Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office
Hurricane season lasts exactly half
of the year: June 1 to November 30. We all hope that we won't ever have to
endure a rerun of the famous 1995 season.
If you live in a low area near the Gulf or any bay or bayou, be prepared to evacuate on short notice. But, if a storm threatens our area, most people will be advised not to evacuate. Emergency planners know the roads will not accommodate a mass evacuation. Only those threatened by the storm surge will be advised to evacuate in most cases. If you live in a sturdy house, not in Destin, Holiday Isle, Okaloosa Island, south of Highway 98 or within a few blocks of a bay or bayou...you need to be prepared to stay put and weather the storm at home.
LINKS TO HURRICANE INFORMATION:
NATIONAL
HURRICANE CENTER
FEDERAL
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA)
OKALOOSA
COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
OKALOOSA
COUNTY
COP
COLUMN: HERE COMES HURRICANE SEASON
We are all familiar with the most common Hurricane Safety Tips:
Keep your car full of fuel
Make sure you have a portable radio
Make sure you have flashlights
Keep plenty of extra batteries on hand
Have some food and water stored
Here are some Hurricane Safety Tips you may not be aware of:
A full refrigerator stays cold much longer than an empty one. Before the power goes out, fill the "fridge"...even if you have to use cans of soup or other items you normally wouldn't refrigerate. (Same advice goes for the freezer.)
Turn the temperature control all the way to cold, then tape the refrigerator doors tightly shut. Masking tape is good for this purpose. Avoid opening them until the power comes back on.
Keep a variety of road maps in your car. If you evacuate, you may be forced to take unfamiliar roads...even if your bound for a familiar destination. Even if you stay home, you may have to find alternate routes around town.
A portable air compressor that plugs into your car's cigarette lighter socket could come in handy. Also, a supply of those pressurized cans full of flat-tire fixing goop. After a storm you will get flat tires if you drive.
TERMS TO KNOW:
Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions are a real possibility for an area.
Hurricane Warning: A hurricane is expected to hit an area within 24 hours. BEGIN PRECAUTIONARY ACTION AT ONCE.
AT HURRICANE WARNING:
Listen for weather updates and stay informed.
Keep portable radio and flashlights on hand-with fresh batteries.
Clear your yard of all loose objects.
Moor your boat securely.
Store drinking water in clean containers.
Shutter, board or tape windows.
Plan a flood-free evacuation route, and know where to go.
IF ORDERED TO EVACUATE--OBEY IMMEDIATELY! Take your hurricane evacuation kit . Let friends and neighbors know where you are going.
DO NOT ENTER EVACUATED AREAS UNTIL LOCAL OFFICIALS HAVE ISSUED AN ALL-CLEAR.
HURRICANE EVACUATION KIT:
Keep kit ready to go within hours. Include battery-operated radio and flashlight, plus the following:
First Aid Kit
2-week supply of medicine
Blankets or sleeping bags
Extra clothing
Lightweight folding chairs/cots
Personal items including books and toys
Infant necessities
Important papers (valid ID)
A final reminder for Hurricane Season...don't pay attention to rumors. Your best source of information is the local media. That AM/FM battery-operated radio is a MUST!
If you have any questions, call your local Emergency Management Office.
Okaloosa County Sheriff's
Office
1250 North Eglin Parkway
Shalimar, FL 32579
(850) 651-7410