Escambia County Emergency Management is closely monitoring Invest 99L. Residents are urged to do the same by monitoring our local media for the most up-to-date forecasts daily, as the track is currently very uncertain. While this storm may not impact our area, residents are encouraged to take the time now to double check their storm supplies and began basic storm preparations.
The key to reducing the stress and impact on your family is to prepare by having a plan, getting a kit and staying informed:
- Review or make a family plan. This includes:
- Knowing your evacuation zone. Check your zone online by clicking here.
- Know where you will go. If you live in an evacuation zone, know where you will go and how you will get there. Will you go to a friend or relative’s home, a hotel, or as a last resort, a public shelter? It is always easier to go tens of miles, not hundreds.
- Have a communication plan. Plan now how you will contact one another and where you will meet.
- Plan for those with special needs. Make arrangements in advance to accommodate those in your family with special needs like the elderly, children and pets. Always have at least an extra three day supply of medical supplies, medication and any other special items you may need.
- Understand Watch vs. Warning, the hurricane cone and what steps you need to take when. Learn more by clicking here.
- Get a Kit - Your disaster kit should have at least three days of nonperishable food and three gallons of water for each person and pet in your home, along with other supplies. Click here to see our latest disaster guide shopping list.
- Stay Informed - A tropical system can develop very quickly. Be sure you take time every day to monitor the local media. Escambia County also has several tools available for our residents:
- Sign up to receive news via email at myescambia.com by clicking the subscribe button and selecting “Emergency Updates”
- Monitor our website myescambia.com
- Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bereadyec
- Follow us on Twitter @BeReadyEscambia
- Sign up for Alert Escambia, a free emergency notification system that provides updates during local emergencies and disasters via text message, email or phone call. Sign up by clicking here.
Over the weekend, it is also recommended that residents begin take a few minutes to inspect their home and yard. Check for, fix or remove loose items on your home and sheds. Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and down spouts. Trim trees and shrubs around your home.