With hurricane season beginning June 1, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office is calling on residents to get ready before a storm threatens, not after. The agency released a detailed list of steps residents should take now to protect themselves, their families, and their pets.
“Our deputies and professional staff prepare year-round to protect Flagler County, but preparedness starts at home,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “Have your plan, your supplies, and your trusted information sources ready now so you can act quickly and safely when severe weather threatens.”
Build a Supply Kit
The Sheriff’s Office recommends that every household put together a disaster supply kit tailored to their specific needs. At a minimum, the kit should include flashlights, extra batteries, a battery-powered radio, and a portable crank or solar-powered USB charger for cell phones.
Residents should stock enough non-perishable food, water, and medicine for every person in the home for at least seven days. Electricity and water service can be out for extended periods after a major storm. Extra cash on hand is also advised, along with copies of important documents stored in a waterproof container. Anyone with medical needs — or who cares for someone who does — should have extra prescriptions and a plan for any equipment that requires electricity to operate.
Make a Plan and Share It
Knowing what to do before an evacuation order is issued can save critical time. Residents are urged to find out whether they live in a designated evacuation zone and to identify the evacuation routes from their neighborhood.
Every household should decide in advance where they will go if an evacuation is ordered, write that plan down, and make sure every member of the household knows it. The plan should also include a communications list with key contact information.
The Sheriff’s Office notes that evacuation does not always mean a long trip. In many cases, residents may only need to travel tens of miles, not hundreds. Choosing a destination as close to home as possible helps avoid congestion on evacuation routes.
Residents are also encouraged to check on neighbors or relatives who may need extra help preparing or getting out. Pets should be included in every household plan, with pet-friendly shelter options identified and necessary supplies and records packed in advance.
Stay Informed
Officials stress the importance of having more than one way to receive storm warnings and updates. Options include phone alerts, local media, NOAA Weather Radio, and official weather notifications.
Flagler County residents can sign up for ALERTFlagler, the county’s free emergency notification system, at https://www.flaglercounty.gov/CountyServices/Emergency-Management/Emergency-Alerts-ALERTFlagler. The system allows residents to enroll their address and choose how and when they want to be contacted.
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office social media platforms will also carry community updates from Sheriff Staly before, during, and after any approaching storm.
The post Hurricane Season Starts Sunday: Flagler County Sheriff Urges Residents to Prepare Now first appeared on Flagler County Buzz.
