follow all instructions issued by local officials. Leave immediately if you are ordered to do so.
• Plan to evacuate if you live in a mobile home, along the coastline or near a river or other potential flood zone, or in a high rise building as hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations. Notify friends or family members outside the affected area of your evacuation plans.
• If staying home, unplug small appliances, turn the refrigerator to maximum cold and keep it closed, and fill the bathtub and large containers with water in case clean tap water is unavailable.
• Stay indoors during the storm and stay away from windows and glass doors. Stay in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level floor.
• Be alert for tornadoes as they are often spawned by severe storms.
• The calm "eye" of the storm - don't be fooled. It may seem that the storm is over, but once the eye passes, winds will pick up again.
AFTER THE STORM
• Keep listening for the latest updates.
• If you evacuated, do not return home until officials say it is safe.
• Do not drive unless necessary. Avoid blocked or flooded roadways.
• Inspect your home for damage only using a flashlight. Do not use a candle or open flame.
• Wear proper shoes to prevent cutting your feet on debris.
• Avoid walking in areas with downed power lines to avoid electrocution.
• Do not drink or prepare food with tap water until officials say it is safe for consumption.
ABOVE ALL - BE VIGILANT, BE PREPARED, STAY SAFE AND DON'T TAKE CHANCES!
