Hurricane Irma is now a very dangerous Category 5 storm. What does it all mean for Escambia County and Northwest Florida? According to the National Hurricane Center, the chance of direct impacts from Hurricane Irma to the Florida Keys and the Florida Peninsula is increasing, with a projected impact of late this week or this weekend. IF the storm does track in our direction, any impacts would most likely be felt sometime the week of Sept. 10.
As frustrating and stressful as it may be, the bottom line today is - We don’t know. The storm is too far out from our area to accurately predict where it will make landfall, as there is no reliable way to forecast potential impacts to an area that is more than about five days away from a storm's location. Escambia County Emergency Management is closely monitoring this storm and is ready to take action as needed.
The best thing you can do is to prepare and be informed. Even if we aren't impacted by Irma, your preparations won't be a waste, as we haven't yet reached the height of hurricane season. You'll be ready for the next storm.
Every storm is different: Don’t focus on solely on the wind speed or category
Every storm is different, even if it is the same category. Categories only measure wind speed and not storm surge, so it doesn’t tell the whole story. While wind can be very destructive, storm surge is often the killer (think "run from water, hide from wind). A lower category storm can have much more deadly storm surge than a Category 3, it just depends on that particular system.
Watch this short video to learn more.
So what can you do now? Know your evacuation zone, it's A-E (no longer 1-5). Look it up now here if you don't know it . And most importantly, don't rely on previous storm experience. Just because you weathered the last storm, doesn’t mean you will weather this one - each storm is different! You must listen to emergency management officials for what actions to take to keep your family safe.
What does Florida’s State of Emergency mean?
On Monday, Sept. 4 Gov. Rick Scott issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency in all 67 counties of Florida. This does not mean that all 67 counties will see an impact. However, by proactively signing this order, the governor gives local, state and federal governments the ability to more easily work together with some of the normal restrictions lifted when directly related to preparation and response to Hurricane Irma. Click here for the latest actions by the state. If the county is threatened, Escambia County will also issue a local state of emergency for the same reason. This is common disaster preparation practice.
What to do now
Review or make a family plan. This includes:
- 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. Find a list of shelters, including special needs and pet-friendly here.
- 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 3-10 days stock 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.
- Take photos of important documents and your valuables. Save these to a secure cloud site, thumb drive or keep on your mobile device.
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. Learn more here. Monitor local media and legitimate online and social media sources like Escambia County Emergency Management, US National Weather Service Mobile, NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center and Florida SERT.
Prep your yard - As we are entering the height of hurricane season, it is also recommended that residents 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.
