Sept. 8 Hurricane Irma Update

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Current Situation

• There ARE NO evacuations ordered for Escambia County residents, no matter the location.
• While the storm has tracked more toward 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.
• Escambia County Emergency Operation Center is at a level 3, or monitoring level. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and through the weekend to provide our residents with the most up-to-date hurricane information.
• The State Emergency Operations Center has been activated to level 1, which is a full-scale, 24-hours-a-day activation.
• The Florida Emergency Information Line has been activated and is available 24/7 for families and visitors at 1-800-342-3557.
• Visit www.floridadisaster.org to find information on shelters, road closures, and evacuation routes.
• Sign up for Escambia County updates at www.MyEscambia.com and clicking the subscribe button.
• Learn what to do before, during and after by downloading our latest disaster guide at myescambia.com. 

Weather Update from National Weather Service/National Hurricane Center

• Irma is an extremely dangerous Category 4 hurricane and will likely make landfall in Florida as a major hurricane. It will bring life-threatening wind to much of the state.
• Irma continues to track to the WNW at 16 mph and a turn to the northwest is expected on Saturday afternoon and evening. Based on the latest forecast track, this would take Irma northwest through the Florida peninsula Sunday and Monday.This track will keep the main impacts well east of the area.
• However, breezy to windy conditions can be expected Sunday into Monday and a wind advisory may be required for parts of the area. 
• Keep in mind that some fluctuations in track and intensity are still possible. 

Host Shelters

• As requested by the state, Escambia County and the American Red Cross are opening a host shelter at the Pensacola Bay Center located at 201 E. Gregory St. starting at 5 p.m.  
  • The shelter is for south Florida evacuees. There are currently NO EVACUATIONS ordered for Escambia County.
  • Evacuees with pets and special needs will be accommodated at the Bay Center.
  • Parking is on the Alcaniz Street side. 

• Additional shelters will be opened as needed and directed by the state of Florida.
• The Escambia County Equestrian Center is being open as a host shelter for evacuees’ horses. Stalls and RV sites are available at a nominal cost on a first come, first served basis. For more information, visit https://myescambia.com/our-services/parks-and-recreation/equestrian-center/equestrian-center-as-a-storm-shelter.
• Visit www.floridadisaster.org to find information on shelters, road closures and evacuation routes.

Gas/Fuel

• Gov. Scott has taken several actions to help mitigate fuel shortages, read more at http://www.flgov.com/2017/09/07/gov-scott-were-working-aggressively-to-get-more-fuel-to-gas-stations/
• To check fuel availability online, go to https://gasbuddy.com

Pensacola International Airport

• While many southern and eastern Florida airports are closed, Pensacola International Airport is currently open and will remain open as long as Hurricane Irma does not severely impact our area.
• Passengers with scheduled travel to impacted areas are strongly encouraged to monitor the status of their flight by frequently visiting their airline's website.

Trash Pickup

• There are currently no changes at this time in trash pickup scheduling with ECUA or the city of Pensacola.

County Offices 

• Escambia County offices will be open on Friday, Sept. 8. Employees who have childcare issues should contact their supervisors.

Schools

• Gov. Rick Scott is directing all public K-12 schools, state colleges, state universities and state offices to close Friday, Sept. 8 – Monday, Sept. 11.
•  ACT tests scheduled to be given in any Escambia County public schools tomorrow, Saturday, Sept. 9^th, have been cancelled.

State Offices

• Governor Rick Scott has directed all state offices in all 67 Florida counties to close Friday, September 8 – Monday, September 11

Volunteering & Donations

• 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
• Gov. Rick Scott activated the Florida Disaster Fund to support individuals who are impacted by Hurricane Irma. The Florida Disaster Fund helps provide financial support to Florida’s communities in times of disaster. To make a contribution, please visit www.FloridaDisasterFund.org or text DISASTER to 20222 to make a one-time donation of $10.

Traffic/Roads

• The Florida Department of Transportation , working with the Florida Highway Patrol, has implemented a limited Emergency Shoulder Use plan for Hurricane Irma evacuations on I-75 at Wildwood to the Georgia state line. Motorists should only use the left shoulder when directed by law enforcement and highway signs. 
• 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.

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.  

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 Children and Families has released September Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program 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 the Florida Division of Emergency Managment.