Flagler County is encouraging residents and businesses to make preparations through National Hurricane Preparedness Week, which is May 9 through 15.
“We are less than a month away from the June 1st start of the Atlantic Hurricane Season,” said Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord. “While the majority of Atlantic hurricanes occur between August and October, hurricanes can occur at any time during the season – and sometimes outside of hurricane season.”
The National Weather Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has established daily preparedness themes to guide the process: Determine Your Risk; Develop an Evacuation Plan; Assemble Disaster Supplies; Get an Insurance Checkup; Strengthen Your Home; Help Your Neighbor; and, Complete a Written Plan.
Residents and businesses should be prepared year round for any type of natural or manmade disaster by having a well-stocked emergency supply kit, creating an emergency plan, and by getting informed about what to do in a disaster.
While hurricanes have the greatest impact along the coastline, they are not just a coastal problem. Strong winds, tornadoes, and inland flooding can create hazards throughout Flagler County. Flooding in western reaches of the county can also be affected by the storm tides, including areas along Crescent and Dead lakes.
“Now is a good time to find out if you live in an evacuation zone,” Lord said. “Do this when no storms are threatening and keep it somewhere where it’s easy to find, like on the refrigerator.”
Zones are alphabetically named A, B, C, D, and F. Do not confuse zones B and F with the Palm Coast neighborhood sections. This information is available using the Flagler County Neighborhood App and typing the address in the upper left-hand search bar. This application is also accessible through the smart device app – U Gov Flagler – which is available as a free download for both iPhone and Android platforms.
Information about building disaster kits, developing emergency plans, and general information of disaster preparedness can be found at www.FlaglerCounty.org/emergency or by contacting the Emergency Management Office at 386-313-4200.
Additionally, for those who are looking to build or restock their disaster kits, May 28 through June 3 will LIKELY be a Disaster Supply Sales Tax Holiday. Get more information at towards the end of the month at www.floridarevenue.com/DisasterPrep or on the county’s social media pages.
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Media Release: Julie Murphy, MPIO
