- April 17, 2024
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UPDATE: 10:30 a.m. July 2: Elsa has strengthened to a hurricane. See current storm tracking and forecasts on the National Hurricane Center's website at https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_at5+shtml/134722.shtml?cone#contents.
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ORIGINAL STORY:
Despite the upcoming holiday, the Flagler County Emergency Management team will be focused on monitoring the tropics to prepare for the potential impacts of Tropical Storm Elsa, which is forming in the Atlantic Ocean.
Likewise, Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord asks residents, businesses, and visitors to remain vigilant and prepare for tropical weather systems – such as Elsa – the impacts of which may affect Flagler County by the early- to mid-portion of next week.
“Preparedness equals peace of mind,” said Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord, noting that it is only the beginning of Hurricane Season, which runs through the end of November.
“Now is the time to ensure that your home is prepared, your disaster supply kit is stocked, and that you know where you will go if you are told to evacuate,” Lord said. “It is too early to tell what impacts, if any, Elsa will have on our community. But, you can take some comfort if you have already taken time to prepare and plan for the potential of a tropical storm or hurricane.”
Residents whose homes are particularly vulnerable during tropical weather systems are those living on the barrier island, along the Intracoastal Waterway, and manufactured or mobile homes. Flooding in western reaches of the county can also occur with these systems, including areas along Crescent and Dead lakes.
“If you live in a site-built home that is not in a hurricane evacuation zone, chances are good that you can ride things out in your home,” Lord said. “You may lose power for a while, but you’ll be safe. Check your evacuation zone now, and put in a place where you can easily access it.”
Evacuation zones are alphabetically named A, B, C, D, E, and F. Do not confuse zones B, C, and F with the Palm Coast neighborhood sections. This information is available on the county website www.flaglercounty.org/emergency and also by using the Flagler County Neighborhood App and typing the address in the upper left-hand search bar. This application is also accessible on any smart device as U Gov Flagler, available as a free download for both iPhone and Android platforms.
If an evacuation is called for, traveling hundreds of miles is likely to be unnecessary. A short trip out of the evacuation zone to the home of a friend or relative – or a hotel – and quite possibly within Flagler County may be far enough.
“There are other things you can do now to safeguard your house, which is likely your single biggest financial investment,” Lord said. “Start thinking about the things you can do to protect it.”
Suggestions include the following:
“Electrical surges can damage appliances,” Lord said. “If the power is flickering, or if it goes out altogether, turn it off at the breaker until there are indications it’s been fully restored. Consider getting a small generator to power some fans to keep yourself comfortable.”
For more information go to www.flaglercounty.org/emergency and click on “Personal and Family Preparedness” and follow Emergency Management on social media at:
