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NT Y
R
O U
E
N C
T
O
THE LE
DISAS
2019 AL GUIDE
SU RVIV
E P A R E
PR
ACT
RECOVER
Leon County is the nation’s
88.9 For emergency updates on the radio.
In addition, iHeartMedia stations will
first #HurricaneStrong
community — find more
provide emergency updates.
information inside
PAG E 2
2019 Disaster Survival Guide
produced by:
CONTENTS
Prepare
4
Act
6 Leon County Government
Emergency Management
Public Safety Complex
911 Easterwood Dr.
10
Tallahassee, FL 32311
Recover
(850) 606-3700
Leon County Community
Surviving
All Hazards
12 and Media Relations
Leon County Courthouse
5th floor
301 S Monroe St.
Tallahassee, FL 32301
Stay Engaged
and Informed
14 (850) 606-5300
People Focused.
Performance Driven.
LeonCountyFL.gov
Leon County is proud to be the nation’s
first #HurricaneStrong community
2019 DISASTER SURVIVAL GUIDE
PAG E 3
A prepared community is a resilient community
10, 2018, as a Category 5 hurricane hurricane season. These improve-
— the strongest storm to strike ments build upon the additional 205
the Florida Panhandle in recorded findings and 145 specific recommen-
history. Michael devastated Flori- dations from Hermine and Irma. Our
da’s Forgotten Coast, roared through focus on learning from disasters led
Georgia, claimed lives with floodwa- FEMA and the Federal Alliance for
ters in Virginia, and even impacted Safe Homes to name Leon County
VINCENT S. LONG areas in southwest Europe. While the nation’s first #HurricaneStrong
County Administrator Leon County was spared Michael’s community in 2018. The designation
catastrophic wind damage, flooding, also recognizes the hard work of
and loss of life, you need only look our community to be more disaster
T
to our still-recovering neighbors out resilient, and of our Board of County
he County’s Disaster Survival west to know Michael cannot and Commissioners for their leadership
Guide you are holding now gives should not be forgotten. in building resilience and protecting
you the critical information you public safety.
need to be prepared before, during, Following Michael, as in every
and after disaster. After three disaster, the County listened to the While our County will continue
consecutive hurricanes, the guide citizens we serve and analyzed all to face challenges surrounding
has proven to be one of the best aspects of our emergency operations disaster, we are committed to
tools to keep you and your family through a comprehensive after-ac- learning, improving, and leveraging
safe and informed. tion report. Michael’s report outlined our partnerships. As a citizen in our
another 83 findings and 68 recom- special community, read this guide
This guide helped prepare our com- mendations to help us better prepare closely, review your plans, and stay
munity ahead of Hurricane Michael, for future storms, all of which have informed and prepared for the 2019
which made landfall on October been completed before the 2019 hurricane season!
As Hurricane Hermine (2016), Hur- that investment we must all
ricane Irma (2017), and Hurricane know what our insurance covers
Michael (2018) have taught us, and does not cover. On page 5 of
every emergency exposes differ- this guide, you can find helpful
ent vulnerabilities, tests a com- tips on how to review your policy
KEVIN PETERS munity’s partnerships different- and coverage amounts. Also,
Director ly, and reveals opportunities for please know that most home-
Leon County Emergency improvement in different ways. owners insurance policies do not
Management Leon County remains committed cover damage from rising flood
to making our strong response to waters, so contact your insurance
emergency even stronger for the agent to learn more.
next disaster.
F
The 2019 Disaster Survival Guide
ollowing back-to-back-to-back You will see Leon County’s com- is a critical part of your disaster
hurricanes, we know that Leon mitment to #HurricaneStrong planning. Take it with you when
County can be particularly vul- reflected throughout the 2019 you travel and give copies to your
nerable to weather-based disasters. Disaster Survival Guide. The family and friends. The guide is
But we also know we have a resil- guide continues our County’s divided into several sections that
ient community filled with local commitment to listening, focus on storm readiness, featur-
officials, neighborhood leaders, planning, and building upon our ing important information to help
and community partners who work past successes. One significant you prepare, act and recover.
around the clock during disaster to lesson learned from Hurricane
keep us safe. And still, all of us need Michael was the importance of If you need help planning and
to be prepared for the 2019 Atlantic having homeowners insurance. preparing, do not hesitate to
hurricane season, which is expected For many of us, our most valuable contact Leon County Emergency
to be another active season. asset is our home, and to protect Management at (850) 606-3700.
2019 DISASTER SURVIVAL GUIDE
PAG E 4
Prepare Plan now before
disaster strikes
Watch or
Plan now. When disaster strikes, it is too late to prepare. This section will
help you plan to keep you and your family safe during disasters. Be prepared
by having a plan and disaster bucket for your family.
Warning?
Build your bucket Knowing the difference between a
watch and warning can help keep
Leon County encourages citizens to put disaster supplies in a waterproof and
you safe.
durable five-gallon bucket. Keep these essential items in a bucket near an
exit door in your home or in your vehicle.
Tropical Storm Watch:
Batteries Pet supplies An announcement that tropical
storm conditions (sustained winds
Battery powered AM/FM radio Photos of family members and of 39 of 73 mph) are possible within
Blanket pets the specified area within 48 hours.
Can opener Pocket knife
Cash Portable phone charger Tropical Storm
Change of clothing Ponchos Warning:
Duct tape Rope/paracord
Soap An announcement that tropical
Dust mask storm conditions (sustained winds
First aid kit Special family needs (diapers, of 39 to 73 mph) are expected within
feminine hygiene items, etc.) the specified area within 36 hours.
Flashlight
Tarp
Games and toys
Gloves
Toilet paper Hurricane Watch:
Toothbrush
Hand sanitizer An announcement that hurricane
Towel conditions (sustained winds of 74
Keys (home and car)
Water mph or higher) are possible some-
Large plastic trash bags
Waterproof bag with family where within the specified area.
Local map Because hurricane preparedness ac-
documents, including driver’s
Medications license, insurance information, tivities become difficult once winds
Non-perishable food out-of-area contact reach tropical storm force, the hur-
ricane watch is issued 48 hours in
Permanent marker Whistle
advance of the anticipated onset of
tropical storm force winds.
Hurricane Warning:
2019 North Atlantic Hurricane Names An announcement that hurricane
conditions (sustained winds of 74
Andrea Gabrielle Melissa Tanya mph or higher) are expected some-
Barry Humberto Nestor Van where within the specified area.
Because hurricane preparedness ac-
Chantal Imelda Olga Wendy tivities become difficult once winds
reach tropical storm force, the hur-
Dorian Jerry Pablo ricane warning is issued 36 hours in
Erin Karen Rebekah advance of the anticipated onset of
tropical storm force winds.
Fernand Lorenzo Sebastien
2019 DISASTER SURVIVAL GUIDE
PAG E 5
Renters
Questions to ask:
• Do I know my rental property’s
risk of flood or storm surge? Do
I know my evacuation zone?
• Do I need flood insurance and
renter’s insurance to cover
damage to my personal prop-
Insurance •
erty?
Will my landlord protect the
windows in a storm? If not,
where would I go during a
5 Questions to Ask About Your Policy hurricane?
Insurance Helpline
1. What is my standard a discount on premiums. Learn
deductible? more about insurance policies The Florida Department of Finan-
from the Insurance Information cial Services’ toll-free Insurance
2. What is my hurricane Institute at iii.org. Consumer Helpline is available year-
deductible? around to assist Florida’s insurance
Flood Insurance consumers. Insurance Specialists
3. Do I need flood insurance? are available to answer questions or
Most Homeowner Insurance pol- concerns regarding insurance cov-
4. Do I have enough coverage icies do not cover damage from erage and advocate on a consum-
to replace my home and rising flood waters. If you own a er’s behalf to resolve a dispute with
belongings? home in a flood zone, your mortgage an insurance company. Consumers
company will require you to carry a may contact an Insurance Special-
5. Do I have loss-of-use coverage flood policy. Even if you don’t live in ist at 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (693-5236)
for temporary housing a flood zone, consider the additional toll-free, Monday through Friday
expenses? coverage. To learn more about flood from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
protection, visit LeonCountyFL.
Not all insurance policies are cre- gov/FloodProtection. For additional information on pre-
ated equal. Check your policy or paring for a natural disaster, visit
talk to your agent to make sure Don’t wait until it is too late to buy the Department of Financial Ser-
you have sufficient coverage and a flood insurance policy. Typically, vices’ website at MyFloridaCFO.
to determine if any home im- there’s a 30-day waiting period be- com/Division/Consumers and click
provements would qualify for fore your policy goes into effect. Disaster Preparedness.
Sandbags
Sandbags are made available by Please note:
Leon County and the City of Talla- Residents should not rely on sand-
hassee for heavy rain. Leon Coun- bags to save their home from major
ty sandbags are limited to 15 bags flooding, especially fast moving hur-
per household and citizens should ricane storm surge flooding. Consider
bring shovels to fill bags. Locations the severity of flood conditions before
will not be staffed, but crews will deciding whether sandbags would
resupply sites. Sites will remain about sandbag availability will be provide effective protection.
open until officials determine sand- provided during an emergency at
bags are no longer needed. Updates LeonCountyFL.gov/ei.
2019 DISASTER SURVIVAL GUIDE
PAG E 6
Act Stay or go?
Making the
When a hurricane is approaching, will you stay in Leon County or drive
miles away to another location? Evacuating to a safe shelter locally or in a
neighboring county has advantages; you will avoid traffic jams and highways
decision crowded with vehicles from other counties joining the evacuation. Even if
you leave the area, the storm could shift and still put you in harm’s way. The
next section will guide you through the steps you should take as a storm is
approaching and the choices you’ll have to make.
Understanding the forecast
5-day cone actions • Be sure you have all materials
and tools necessary to shutter
When the Big Bend area is in the windows.
5-day cone, it’s time to implement
your plan and preparations. A hurri- • If your plans are to evacuate,
cane is on a probable path to reach make arrangements, book res-
our area in five days. ervations and pack what you
can in your vehicle.
• Review your family disaster
plan. Hurricane Watch
actions
• Get your disaster bucket and (48 hours ahead)
important papers ready.
• Prepare as if the storm is head- Hurricane Michael
• Begin work to prepare your ed directly for your home. Be
home and yard. ready for a Hurricane Warning • If you are registered for trans-
within a few hours.
• If you have special needs, be portation to a public shelter, be
sure to implement your plan sure you have everything you
• Fill your vehicle’s gas tank.
and, if needed, you are regis- need in your disaster bucket.
tered for a special needs shelter. • Get cash and secure important
See page 8 for more informa- papers and valuables.
Hurricane Warning
tion. actions
• Refill medications. (36 hours ahead)
3-day cone actions • Be prepared for an evacuation
• Fill containers and tubs with wa-
As a storm moves closer to land, the ter, even if evacuating – you may order to be issued.
accuracy of the forecast increases need the water when you return.
and residents should step up their • Stay tuned to local news and
preparation with the following ac- • Secure yard equipment and get your weather radio ready.
tions: furniture.
• Complete final preparations to
• Double check your disaster • Shutter your windows. evacuate or to shelter in your
bucket and make necessary home.
purchases. • If your plans are to evacuate
the area, secure your home so • If your plan is to travel out of
• Gather special supplies for chil- you can leave as soon as an the local area and you can leave
dren, seniors, and pets. evacuation order is issued. at this point, go.
2019 DISASTER SURVIVAL GUIDE
PAG E 7
Evacuation order
• If you are registered for area, or do you live in a mobile • If you are traveling out of the
transportation to a public or manufactured home? local area, leave immediately to
shelter, be ready to leave when avoid traffic jams.
contacted. • If you are evacuating locally,
get to your shelter location • Be aware of your evacuation
• Determine if your residence within a few hours of the time range. Evacuations will be
is affected by the evacuation order. issued with beginning and end
order — does it include your times.
Plan to stay if ... Plan to go if ...
• You live in a structure that was built after 1973 • An evacuation order has been issued.
when Florida adopted a standard building code.
• You live in a manufactured or mobile home.
• You do not live in a manufactured or mobile home.
• You live in a structure that was built prior to 1973
• Your home is not vulnerable to storm surge or when Florida adopted a standard building code.
inland flooding.
• Your home is vulnerable to storm surge or inland
• You have reduced the threat of falling trees by flooding.
trimming and/or removing dead, dying or diseased
trees. • You can leave early enough to meet an estimated
regional clearance time of 24 hours. (It is very
• You have mitigated the effects of severe winds dangerous to be on the highway during a storm.)
on your home by installing hurricane shutters on
windows and bracing your garage door.
• You have prepared a multi-hazard Disaster
Response Plan for yourself, your family, and your
pets.
• You have prepared a disaster bucket that includes
cash, a supply of food, water and a 1-month supply
of prescription medicines.
• You have identified a Safe Room within your home.
Mobile homes are not safe havens
A Category 1 hurricane like Her- Straps or other tie-downs will not all mobile home residents should
mine, with winds of 74 to 95 mph, protect a mobile home from high plan to evacuate to a safer loca-
can rip apart a mobile home. The winds associated with a hurricane. tion. If you must evacuate and do
National Hurricane Center reports In 1992, 97% of all manufactured not have access to transportation
that no mobile home or manufac- homes in Hurricane Andrew’s path due to age, disability, or other spe-
tured home — no matter how new in Dade County were destroyed, cial needs, you should register
it is — can be a safe shelter from compared to 11% of single-fami- now with Leon County Emergency
hurricane force winds. Also, torna- ly, non-manufactured homes. If a Management. See page 8 for more
does can spin off from hurricanes. hurricane threatens Leon County, information.
2019 DISASTER SURVIVAL GUIDE
PAG E 8
Evacuations and shelter
Red Cross Shelters
Sheltering info
Risk shelters may only have water,
snacks, and a secure area for you to
stay safe during a major storm. If
you evacuate to a risk shelter during
a disaster, please bring the following
items:
N MERIDIAN RD
• Toiletries and diapers if you are
sheltering with young children
£
¤
27
Lake
• Prescription medications and Jackson
any important documents you
deem necessary
• Additional snacks, specifically if
you have a special diet
• Blankets, pillows, and/ CAPITAL CIR NW
or sleeping bags--your
accommodations at the shelter
•
may be limited
Books, puzzles, or other
§
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10
entertainment that do not
require electricity
§
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10 N
M
O
For citizens with special needs
NR
O
E
ST
According to the Florida Department W THARPE ST
of Health, a Special Needs Shelter is
for “someone who, during periods of
£
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90 W
TE
3 5
NN
ES
evacuation or emergency, requires SE
ES
sheltering assistance due to physical BL
T
impairment, mental impairment, OU
NT W PENSACOLA
ST
cognitive impairment or sensory ST
OWN HWY
disabilities.” Special needs shelters
£
¤
S MONROE ST
27
are designed to meet the needs of
persons who require assistance 4
CAPITAL CIR SW
that exceeds services provided at a
general population shelter. If a person
§
is medically stable but needs help
ORANGE AVE
with basic tasks or uses an electronic
medical device and has no other
evacuation options, they should pre-
register for a special needs shelter at
SNR.FloridaDisaster.org.
D
LR
All information is confidential and G HIL
RIN
protected under Florida Statutes and SP
must be updated on an annual basis. 0 1 2 Miles
For further assistance, call Leon CRAWFORDVILLE RD
County Emergency Management at
(850) 606-3700. Please note: Not every shelter will open for every disaster. Please check LeonCountyFL.gov
2019 DISASTER SURVIVAL GUIDE
PAG E 9
Leon County officials can issue an order directing the evacuation of
rs specific areas of the county deemed to be in danger. Prepare to leave
24 hours prior to the storm landfall in order to give yourself enough
time to evacuate.
Voluntary
If a tropical storm is approaching
or a hurricane is expected to cross
Florida and pass over Leon County,
the danger from storm surge may
be lower. Emergency managers may
recommend residents in mobile
THOMASVILLE RD homes or flood prone areas evacuate
1 1. Chiles High School
7200 Lawton Chiles Lane
to higher ground or sturdier shelter.
2. Lincoln High School
3838 Trojan Trail
3. Fort Braden Elementary
Mandatory
15100 Blountstown Hwy. The probability of storm surge
is high and could be deadly for
4. Sail High School
D residents who don’t leave. It is illegal
R 2006 Jackson Bluff Rd.
LL
E to stay in a home under a mandatory
ER
VI 5. Godby High School evacuation order. Residents living
EN
T 1717 West Tharpe St. in mobile homes should plan to
C
evacuate to a safer location during
a mandatory order.
D
EER
UK
OS
CC
MI
CAPITAL CIR NE
£
¤
90
Storm Surge
Storm surge is the leading cause of
DR
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¦
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10
death from hurricanes and is the
AN reason hurricane evacuation orders
MA
H
Storm Surge Evacuation Zones are issued. The Apalachee Bay is one
of the most storm surge prone areas
in the Southeast. Areas of southern
Leon County have been identified
as storm surge evacuation zones.
2 Know your zone!
Lake Lafaye Zone C (Yellow) – Areas east of
Y Crawfordville Highway to the Leon/
W tte
APALACHEE PK
Jefferson County Line, and areas
£
¤
27 along and south of the following
roads: Glover Road; Oak Ridge Road;
Rhodes Cemetery Road; Meridale
CAPITAL CIR SE
Drive.
Zone D (Green) – Includes all areas
in Zone C, in addition to areas east
TRAM RD of Springhill Road to the Leon/
CRAWFORDVILLE RD WOODVILLE HWY Jefferson County Line, and areas
Zone D
along and south of the following
roads: Capital Circle SW; Capital
Zone C Circle SE; Tram Road.
TRAM RD
WOODVILLE HWY
v/ei or call the Citizens Information Line at (850) 606-3700 to learn about shelter openings.
2019 DISASTER SURVIVAL GUIDE
PAG E 1 0
Recover In the aftermath
of a disaster
During a disaster, services could Tallahassee offers a low-interest bleach per gallon of water and let
be impacted, including electric, loan program for qualified stand for 30 minutes; bleach used
water, and sewer. When preparing, homeowners. To be eligible, a should contain 5.25 percent sodium
consider that you could be without transfer switch and interconnect hypochlorite. This is less effective
these important utilities for an agreement are required. Get details but will work if there’s no way to
extended period. by calling 891-4968. boil water.
A generator can keep your
Electric outages appliances going after a disaster,
but it comes with several dangers: Sewer outage
For City of Tallahassee customers, CARBON MONOXIDE: Use If a sewer outage is announced,
report electric outages via the generators outdoors and away DO NOT flush your toilet. Powered
City’s DigiTally App, Talgov.com/ from windows and doors to avoid sewer lift stations may be down,
Outage, or by calling (850) 891-4968. exposure to this deadly, colorless, which could cause a sewage back-up
During major events, the City will odorless gas. Never operate a in your home.
send information directly to utility generator indoors.
customers. Keep your contact details
current by visiting Talgov.com/
Emergency toilets
FIRE: Make sure the generator is
Update or by calling (850) 891-4968. cool when refilling the fuel tank Use a chemical toilet or create an
and store flammable fuel away from emergency toilet by one of the
For Talquin Electric members, you can fuel-burning appliances. following methods:
report an electric outage by calling
1-866-899-4832 (Automated System) ELECTRICAL SHOCK: An electrical 5-GAL BUCKET: Line with
or 1-888-802-1832 (Live Operator) or shock from your generator can kill heavy-duty trash bag and use
text #OUTAGE to 85700. Sign up for you. household bleach as disinfectant.
text alerts at TalquinElectric.com.
Make sure it has a tight lid.
Download Talquin’s mobile app on • Keep generator in a dry place.
your iOS or Android device.
TOILET BOWL: Turn off your
• Plug appliances directly outside water supply first and flush
Duke Energy customers, call 1-800- into the generator or use a once to empty before lining with a
228-8485. heavy-duty, three-pronged trash bag. Do not use kitty litter —
extension cord. it cannot be flushed after the sewer
Expect longer wait times during
system is running.
major events. • Never plug into a wall outlet;
this can cause electrocution.
Food Safety
Safe driving
TWO DAYS: The approximate time
frozen items can be stored safely if
Water impacts After a storm, roads may be littered
with debris and many routes may
you keep the freezer door shut.
If the drinking water supply is be flooded. Avoid unnecessary
compromised by a disaster, a boil travel and, if you must venture out,
FOUR HOURS: If your refrigerator’s
water notice will be issued, which always obey Road Closed signs.
power is out for longer than this
means there’s a possibility of
time, move perishable foods into an
contamination. Never drive through standing
ice-filled cooler.
water. Turn around, don’t drown!
BOIL: Bring a pot of water to a rolling Treat any intersection with
Generators boil for 1 minute to kill bacteria, non-working traffic signals as an
viruses, and parasites. “all way” stop. Be prepared to stop
If you are considering purchasing at every intersection.
a portable generator, the City of BLEACH: Add 1/8 tsp. of unscented
2019 DISASTER SURVIVAL GUIDEPAG E 1 1
PICKING UP THE PIECES
Following these specific guidlines
WRONG WAY
CROSSING THE LINE
Any debris placed from the
sidewalk toward your
PROPPING UP
Do not set debris against
trees or poles. Doing so
when hauling hurricane-related property will not be picked up.
Contractors cannot collect
makes it harder for
cleanup crews to scoop
debris and household garbage items on private property. up the items.
to the curb will make for
a speedier removal
process
UP P
U
CK K
PI IC
P
NO
B
6
Sources:
C Army Corps of
5 Engineers,
debris removal
contractors
4 STAFF GRAPHIC BY
DAN SWENSON
3
HELPFUL HINTS
2 A Limit curbside garbage to two 32-
A gallon containers or eight trash bags
CORRECT WAY B Share piles with neighbors
1 C Refrigerator and freezer doors
Homeowners and businesses are being asked must be secured with duct tape
to separate debris into the following categories:
1 HOUSEHOLD 2 CONSTRUCTION 3 VEGETATION 4 HOUSEHOLD 5 ‘WHITE’ GOODS 6 ELECTRONICS
GARBAGE DEBRIS DEBRIS HAZARDOUS WASTE
Bagged trash Building materials Tree branches Oils Refrigerators Televisions
Discarded food Drywall Leaves Batteries Washers, dryers Computers
Packaging, papers Lumber Logs Pesticides Freezers Radios
All garbage should be Carpet Paints Air conditioners Stereos
placed curbside the night Furniture Cleaning supplies Stoves DVD players
before the scheduled Mattresses Compressed gas Water heaters Telephones
weekly pickup. Plumbing Dishwashers
Price gouging Who to call • Contact 2-1-1 Big Bend for 24-
hour social services assistance by
In a declared state of emergency, it • 9-1-1 for life-threatening dialing 2-1-1 or (850) 617-6333.
is illegal to sell necessary goods or emergencies or (850) 606-5800 • For City of Tallahassee
services at increased prices. If you for non-emergency public Utility information, call
believe a business or individual is safety assistance. (850) 891-4968.
price gouging, call the Attorney
General’s Office at 1-866-9-NO- • Citizen Information Line for • For Talquin Electric, call
SCAM (1-866-966-7226). the latest emergency updates, 1-888-802-1832.
(850) 606-3700 or use 7-1-1
Florida Relay. • For Duke Energy call
1-800-228-8485.
2019 DISASTER SURVIVAL GUIDEPAG E 1 2
Surviving all hazards
While hurricanes pose a major threat to Leon County, there are other potential disasters that threaten lives and
property. From violent tornadoes to hazardous chemical spills, it is critical to know what to do when warnings
are issued.
• Identify a meeting location should an incident • Locate a safe room you can retreat to in the event of
prevent you from getting home. severe weather events such as thunderstorms and
tornadoes.
• Build a disaster bucket for potential disasters.
Thunderstorms Man-made
and lightning and biological
Thunderstorms are a common oc-
currence in Florida, especially
during the summertime. The Sun-
hazards
shine State sees about 1.4 million Terrorism and active
lightning strikes in an average year
and we lead the nation in light- shooters
ning-related deaths. About 10 per-
cent of thunderstorms are severe, Unlike a hurricane, there may be no
with winds 58 mph or stronger warning for a terrorist attack, but
and 1-inch hail. Keep an eye on the
If stuck outdoors ... you can plan ahead by taking the
weather forecast before you venture steps referenced earlier: emergency
• Get off any elevated areas. contacts, emergency alerts, a meet-
outdoors and heed nature’s warning
when you hear the sky start to rum- ing place and a disaster bucket. Be
• Do not shelter under an isolat- alert and aware of your surround-
ble.
ed tree. ings. If you see something — report
Seek shelter it to law enforcement. Report suspi-
• Get as far away from water as cious activities to the Florida Dept.
possible. of Law Enforcement at 1-855-FLA-
Every thunderstorm produces light-
ning. If you hear thunder, lightning SAFE.
is close enough to strike. Go inside
or find shelter immediately. Wait 30
minutes after hearing the last crash
Downed Pandemic
of thunder before going back out-
doors. power lines In our global society, infectious
diseases can spread quickly by hu-
man contact, animals, insects or
When thunder roars, • Do not touch downed power food. The U.S. Centers for Disease
lines. Control is the agency responsible
go indoors! for warning the public about pan-
• Assume all downed power lines demic health hazards. The Flori-
If you’re indoors during a thunder- da Department of Health in Leon
are energized.
storm, stay away from anything County may also issue warnings
that conducts electricity, such as and advice. For more information,
• Contact your utility provider
corded phones, electrical applianc- visit the website of the CDC at CDC.
to report downed power lines.
es, computers, plumbing, metal gov or the Florida Dept. of Health at
See page 10 for contact infor-
doors and windows. Leon.FloridaHealth.gov.
mation.
2019 DISASTER SURVIVAL GUIDEPAG E 1 3
Tornadoes • A new flood policy takes 30 days to take effect.
Stay out of the water
Tornadoes can form quickly during thunderstorms any
time of year creating high velocity wind and blowing • Do not drive through standing water and obey
dangerous debris. In Florida, the average warning time “road closed” signs. It only takes a foot of water to
before a tornado hits is only 12 minutes. You may only make vehicles float. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
have moments to make a life-or-death decision.
• Do not walk through flood waters. It only takes six
Watches vs. Warnings inches of water to knock you down.
TORNADO WATCH: Tornadoes are possible in your area; • Don’t go into any room if water has submerged
monitor radio or TV reports for further developments. electrical outlets or cords.
TORNADO WARNING: A tornado has been sighted in • After a flood, stay out of standing water or struc-
your area. Proceed to safe room immediately. tures until authorities advise it’s safe. Standing
water could contain toxins, chemicals, dangerous
Safe rooms debris and wildlife.
Designate a safe room where you can stay during a tor- Learn more about floods: Leon County has a comprehen-
nado in your home, office, or other places you go fre- sive website on our area’s flood hazards and how resi-
quently. Good safe room options include: bathrooms, dents can become better prepared: LeonCountyFL.gov/
interior hallways, the center of a building, and spaces on floodprotection.
the ground floor away from windows.
Mobile Homes Hazardous materials
Mobile homes are not safe from the violent winds of a tor- Hazardous materials are part of daily life. Should a chem-
nado. Identify a safe place in a sturdy building you can go ical spill or other hazardous material release occur, there
to when tornadoes are possible. are a few basic steps you can take to protect yourself:
Vehicles • Shelter-in-place if local authorities ask you to do so.
Vehicles are easily overturned in a tornado, so get out • Turn off the air conditioning/ventilation system
and seek shelter in a sturdy building. Do not try to out- and seal windows and doors to prevent outside
run or outmaneuver a tornado! air from coming in. Plastic sheeting can help seal
cracks around doors and windows.
Floods • Remain indoors and wait for further instructions
through the local media and emergency notifica-
tion systems.
Flooding is a year-round threat. Sometimes floods devel-
op slowly and forecasters can anticipate where a flood
will happen days or weeks before it occurs. Oftentimes
flash floods can occur within minutes and sometimes
without any sign of rain.
Wildfires
Droughts and freezes create an ideal situation for wild-
Know your flood risk fires. With so many trees in Leon County, the threat of
wildfires is always present. Take a few minutes to dis-
• For your FEMA Flood Zone, visit LeonCountyFL. cuss with your family what actions you will take if there
gov/FloodProtection . is a fire in your neighborhood or your home.
• If you live in an area prone to flooding, consider • Identify at least two escape routes from your home
sandbags or another type of barrier to keep water and neighborhood.
out of your home in minor flood events.
• Practice fire drills so everyone knows what to do.
• Remember: Homeowner’s insurance policies don’t
cover flood damage. Consider extra flood coverage. • If advised, evacuate immediately.
2019 DISASTER SURVIVAL GUIDEPAG E 1 4
Stay engaged
The agencies below are critical during any disaster. Please consider
learning more about volunteering with these nonprofits partners.
When disaster strikes, volunteers play a critical role in recovery efforts and
providing needed relief to victims. Consider becoming an American Red
Cross Disaster Volunteer. Employees with the State of Florida, Leon County,
and City of Tallahassee are eligible for 15 days of disaster leave by becoming
(850) 878-6080 a Red Cross Volunteer.
RedCross.org/NorthFlorida
2-1-1 Big Bend, Inc. serves as the preferred 24/7 gateway to community
information, services and support any day of the year, including times of
community emergencies. Trained hotline counselors provide emotional
support, crisis assistance, information about local services, and referrals that
contain accurate, up-to-date resource information. The agency’s resource
database contains more than 1,000 programs in the Big Bend area with
2-1-1 or (850) 617-6333 subjects including housing assistance, emergency shelter, mental health,
substance abuse, domestic violence, child development, employment, food
211BigBend.org pantries, and more.
The Salvation Army of Tallahassee serves disaster survivors and relief
workers with food, emotional support, and other critical services. The
Salvation Army’s disaster team consists of staff and volunteers who conduct
wellness checks, feed hot meals, drinks and snacks directly from our canteen,
provide spiritual care, and assist in distributing food, water, clothing, and
clean-up kits to residents who are affected or have been displaced by a
(850) 222-0304 disaster.
SalvationArmyFlorida.org/Tallahassee
During an emergency, VolunteerLEON organizes the Citizens Information
Line and coordinates the Big Bend Community Organizations Active in
Disaster (COAD). COAD provides a structure for non-profit organizations,
and the faith-based community to prepare for, respond to, and recover from
disaster. COAD focuses on coordinating efforts to best serve communities.
(850) 606-1970 Nonprofit partners include: 2-1-1 Big Bend, America’s Second Harvest of the
Big Bend, Catholic Charities, Florida Baptist Active in Disaster, Goodwill,
VolunteerLEON.org
Red Cross, Salvation Army, United Way, and more.
Business Do you have questions about how to prepare your business for hurricane season? FloridaDisaster.biz
provides valuable information regarding preparedness, response, and recovery from hurricanes and
Disaster other disasters. For additional information on local business assistance during disasters, please
Toolkit contact the Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality at info@oevforbusiness.org.
2019 DISASTER SURVIVAL GUIDEPAG E 1 5
Stay informed
Citizens Connect App
Download the Leon County Citizens Connect
App, your best source of emergency news and
alerts. The most critical information will be
delivered by push notifications directly to your
phone or tablet.
The Leon County Citizens Connect App puts up-
to-the-minute emergency information at your
fingertips, such as weather alerts, road closings,
sandbag locations, and so much more.
The County’s App provides a single source
of emergency information verified by public
safety agencies, emergency management
professionals, and other crews in the field.
• Critical Updates: announces the most important • Sandbag Locations: lists locations and addresses
community updates, such as comfort stations, for sandbag distribution, including a map of sites.
points of distribution, and price gouging alerts and
road closings. • Power Outages: provides information on power
outages.
• Storm Debris Management: after disasters, this
section details debris collection and removal. • Evacuations: provides a map of evacuation routes
for Leon County and other real-time updates.
From Finding your bus to paying your bills, we put the City at
your fingertips. Power out? Tree trouble? Take a picture of City
issues and we’ll handle it.
LeonCountyFL.gov/ei
Twitter: @LeonCounty 88.9
Facebook: @LeonCountyFL
Mobile App:
Leon County Citizens Connect If you are unable to use your smartphone, tablet,
Citizens Information Line:
(850) 606-3700
or computer, timely and critical updates will be
provided by emergency management officials on
88.9 WFSU-FM radio. By partnering with WFSU,
Leon County and the City of Tallahassee will help
Talgov.com ensure that any citizen with radio access stays
Twitter: @COTNews informed before, during, and after a disaster.
Facebook: @COTNews
Mobile App: DigiTally In addition, iHeartMedia stations will provide
(850) 891-4968 emergency updates.
2019 DISASTER SURVIVAL GUIDE(850) 606-3700
LeonCountyFL.gov/ei | HaveAHurricanePlan.com
Capital Area Chapter of 2-1-1 Big Bend Franklin County
the American Red Cross Dial 2-1-1 Emergency Management
(850) 878-6080 (850) 617-6333 (NEED) Apalachicola
RedCross.org/NorthFlorida (850) 653-8977
211BigBend.org
FranklinEmergencyManagement.com
Gadsden County Jefferson County Liberty County Emergency
Emergency Management Emergency Management Management
Quincy Monticello Bristol
(850) 875-8642 (850) 342-0211 (850) 643-2339
GadsdenSheriff.org/Emergency_ JeffersonCountyFL.gov LibertyCountyFLEM.com
Mgmt.html
Madison County Taylor County Emergency Wakulla County
Emergency Management Management Emergency Management
Madison Perry Crawfordville
(850) 973-3698 (850) 838-3575 (850) 745-7200
MadisonCountyFL.com/Emergency- TaylorCountyEM.com WCSO.org/Emergency-
Management/ Management
In Partnership With
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