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Escambia County is continuing recovery efforts following Hurricane Isaias, including damage assessments and debris clearing across roadways.
The Escambia County Emergency Operations Center remains activated at a Level 2. Essential personnel will continue to work at the EOC as Escambia County enters long-term recovery from Hurricane Isaias. Even as EOC operations scale back, Escambia County will be actively working on damage assessments, debris collection, and recovery efforts countywide.
Many roads may be hazardous or impassable due to downed power lines and trees throughout Escambia County and the City of Pensacola. If you must drive, use extra caution on the roads and watch for downed trees, power lines and debris. Remember to treat intersections with traffic signal outages as four-way stops. View road closure information at MyEscambia.com/roads or fl511.com.
Escambia County:
- Escambia County has completed the initial damage assessment for Hurricane Isaias, with estimated damages for county repairs totaling approximately $64 million. This total includes Escambia County facilities, buildings, equipment, parks, roads, bridges, and emergency recovery efforts. This total does not include damage to private properties, which will be included in a separate damage assessment. Click here for more information.
- A determination has not been made regarding individual FEMA assistance for Escambia County residents impacted by Hurricane Isaias. Escambia County and the City of Pensacola will be meeting with the State tomorrow to discuss a joint preliminary damage assessment and begin the process of pursuing a major disaster declaration, which would be the next step to bring in FEMA funding.
- Debris Collection: Escambia County debris collection for storm-generated debris from Hurricane Isaias is now underway. Click here for more information.
- Escambia County offices have reopened as of Tuesday, Oct. 13.
- Unlicensed contractors: Following storm damage caused by Hurricane Isaias, Escambia County is warning the public of unlicensed contractors and home repair scams when beginning to make repairs. Florida law requires a contractor’s license and workers’ compensation insurance, and sets specific rules and guidelines for professional licensing, which are standards that protect Floridians from personal harm or financial loss. Click here for more information.
- Escambia County crews are actively working to clear numerous downed trees throughout the county. The public's patience is appreciated as crews work to clear major thoroughfares first before clearing trees on roadways in neighborhoods. Please note that crews will begin with "cut and toss" operations to simply move the trees out of the roadway, and will return later in the recovery process to fully remove the trees and debris.
- Residents with damage to property or their street are asked to complete the Citizen Damage Report here.
- Escambia County is urging residents using generators to keep them at least 20 feet away from your home and to never operate a generator in an enclosed space. Ensure the generator has at least three to four feet of clear space on either side, and use the correct cord for the wattage and GFCI protection. Read more safety tips here.
- The Citizen Information Line will close at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13.
- Residents
should refrain from visiting county parks and athletic fields until damage
assessments and initial cleanup can be completed.
- Boaters should use extra caution when using public boat ramps and waterways after hurricanes, due to potential floating and submerged debris. Hazards to navigation should be reported to FWC at 888-404-3922.
- Disaster Assistance for Livestock and Pets: To request assistance for your livestock and pets in a situation where an animal death is imminent, emergency supplies are needed within 48 hours, or public safety is at risk due to loose animals. Please complete the online form or call 1-833-ANIMAL0 (1-833-264-6250). For non-animal related assistance contact the Division of Emergency Management, state assistance information line at 1-800-342-3557.
Feeding Sites
- Several feeding sites have been established for Tuesday, Oct. 13 in Escambia County to provide food to residents following Hurricane Isaias. Click here for more information.
Unlicensed Contractors
- It has been reported by Florida Legal Services that there is an uptick in unlicensed contractors. Verify your contractor here. To report unlicensed contractors, call the Unlicensed Activity Hotline at 866-532-1440.
- Following storm damage caused by Hurricane Isaias, Escambia County is warning the public of unlicensed contractors and home repair scams when beginning to make repairs. Florida law requires a contractor’s license and workers’ compensation insurance, and sets specific rules and guidelines for professional licensing, which are standards that protect Floridians from personal harm or financial loss. Click here for more information.
FPL
- Florida Power & Light has restored power to more than 85% of customers impacted by Isaias, and we remain on track to essentially complete restoration by the end of day Tuesday to customers who can safely receive power. View personalized outage information
Emergency Storm Repairs
- In the aftermath of a storm, structural damage can leave homeowners and businesses scrambling to get repairs done as soon as possible. The Escambia County Building Services Department Permitting Division can process permit applications through various methods in the event of a natural disaster.
- Click here for a breakdown of what you need to do when it comes to permitting after a storm.
- For more information on storm recovery, visit myescambia.com.
Storm Cleanup Assistance
- Be Ready Alliance Coordinating for Emergencies (BRACE) is urging Escambia and Santa Rosa county residents affected by Hurricane Isaias to call the Crisis Cleanup hotline at 1-800-451-1954 to request assistance with tree work, debris cleanup, roof tarping, mucking out and gutting storm-damaged homes.
- Crisis Cleanup records requests and makes them available to participating relief organizations. Depending on available volunteers and resources, assistance may include:
- Cutting and removing fallen trees.
- Clearing storm debris.
- Installing temporary roof tarps.
- Removing mud and water-damaged belongings.
- Removing damaged drywall and other materials through mucking and gutting.
- Assistance provided through participating volunteer organizations is free. Submitting a request does not guarantee service or a specific response time.
- Click here for more information.
City of Pensacola:
Emerald Coast Utilities Authority:
- The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority has lifted the precautionary boil water notice for mainland Escambia County, including Perdido Key, following the impacts of Hurricane Isaias.
- The precautionary boil water notice remains in effect for Pensacola Beach, which is expected to be lifted by Wednesday, pending confirmation that water quality meets applicable requirements.
- Important: Some mainland addresses remain under the precautionary boil water notice. Customers at the addresses listed below must continue following the boil water notice until ECUA announces that it has been lifted for their location. Customers at the addresses listed below will be notified via door hanger messaging. Read the full list here.
Escambia County Public Schools:
- ECPS campuses and offices will remain closed through Friday, Oct. 16, as district personnel and contractors are actively making repairs and mitigating damage across our campuses. The District is planning to resume normal operations on Monday, Oct. 19, barring any unforeseen developments.
- We are working closely with Florida Power and Light and other local utilities and law enforcement to re-establish vital services to our campuses. The Florida Department of Education has graciously assisted us in deploying the State National Guard, the Florida Department of Transportation, and various contractors to assist in the effort.
- School district Transportation officials continue to work to ensure all bus routes can be run safely.
- ECPS will continue to provide updates via Focus Communications, social media, and local media outlets. As always, the safety of our students, their families, our employees and this community remains our top priority.
Florida Department of Health in Escambia County:
- The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County (DOH-Escambia) urges residents to be aware of the health risks following Hurricane Isaias. Residents should take precautionary measures to prevent illness or injury from flood waters, Vibrio vulnificus, carbon monoxide poisoning, mosquito bites, wildlife, and more.
- For more information, download the DOH Emergency Preparedness and Recovery guide, or visit escambia.floridahealth.gov.
Hurricane Isaias Relief:
- BRACE staff is working diligently to manage the ESF-15 Volunteers and Donations support for both Escambia and Santa Rosa County Emergency Management. To report any unmet needs, please call 211 and any needs will be assessed once the storm has passed. To make a donation, please click here.
University of West Florida:
- The University has extended its closure through Wednesday, Oct. 14. The safety of our campus community is top priority. UWF buildings do not appear to have any major structural damage, but the return to campus depends on several factors including power restoration, debris removal and the completion of necessary safety assessments and repairs. University officials are evaluating conditions day-by-day and will adjust plans accordingly to ensure campus is safe to return. Click here for more information.
Updates will continue to be posted online at myescambia.com. For the latest news and updates on emergencies impacting the community, like Escambia County Emergency Management on Facebook and follow @EscambiaBeReady on Instagram.
