Tropical Storm Isaias Updates & Resources

Visit floridadisaster.org or myescambia.com/beready for a complete checklist. Generally, your disaster supply kit should include nonperishable food and water (a 7-day supply for each person), medication, flashlights and batteries, infant and pet care items, and personal documents including insurance cards, copies of social security cards and birth certificates, and medical records, which should be stored in a waterproof container.

You can visit myescambia.com/knowyourzone and type in your address to check whether you are in Evacuation Zone A, B, C, D, E, or None. Generally, Zone A is most vulnerable and most likely to be evacuated first, and Zone E is most likely to be evacuated last.

Road and bridge closures are truly weather dependent. Unfortunately, we cannot predict when or if closures will happen. In the event that standing water makes a road impassable or there are sustained winds (NOT gusts) of 39 mph making a bridge unsafe, the specific location will be announced as soon as possible. Stay tuned to local media outlets, myescambia.com, and the Escambia County Emergency Management Facebook page for updates.

Before hurricanes, tropical storms, or other severe weather, Escambia County typically offers free sand for residents, with locations announced at myescambia.com and on the Escambia County Emergency Management Facebook page. Sand is available on a first-come, first served basis, and locations are open 24 hours a day. Please note that residents must bring their own sandbags and shovels. Sandbags can be purchased at most local hardware or home improvement stores, typically for a low cost.

Escambia County does not provide tarps before a storm, but they may be provided after a storm, depending on the level of impact. If points of distribution (POD) sites are established after a storm, they will be announced on myescambia.com and on the Escambia County Emergency Management Facebook page.

The greatest threat to life from a hurricane is storm surge flooding, so if you are in an ordered evacuation zone, low-lying flood area or in a mobile home, the life-safety risk of a hurricane will be greater. On the other hand, if you are not in an ordered evacuation zone, low-lying flood prone area, mobile home or unsafe structure, then it may be safer to stay in your home. Always heed the advice and orders of local officials during a storm.

Monitor local news and pay attention to alerts from authorities. Evacuation zones are designated from A to E. Generally, Zone A is most vulnerable and most likely to be evacuated first, and Zone E is most likely to be evacuated last. Take the time now to find out which zone you are in and remember to pay attention to local authorities during a storm to find out if an evacuation is ordered. Know your zone today by visiting myescambia.com/knowyourzone

Shelter openings in Escambia County vary with each emergency. Openings will be announced through all means possible, including local media outlets, social media, and the MyEscambia.com website. Do not go to a shelter until you have verified that it is open.

Follow Escambia County Emergency Management on Facebook for updates. For a complete list of shelters during a disaster, visit MyEscambia.com/beready.

It is up to you to determine what is best for you and your family, but please keep in mind that shelters are a last resort. Buildings used for evacuation shelters are normally public schools that are staffed by specially trained American Red Cross volunteers and staff. Shelters are generally crowded and may be very noisy, making it difficult to rest or sleep. If you need to evacuate, your easiest and most comfortable option may be to stay with friends or family who live outside the evacuation zone or in a stronger house.

Visit MyEscambia.com/BeReady for a list of items you should consider bringing with you and your family when seeking safety at an evacuation shelter. Some items include a change of clothing, toiletries and personal items, blankets or sleeping bags and pillows, identification and any important papers, games, toys or books for children, special items for infants or elderly family members, any special dietary needs and non-perishable foods for snacks, flashlights and plenty of spare batteries, and prescription medications or any over-the-counter medications you normally take.