Weather
According to the National Hurricane Center, Irma is a potentially catastrophic Category 5 hurricane. Severe hurricane conditions are expected over portions of the Florida peninsula and the Florida Keys and beginning late Saturday. Irma could make landfall in southern Florida as a dangerous major hurricane, and bring life-threatening storm surge and wind impacts to much of the state. The threat of direct hurricane impact in Florida over the weekend and early next week has increased. While the storm is tracking more favorably away from our area, it is important to understand that the projected storm track is still subject to change. Keep in mind that some fluctuations in intensity are likely during the next day or two, but Irma is forecast to remain a powerful category 4 or 5 hurricane the next few days.
While the storm as tracked more towards the west, our area is still not in the cone of probability. HOWEVER, you do not want you to let your guard down yet. It is vital that our residents take a moment several times a day to monitor the latest information available. IF the storm does track more in our direction, any impacts would most likely be felt sometime the week of Sept. 10.
County Offices
Escambia County offices will be open on Friday, Sept. 8. Employees who have childcare issues should contact their supervisors.
Schools
Governor Rick Scott is directing all public K-12 schools, state colleges, state universities and state offices to close Friday, September 8 – Monday, September 11.
Pensacola Christian Academy and Pensacola Christian College will be OPEN on Friday, Sept. 8.
State Offices
Governor Rick Scott has directed all state offices in all 67 Florida counties to close Friday, September 8 – Monday, September 11
Host Shelters
Volunteering
Volunteer Florida is coordinating with volunteer organizations across the state and has partnered with the American Red Cross to provide shelter operations training to volunteers and AmeriCorps grantees. Floridians who would like to volunteer can register at http://redcross.org/volunteer
Other Services/Information
- Veterans from storm-impacted areas who require immediate assistance may contact the VA Health Resource Center Disaster Hotline at 1-800-507-4571
- The Florida Department of Transportation is suspending construction work and lane closures throughout the state in preparation for evacuation routes.
- The toll at the Bob Sikes Toll Plaza onto Pensacola Beach remains lifted, as do tolls around the state.
- The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) has released September Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to current recipients who have not yet received them to assist with Hurricane Irma preparations.
- Visit http://www.floridadisaster.org to find information on shelters, road closures, and evacuation routes.
- Floridians can text FLPREPARES to 888777 in order to receive text alerts from FDEM.
Storm Preparation
- Review/make your family plan. Need help? Read more on how to care for your family here.
- Know your zone. Look up your address online at http://bit.ly/2vGzR1R. You can search by address or parcel number and then look for the “Emergency Management Report.” The address function is self-populating, so type slowly and then choose the address from the drop down list.
- Restock your disaster kit supplies/get a kit. 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. 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.
