Hurricane season approaches

Palm Coast Observer
News

By: Mia Striegel

Contributing Writer

In his May 16 presentation to the Flagler County Board of Commissioners, in preparation for the beginning of hurricane season on June 1, Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord stressed the importance of transitioning away from the state’s naming of evacuation zones (A, B, C, D, E, F) during hurricanes to avoid confusion with the city of Palm Coast’s naming of neighborhoods (B Section, C Section, etc.).

The goal is to make the transition in 2023. In order to ease the transition, both zone letter and neighborhoods will be used in 2022.

“It’ll make sure people better understand what we're asking them to do and potentially also reduce … evacuating people we don’t have to evacuate,” Lord said.

Although 96% of major hurricanes happen in mid-August through mid-October, hurricane season lasts from June 1 to Nov. 30. Last year, there were 21 named storms.

This year's forecast from Colorado State University predicts 19 named storms. That's five more than the 30-year average. Later this week, the National Hurricane Center will release its own forecast.

But, Lord said, “To me, the forecast doesn’t matter.” Every organization could predict the quietest season ever, but one storm could go through and devastate the entire county. The community should be prepared regardless of the forecast, he said.

To get ready for the hurricane season, the Flagler County Emergency Management met with all the personnel who might be assigned to the Emergency Operations Center. There will also be another meeting at the end of the month with all disaster partners to go over updates.

Lord also prepared for the hurricane season by purchasing 100 cots for shelters last year using state grant funds.

“We can never have enough cots,” he said. “In general, shelters aren't guaranteed to have cots; we're very lucky here that we have quite a few.”

While there are shelters available, Lord said they should be a last resort and having a primary plan in place is highly encouraged. Emergency Management partners with the Flagler school district to provide more shelter facilities. Emergency Management partners with the Florida Department of Health to help with the special needs shelters. With an increasing population, access to these school facilities is crucial, Lord said. In addition, a training class is going to be held next week to train community volunteers to support the shelters.

The Disaster Preparedness Outreach is held year-round, with a goal of advising the community to get a hurricane kit of basic supplies, such as food and water.

“We need to remember to take these things serious when ... governments and emergency services say a hurricane is coming,” County Commission Chairman Joe Mullins said.