Leon County 2020 Disaster Survival Guide

THE LEON COUNTY 2021 DISASTER

SURVIVAL GUIDERECOVER ACT PREPARE

For emergency updates on the radio. 88.9 In addition, iHeartMedia stations will Leon County is the nation’s first#HurricaneStrong provide emergency updates. community — find more information inside PAGE 2

Disaster Survival Guide CONTENTS produced by: Prepare 4 Build Your Bucket Watch or Warning 2020 North Atlantic Hurricane Names Insurance Sandbags

Act 6 Understanding the Forecast Evacuation order Leon County Plan to stay if ... Plan to go if ... Government Mobile homes Emergency Management Public Safety Complex Evacuations 911 Easterwood Dr. & Shelters 8 Tallahassee, FL 32311 Special needs shelters Voluntary vs. Mandatory Evacuations (850) 606-3700 Storm Surge Leon County Community Recover 10 and Media Relations Electric Outages Leon County Courthouse Water Impacts 5th floor Sewer Outage 301 S Monroe St. Safe Driving Tallahassee, FL 32301 Debris Collection Hi there! I’m Billy the Bucket and I’m here to help you and your family Price Gouging get ready for hurricane season. As the official County mascot for disaster preparedness, I’ll be with you over the next few pages. My favorite (850) 606-5300 sections are the ones about disaster preparedness buckets, but you’ll Surviving find a lot of other useful information ahead. All the advice is watertight, just like a bucket! Emergency All Hazards 12 Information Portal Pandemic LeonCountyFL.gov/ei Thunderstorms & Lightning Downed Power Lines Citizens Connect Terrorism & Active Shooters Mobile App Tornadoes Available for Apple and Floods Hazardous Materials Leon County is proud to be the nation’s Android devices Wildfires first #HurricaneStrong community Emergency Alerts LeonCountyFL.gov/Alerts Stay Engaged

& Informed 14 People Focused. Volunteering Performance Driven. Find Critical Information & Updates LeonCountyFL.gov

2021 DISASTER SURVIVAL GUIDE PAGE 3 A prepared community is a resilient community

cines to meet the challenge of the use sand bags, reviewing your County the nation’s first #Hurri- coronavirus pandemic, we know insurance policies for disaster caneStrong community in 2018. hurricane preparedness is anoth- coverage, and so much more. But The designation also recognizes er important step in keeping our most of what you will read about the hard work of our communi- community safe. The upcoming must be done before a storm is ty to be more disaster resilient, VINCENT S. LONG hurricane season is forecasted to heading our way. Now is the time and of our Board of County Com- County Administrator be active yet again, with up to 20 to plan and prepare and the guide missioners for their leadership in named storms, 10 hurricanes, and will show you how. building resilience and protecting five major hurricanes. As we have public safety. learned from Hurricanes Hermine At Leon County Government, we 2020 brought a record-breaking (2016), Irma (2017), and Michael focus on extracting every pos- So while our County will continue hurricane season with 30 named (2018), it only takes one storm to sible lesson from disaster. After to face challenges surrounding di- storms, more than twice the sea- bring lasting damage and threat- every disaster, the County per- sasters and public health, we are son’s average. While Leon County en lives and property in our com- forms an extensive analysis of our committed to learning, improving, was spared any weather-related munity. emergency operations through and leveraging our partnerships disaster, our County continues a comprehensive after-action re- to meet the needs of our citizens. to grapple with the devastating That’s why every year the County port. From past hurricanes, those As a citizen in our special com- coronavirus pandemic. With our brings you the Disaster Survival after-action reports have led to munity, do your part by reading lead role in emergency response, Guide. In the pages ahead you will nearly 300 findings and more than this guide closely, reviewing your the County’s Emergency Opera- find the information to keep you 200 recommendations to make us plans, and staying informed and tions Center has remained active and your family safe and resilient. even more prepared and resilient prepared for the 2021 hurricane for more than 450 days coordinat- Prepared alongside our communi- for the next emergency. Our fo- season! Finally, I encourage you ing public health efforts and vac- ty’s public safety and healthcare cus on learning from disasters led to get a COVID-19 vaccine right cine rollout. And while 2021 has experts, the guide is a roadmap to FEMA and the Federal Alliance away—it’s our best shot against given us effective COVID-19 vac- evacuation routes, how to get and for Safe Homes to name Leon this deadly virus.

hurricane season. for improvement in different Guide is a critical part of your ways. We have also seen how disaster planning. Take it KEVIN PETERS Fortunately, we have a resilient our community is especially with you when you travel and community filled with local vulnerable to weather-based give copies to your family and Director officials, neighborhood leaders disasters. Therefore, Leon friends. The guide is divided Leon County and community partners who County remains committed to into several sections that focus Emergency work together during times of making our strong response to on storm readiness, featuring Management disaster to keep us safe, provide emergency even stronger for important information to help critical information and answer the next disaster. you prepare, act and recover. our community’s needs. All For pandemic information, see The County’s Disaster Sur- of us need to be prepared and You will see Leon County’s com- page 12 for specific COVID-19 vival Guide you are holding have a plan for the 2021 Atlan- mitment to #HurricaneStrong health advice from experts; and now gives you the critical tic hurricane season, which is reflected throughout the 2021 be sure to get vaccinated. information you need to be expected to be another active Disaster Survival Guide. This prepared before, during, and season. document continues our Coun- Before, during and after a after disaster. And while the ty’s commitment to listening, disaster, keep up-to-date with County and its many local, As Hurricanes Hermine (2016), planning and building upon our the most recent updates visit state, and federal partners Irma (2017) and Michael (2018) past successes. This guide pro- www.LeonCountyFL.gov/ei. continue to recover from the have taught us, every emer- vides all you need to know to be If you need help planning and coronavirus pandemic, it’s now gency exposes different vul- prepared for whatever disaster preparing, do not hesitate to more important than ever to nerabilities, tests a communi- may come your way. contact Leon County Emer- stay prepared and informed for ty’s partnerships differently gency Management at (850) the upcoming 2021 Atlantic and reveals opportunities The 2021 Disaster Survival 606-3700.

2021 DISASTER SURVIVAL GUIDE PAGE 4 PREPARE PLAN NOW BEFORE DISASTER STRIKES 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. Watch or Warning?

Knowing the difference between area. Because hurricane pre- a watch and warning can help paredness activities become dif- Build your Bucket keep you safe. Whether a watch ficult once winds reach tropical or warning, listen closely to in- storm force, the hurricane warn- Leon County encourages citizens to put disaster supplies in a water- structions from local officials us- ing is issued 36 hours in advance proof and durable five-gallon bucket. Keep these essential items ina ing a TV, radio, cell phone or other of the anticipated onset of tropi- bucket near an exit door in your home or in your vehicle. communication device. cal storm force winds. Batteries feminine hygiene items, etc.) Battery powered AM/FM radio Tarp Tropical Storm Tornado Blanket Toilet paper Watch: Watch: Manual can opener Toothbrush Cash Towel An announcement that tropi- Tornadoes are Change of clothing Water cal storm conditions (sustained possible in and Duct tape Waterproof bag with family winds of 39 of 73 mph) are pos- near the watch Dust masks for each person documents, including driver’s sible within the specified area area. Be ready First aid kit license, insurance information, within 48 hours. to act quickly if a warning is is- Flashlight out-of-area contact, medical sued or you suspect a tornado is Games and toys information Tropical Storm approaching. Gloves Whistle Warning: Hand sanitizer Tornado Warning: Keys (home and car) An announcement that tropi- Large plastic trash bags A tornado has been sighted or in- cal storm conditions (sustained Local map dicated by weather radar. Proceed winds of 39 to 73 mph) are ex- Medications to a safe room immediately. pected within the specified area Non-perishable food within 36 hours. Permanent marker Flood Watch: Pet supplies Hurricane Watch: Photos of family members and A Flood Watch is issued when pets conditions are favorable for flood- An announcement that hurricane Pocket knife ing. It does not mean flooding will conditions (sustained winds of 74 Portable phone charger occur, but it is possible. Ponchos mph or higher) are possible some- Don’t wait until it’s dark to where within the specified area. Rope/paracord find your flashlight! Place your Because hurricane preparedness Flood Warning: Soap disaster bucket in an easy to find activities become difficult once Special family needs (diapers, space in your home or vehicle. winds reach tropical storm force, A Flood Warning is issued when the hurricane watch is issued 48 flooding is imminent or occurring. hours in advance of the anticipat- 2021 North Atlantic Hurricane Names ed onset of tropical storm force Flash Flood Warning: winds. Ana Henri Odette Bill Ida Peter Hurricane Warning: A Flash Flood Warning is issued Claudette Julian Rose when a flash flood is imminent Danny Kate Sam or occurring. If you are in a flood Elsa Larry Teresa An announcement that hurricane prone area move immediately Fred Mindy Victor conditions (sustained winds of to high ground. A flash flood is Grace Nicholas Wanda 74 mph or higher) are expected a sudden violent flood that can somewhere within the specified take minutes or hours to develop.

2021 DISASTER SURVIVAL GUIDE PAGE 5

Will my landlord protect the windows in a storm? If not, where Insurance would I go during a hurricane? 5 Questions to Ask Insurance Helpline About Your Policy The Florida Department of Finan- 1. cial Services’ toll-free Insurance What is my standard Consumer Helpline is available deductible? year-around to assist Florida’s 2. insurance consumers. Insurance What is my hurricane Specialists are available to an- deductible? swer questions or concerns re- more about insurance policies Don’t wait until it is too late to 3. garding insurance coverage and Do I need flood insurance? from the Insurance Information buy a flood insurance policy. Typ- advocate on a consumer’s behalf Institute at iii.org. ically, there’s a 30-day waiting pe- 4. to resolve a dispute with an insur- Do I have enough coverage riod before your policy goes into ance company. Consumers may to replace my home and effect. Flood Insurance contact an Insurance Specialist belongings? at 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (693-5236) 5. Most homeowner insurance Renters toll-free, Monday through Friday Do I have loss-of-use policies do not cover damage from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. coverage for temporary from rising flood waters. If you Questions to ask: housing expenses? own a home in a flood zone, your For additional information on mortgage company will require Do I know my rental property’s preparing for a natural disaster, Not all insurance policies are you to carry a flood policy. Even risk of flood or storm surge? Do I visit the Department of Finan- created equal. Check your poli- if you don’t live in a flood zone, know my evacuation zone? cial Services’ website at MyFlor- cy or talk to your agent to make consider the additional coverage. idaCFO.com/Division/Consumers sure you have sufficient cover- Anywhere it rains, it can flood. Do I need flood insurance and and click Disaster Preparedness. age and to determine if any home To learn more about flood renter’s insurance to cover dam- improvements would qualify for protection, visit LeonCountyFL. age to my personal property? a discount on premiums. Learn gov/FloodProtection.

• flood conditions before deciding place, completing each layer Sandbags are for small whether sandbags would provide before starting the next water flow protection – up Sandbags effective protection. layer. to two feet. Protection from • more significant water flow Filling Clear a path between requires a more permanent • buildings for debris flow. flood prevention system. Fill sandbags one-half full. • • • Lay a plastic sheet in Wet sandbags are very Fold the top of sandbag down between the building and the heavy. Use caution when and rest the bag on its folded bags to control the flow and lifting to avoid injury. top. prevent water from seeping through openings, like Sandbags are made available by Sandbags can redirect stormwa- Placing sliding glass doors. Leon County and the City of Talla- ter and debris flows away from • hassee for heavy rain. Leon Coun- homes and other structures if Take care in stacking Limitations ty sandbags are limited to 15 bags they are correctly filled, placed sandbags. • per household and citizens should and maintained. However, sand- • Sandbags will not seal out bring shovels to fill bags. County lo- bags will not seal out water and Limit placement to three water. cations will be staffed. Sites will re- residents should not rely on layers unless you have a • main open until officials determine sandbags to save their home from building or wall to use as a Sandbags deteriorate when sandbags are no longer needed. major flooding, especially fast backing. exposed to continued wet- Updates about sandbag availabili- moving hurricane storm surge • ting and drying. ty will be provided during an emer- flooding. Consider the severity of Tamp each sandbag into gency at LeonCountyFL.gov/ei.

2021 DISASTER SURVIVAL GUIDE PAGE 6 ACT STAY OR GO? 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 crowded Making the 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. Additionally, you may need to adjust your preparedness plans based on the latest health and safety guidelines from the CDC and your local officials. The next section will guide you through the steps you should decision take as a storm is approaching and the choices you’ll have to make.

• Stay tuned to local news and Understanding the forecast get your weather radio ready. • • Complete final preparations 5-day cone actions Gather special supplies for to evacuate or to shelter in children, seniors, and pets. your home. When the Big Bend area is in the • • Be sure you have all If your plan is to travel out 5-day cone, it’s time to implement materials and tools of the local area and you can your plan and preparations. A necessary to shutter leave at this point, go. hurricane is on a probable path to windows. reach our area in five days. • When a Hurricane • If your plans are to evacuate, Review make arrangements, book Did you know most hurricanes Strikes your reservations and pack what during a yearly season don’t even family • you can in your vehicle. reach land? They only form in Prepare for the storm before disaster warm-water oceans, and can the arrival of tropical force plan. Hurricane Watch drop up to 2.4 trillion gallons of winds. When hurricanes • rain each day it is active. move onto land, the heavy Get your actions rain, strong winds, storm disaster surge and crashing waves bucket and important papers • (48 hours ahead) Shutter your windows. can damage buildings, ready. • • trees, cars, and other • Prepare as if the storm If your plans are to evacuate infrastructure. Begin work to prepare your is headed directly for the area, secure your home home and yard. your home. Be ready for a so you can leave as soon Hurricanes Have Two • Hurricane Warning within a as an evacuation order is If you have special needs, few hours. issued. Main Parts: be sure to implement your plan and, if needed, you are • • 1. Fill your vehicle’s gas tank. If you plan to travel or be The eye of the hurricane registered for a special needs transported to a public is an area of nearly calm shelter. See page 8 for more • Get cash and secure shelter, be sure you have winds in the center of the information. important papers and everything you need in your storm where the lowest 3-day cone actions valuables. disaster bucket. pressure resides. The eye of a • hurricane averages about 20 Refill medications. Hurricane Warning miles in diameter and often As a storm moves closer to land, • has very few clouds. the accuracy of the forecast will Fill containers and tubs with actions 2. increase and residents should water, even if evacuating The second part is the wall step up their preparation with the – you may need the water (36 hours ahead) of very tall clouds that following actions: when you return. • surrounds the relatively calm • • Be prepared for an eye. This region, known as Double check your disaster Secure yard equipment and evacuation order to be the eye wall, is where the bucket and make necessary furniture. issued. hurricane’s strongest winds purchases. and heaviest rain occur.

2021 DISASTER SURVIVAL GUIDE PAGE 7 Evacuation order Plan to stay if ... • • If you’re being transportation to a public You live in a structure that was built after shelter, be ready to leave when contacted. 1973 when Florida adopted a standard • building code. Determine if your residence is affected by • the evacuation order — does it include You do not live in a manufactured or your area, or do you live in a mobile or mobile home. manufactured home? • Your home is not vulnerable to storm surge or inland flooding. • You have reduced the threat of falling trees by trimming and/or removing dead, dying or diseased trees. Plan to go if ... • • You have mitigated the effects of severe An evacuation order has been issued. winds on your home by installing • hurricane shutters on windows and You live in a manufactured or mobile bracing your garage door. home. • • • If you are evacuating locally, get to your You have prepared a multi-hazard You live in a structure that was built prior shelter location within a few hours of the Disaster Response Plan for yourself, your to 1973 when Florida adopted a standard order. family, and your pets. building code. • • • If you are traveling out of the local area, You have prepared a disaster bucket that Your home is vulnerable to storm surge or leave immediately to avoid traffic jams. includes cash, a supply of food, water inland flooding. • and a 1-month supply of prescription • Be aware of your evacuation time medicines. You can leave early enough to meet an range. Evacuations will be issued with • estimated regional clearance time of 24 beginning and end times. You have identified a Safe Room within hours. (It is very dangerous to be on the your home. highway during a storm.) Mobile homes are not safe havens

A Category 1 hurricane like Her- pared to 11% of mine, with winds of 74 to 95 mph, single-family, can rip apart a mobile home. non-manufac- The National Hurricane Center tured homes. reports that no mobile home or If a hurricane manufactured home — no matter threatens Leon how new it is — can be a safe shel- County, all mo- ter from hurricane force winds. bile home residents should plan Also, tornadoes can spin off from to evacuate to a safer location. hurricanes. Straps or other tie- If you must evacuate and do not downs will not protect a mobile have access to transportation due home from high winds associated to age, disability, or other special with a hurricane. In 1992, 97% of needs, you should register now all manufactured homes in Hur- with Leon County Emergency ricane Andrew’s path in Dade Management. See page 8 for more County were destroyed, com- information.

2021 DISASTER SURVIVAL GUIDE PAGE 8 EVACUATIONS AND SHELTERS

COVID-19 may affect your hurricane response plans. Please stay up-to-date on the most recent shelter and evacuation information by visiting www.leoncountyfl.gov/ei. Remember you may need to adjust your preparedness plans based on the latest health and safety guidelines from the CDC and your local officials.

Leon County officials can issue an order directing the evacuation of spe- For citizens with cific 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 Sheltering special needs to evacuate. Risk shelters may only have wa- According to the Florida Depart- ter, snacks, and a secure area for ment of Health, a Special Needs you to stay safe during a major Shelter is for “someone who, Voluntary storm. Shelters may be crowded during periods of evacuation or and are not designed for comfort. emergency, requires sheltering If a tropical storm is approaching If you evacuate to a risk shelter assistance due to physical impair- or a hurricane is expected to cross during a disaster, please bring the ment, mental impairment, cogni- Florida and pass over Leon Coun- following items: tive impairment or sensory dis- ty, the danger from storm surge • abilities.” Special needs shelters may be high. Emergency manag- Toiletries and diapers if you are designed to meet the needs of ers may recommend residents in are sheltering with young persons who require assistance mobile homes or flood prone - ar children. that exceeds services provided eas to evacuate to higher ground • at a general population shelter. or a sturdier shelter. Have a safe game plan! Prescription medications, If a person is medically stable Prepare for evacuation if it identification and any but needs help with basic tasks gets too dangerous! important documents you or uses an electronic medical de- Mandatory deem necessary. vice and has no other evacuation • options, they should pre-register Additional snacks, for a special needs shelter at SNR. The probability of storm surge is • specifically if you have a FloridaDisaster.org. All informa- high and could be deadly for resi- Bring adequate water, special diet. tion is confidential and protected dents who don’t leave. It is illegal snacks, cash and • under Florida Statutes and must to stay in a home under a manda- medications. Blankets, pillows, be updated on an annual basis. tory evacuation order. Residents • and/or sleeping bags. For further assistance, call Leon living in mobile homes should Obey all special traffic signs Accommodations at the County Emergency Management plan to evacuate to a safer loca- and law enforcement orders. shelter will be limited. at (850) 606-3700. tion during a mandatory order. • • Evacuees should be prepared Books, puzzles or other Protect Your Pets If you plan to for… entertainment that do not require electricity. • Inventory your supplies and re- evacuate… Extremely heavy traffic. • view all records so your pet can be Residents in highly Two cloth face coverings per safe in the event of a hurricane. Prior to evacuation, remember to: vulnerable areas should person and hand sanitizer. Make a kit including a pet crate, leave the area sooner rather (Please Note: The CDC • a list of pet friendly hotels, food Maintain a full tank of gas. than later. recommends wearing masks and water with respective bowls, to help prevent the spread • • medications with instructions for Bring identification, Limited access to gas of COVID-19, other viruses administering, copies of current insurance papers and other stations, restaurants and and the flu. Children under veterinary records that include important documents for restroom facilities. two years old and people your address and phone number, every family member. that have trouble breathing a leash and collar with rabies tag should not wear face and ID, a picture of your pet and a coverings.). small box with litter for cats.

2021 DISASTER SURVIVAL GUIDE PAGE 9 HURRICANE SHELTERS

THOMASVILLE RD 1. Chiles High School All County shelters will be operated 1 7200 Lawton Chiles Lane according to the latest public health 2. Lincoln High School guidance and COVID-19 prevention 3838 Trojan Trail protocols. 3. Fort Braden Elementary 15100 Blountstown Hwy. ¤£27 Sail High School Lake 4. Jackson 2006 Jackson Bluff Rd. 5. Godby High School

N MERIDIAN RD 1717 West Tharpe St. CENTERVILLE RD 6. Fairview Middle School 3415 Zillah St. 7. Leon High School MICCOSUKEE RD 550 East Tennessee St. ¨¦§10 ¤£90 CAPITAL CIR NE CAPITAL CIR NW CAPITAL ¨¦§10 N MONROE ST ¨¦§10

W THARPE ST MAHAN DR Storm Surge Evacuation Zones ¤£90 W TENNESSEE ST 3 5 BLOUNTS 7 W PENSACOLA ST 2 TOWN HWY Lake Lafayette ¤£27 4 APALACHEE PKWY ¤£27

ORANGE AVE S MONROE ST MONROE S CAPITAL CIR SE § CIR SW CAPITAL 6 TRAM RD CRAWFORDVILLE RD WOODVILLE HWY Zone D

SPRINGHILL RD 0 1 2 Miles Zone C CRAWFORDVILLE RD TRAM RD WOODVILLE HWY

Please note: Not every shelter will open for every disaster. Please check LeonCountyFL.gov/ei or call the Citizens Information Line at (850) 606-3700 to learn about shelter openings.

Storm surge is the leading cause of death from hurri- along and south of the following roads: Glover Road; canes and is the reason hurricane evacuation orders Oak Ridge Road; Rhodes Cemetery Road; Meridale Storm Surge are issued. The Apalachee Bay is one of the most Drive. storm surge prone areas in the Southeast. Areas of southern Leon County have been identified as storm Zone D (Green) – Includes all areas in Zone C, in ad- surge evacuation zones. Know your zone! dition to areas east of Springhill Road to the Leon/ Jefferson County Line, and areas along and south of Zone C (Yellow) – Areas east of Crawfordville High- the following roads: Capital Circle SW; Capital Circle way to the Leon/Jefferson County Line, and areas SE; Tram Road.

2021 DISASTER SURVIVAL GUIDE PAGE 10 RECOVER IN THE AFTERMATH OF A DISASTER During a disaster, services could be impacted, including electric, water, and sewer. When preparing, consider that you could be without these important utilities for an extended period. Electric outages Sewer outage

For City of Tallahassee custom- owners. To be eligible, a transfer If a sewer outage is announced, sodium hypochlorite. This is less ers, report electric outages via the switch and interconnect agree- DO NOT flush your toilet. Pow- effective but will work if there’s City’s DigiTally App, Talgov.com/ ment are required. Get details by ered sewer lift stations may be no way to boil water. Outage, or by calling (850) 891- calling (850) 891-4968. down, which could cause a sew- 4968. During major events, the age back-up in your home. City will send information direct- A generator can keep your appli- ly to utility customers. Keep your ances going after a disaster, but it Emergency toilets Safe driving contact details current by visiting comes with several dangers: Talgov.com/Update or by calling After a storm, roads may be lit- Use a chemical toilet or create an (850) 891-4968. CARBON MONOXIDE: Use gen- tered with debris and many emergency toilet by one of the erators outdoors and away from routes may be flooded. Avoid un- following methods: For Talquin Electric members, windows and doors to avoid ex- necessary travel and, if you must you can report an electric outage posure to this deadly, colorless, venture out, always obey Road 5-GAL BUCKET: Line with by calling 1-866-899-4832 (Auto- odorless gas. Never operate a gen- Closed signs. heavy-duty trash bag and use mated System) or 1-888-802-1832 erator indoors. household bleach as disinfectant. (Live Operator) or text #OUTAGE Never drive through standing Make sure it has a tight lid. to 85700. Sign up for text alerts at FIRE: Make sure the generator is water. Turn around, don’t drown! TalquinElectric.com. Download cool when refilling the fuel tank Treat any intersection with TOILET BOWL: Turn off your out- Talquin’s mobile app on your iOS and store flammable fuel away non-working traffic signals as side water supply first and flush or Android device. from fuel-burning appliances. an “all way” stop. Be prepared to once to empty before lining with stop at every intersection. a trash bag. Do not use kitty litter Duke Energy customers, call Calculate the total wattage of all — it cannot be flushed after the 1-800-228-8485. the appliances and light fixtures sewer system is running. you want to connect to the gen- Expect longer wait times during erator. The total should be less major events. than the generator’s stated max- imum power output. Water Food Safety ELECTRICAL SHOCK: An electrical shock from your generator can TWO DAYS: The approximate impacts kill you. time frozen items can be stored safely if you keep the freezer door • If the drinking water supply is Keep generator in a dry place. shut. compromised by a disaster, a boil • water notice will be issued, which Plug appliances directly FOUR HOURS: If your refrigera- means there’s a possibility of con- into the generator or use a tor’s power is out for longer than tamination. heavy-duty, three-pronged this time, move perishable foods extension cord. into an ice-filled cooler. BOIL: Bring a pot of water to a • rolling boil for 1 minute to kill Never try to power the house Generators bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Don’t forget to stay in wiring by plugging the touch! Contact loved ones generator into a wall outlet. BLEACH: Add 1/8 tsp. of unscent- to see what their plans are If you are considering purchasing ed bleach per gallon of water and looking like! Remember, a portable generator, the City of let stand for 30 minutes; bleach we’re all in this together! Tallahassee offers a low-interest used should contain 5.25 percent loan program for qualified home-

2021 DISASTER SURVIVAL GUIDE PAGE 11

WRONG WAY Price gouging CROSSING THE LINE PROPPING UP PICKING UP THE PIECES Any debris placed from the Do not set debris against Following these speciﬁc guidlines sidewalk toward your trees or poles. Doing so In a declared state of emergen- property will not be picked up. makes it harder for when hauling hurricane-related Contractors cannot collect cleanup crews to scoop cy, it is illegal to sell necessary debris and household garbage items on private property. up the items. goods or services at increased to the curb will make for prices. If you believe a business or individual is price gouging, call a speedier removal the Attorney General’s Office at process 1-866-9-NO-SCAM (1-866-966- 7226).

NO PICK UP Hire Licensed PICK UP Businesses B 6 Sources: C Army Corps of If repairs to your home or prop- Engineers, 5 debris removal erty are needed, hire reputable contractors and licensed people and avoid 4 STAFF GRAPHIC BY DAN SWENSON any contractor or appraiser who 3 says they can adjust your in- HELPFUL HINTS surance claim. You can verify a A Limit curbside garbage to two 32- A 2 contractor’s license and check to gallon containers or eight trash bags see if there are any complaints B Share piles with neighbors CORRECT WAY against them by calling the Flor- 1 C Refrigerator and freezer doors Homeowners and businesses are being asked must be secured with duct tape ida Department of Business and to separate debris into the following categories: Professional Regulation at (850) 487-1395. HOUSEHOLD CONSTRUCTION VEGETATION HOUSEHOLD ‘WHITE’ GOODS ELECTRONICS 1 GARBAGE 2 DEBRIS 3 DEBRIS 4 HAZARDOUS WASTE 5 6 Bagged trash Building materials Tree branches Oils Refrigerators Televisions Discarded food Drywall Leaves Batteries Washers, dryers Computers Packaging, papers Lumber Logs Pesticides Freezers Radios Who to call 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 9-1-1 for life-threatening emergencies or (850) 606- 5800 for non-emergency public safety assistance. Preparing Debris for Curbside Pickup • Citizen Information Line Help Your for the latest emergency Debris removal is integral during During the recovery phase, eligi- updates, (850) 606-3700 or the response and recovery phase ble disaster-related debris will be use 7-1-1 Florida Relay. Neighbor of a disaster. Initial response be- collected from residential neigh- gins during the disaster event borhoods. Debris should be placed • Contact 2-1-1 Big Bend for when crews are activated to cut curbside and separated in the fol- Once you and your family are 24- hour social services and toss debris off the roadway. lowing categories: construction, safe, help friends who are espe- assistance by dialing 2-1-1 or Routes to critical facilities (such vegetative, household hazardous cially vulnerable and need help (850) 617- 6333. as hospitals) and other priority waste, appliances/white goods, recovering. A disproportionate routes are addressed first. This and electronics. During this pro- • number of fatalities in recent For City of Tallahassee process ensures police, firefight- cess, DO NOT bag debris or put hurricanes have occurred among Utility information, call (850) ers, EMS, and other first respond- debris in containers. Depending senior citizens. When possible, 891-4968. ers crucial to the response can on the severity of the event, it help the senior citizens you know navigate the roadways safely. may take multiple passes before • and friends with financial limita- For Talquin Electric, call all debris is collected. tions. (There’s also a really big 1-888-802-1832. graphic on this page) • For Duke Energy call 1-800- 228-8485.

2021 DISASTER SURVIVAL GUIDE PAGE 12 SURVIVING ALL HAZARDS • • While hurricanes pose a major threat to Leon Identify a meeting location, should an Locate a safe room you can retreat to in County, there are other potential disasters incident prevent you from getting home. the event of severe weather events such that threaten lives and property. From violent • as thunderstorms and tornadoes. tornadoes to hazardous chemical spills, it is Build a disaster bucket for potential crucial to know what to do when warnings are disasters. issued.

derstorm, stay away from any- thing that conducts electricity, Thunderstorms and lightning such as corded phones, electrical Downed appliances, computers, plumbing, Thunderstorms are a common Seek shelter metal doors and windows. occurrence in Florida, especially power lines during the summer. The Sunshine Every thunderstorm produces If stuck outdoors ... • State sees about 1.4 million light- Do not touch downed power lightning. If you hear ning strikes in an average • lines. thunder, lightning is close Get off any elevated areas. year, and we lead the na- enough to strike. Go in- • tion in lightning-related • Assume side or find shelter imme- Do not shelter under an deaths. About 10 per- all downed diately. Wait 30 minutes isolated tree or other tall cent of thunderstorms power after hearing the last objects. are severe, with winds of lines are crash of thunder before 58 mph or stronger and • energized. going back outdoors. Get as far away from 1-inch hail. Keep an eye water and metal objects as • on the weather forecast before Contact your utility provider When thunder roars, go indoors! possible. you venture outdoors and heed to report downed power nature’s warning when you hear lines. See page 10 for contact If you’re indoors during a thun- the sky start to rumble. information.

Wash Your Hands When to Use a Face effective. To find a vaccine site near you: LeonCountyFL.gov/ COVID-19 Often Covering VaxMap

During the COVID-19 global pan- Avoid touching your eyes, nose The CDC makes recommenda- demic, the US Center for Disease and mouth with unwashed hands. tions about when to use cloth Control recommends the follow- Make sure to wash your hands face coverings. To see the latest Pandemic ing actions: often with soap and water for at national public health guidance, least 20 seconds. If soap and wa- visit CDC.gov. In our global society, infectious Stay ter are not readily available, use diseases can spread quickly by a hand sanitizer that contains at Vaccines human contact, animals, in- Home if least 60% alcohol. sects or food. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control is the agency You are COVID-19 vaccines teach our im- responsible for warning the pub- Avoid Close Contact mune systems how to recognize Sick lic about pandemic health haz- and fight the virus that causes ards. The Florida Department of Put 6-feet of distance between COVID-19. It typically takes two If you are experiencing symptoms Health in Leon County may also yourself and other people outside weeks after vaccination for the of illness, you should stay home issue warnings and advice. For your home. If you are inside your body to build protection (immuni- as much as possible and contact more information, visit the web- home, avoid close contact with ty) against the virus that causes your healthcare provider. site of the CDC at CDC.gov or the people who are sick. COVID-19. Florida Dept. of Health at Leon. FloridaHealth.gov. COVID-19 vaccines are safe and

2021 DISASTER SURVIVAL GUIDE PAGE 13

• home, office, or other places you If you live in an area prone to lease occur, there are a few ba- go frequently. Good safe room op- flooding, consider sandbags sic steps you can take to protect Terrorism tions include: bathrooms, interior or another type of barrier to yourself: hallways, the center of a building, keep water out of your home • and active and spaces on the ground floor in minor flood events. Shelter-in-place if local away from windows. • authorities ask you to do so. Remember: Homeowner’s • If you cannot reach your prepared insurance policies don’t Turn off the air conditioning/ shooters safe room, follow these basic cover flood damage. Consider ventilation system and guidelines: extra flood coverage. seal windows and doors to Unlike a hurricane, there may be • prevent outside air from no warning for a terrorist attack, Get In: Get as far inside a strong A new flood policy takes 30 coming in. Plastic sheeting but you can plan ahead by tak- building as you can, away from days to take effect. can help seal cracks around ing the steps referenced earlier: doors and windows doors and windows. emergency contacts, emergency Stay out of the water • alerts, a meeting place and a di- Get Down: Get to the lowest floor Remain indoors and wait saster bucket. Be alert and aware • for further instructions Do not drive through of your surroundings. If you see Cover Up: Use whatever you can through the local media standing water and make something — report it to law to protect yourself from flying or and emergency notification sure to obey “road closed” enforcement. Report suspicious falling debris systems. signs. It only takes a foot of activities to the Florida Dept. of water to make vehicles float. Law Enforcement at 1-855-FLA- Mobile Homes Turn Around, Don’t Drown! SAFE. • Wildfires Mobile homes are not safe from Do not walk through flood If dangerous behavior occurs, the violent winds of a tornado. waters. It only takes six whether a shooting or another act Low humidity and high winds Identify a safe place in a sturdy inches of water to knock you of violence, move away as quickly during times of droughts and building you can go to when tor- down. as possible. Be on the lookout for freezes create an ideal situation nadoes are possible to protect secondary or additional threats • for wildfires. With so many trees yourself from flying debris. Don’t go into any room as you escape. When you reach in Leon County, the threat of if water has submerged a safe location, call 9-1-1 and re- wildfires is always present. Take electrical outlets or cords. port the emergency. Vehicles a few minutes to discuss with • your family what actions you will After a flood, stay out of Vehicles are easily overturned take if there is a fire in your neigh- standing water or structures in a tornado, so get out and seek borhood or your home. until authorities advise it’s Tornadoes shelter in a sturdy building. Do safe. Standing water could • not try to outrun or outmaneuver Identify at contain toxins, chemicals, Tornadoes can form quickly a tornado! least two dangerous debris and during thunderstorms any time of escape wildlife. year, creating high velocity wind routes and blowing dangerous debris. from your Learn more about floods: Leon In Florida, the average warning Floods home and County has a comprehensive time before a tornado hits is only website on our area’s flood haz- 12 minutes. You may only have Flooding is a year-round threat. neighborhood. ards and how residents can be- moments to make a life-or-death Sometimes floods develop slow- come better prepared: LeonCoun- • decision. ly and forecasters can anticipate Practice fire drills so tyFL.gov/floodprotection. where a flood will happen days everyone knows what to do. Before a tornado watch occurs, re- or weeks before it occurs. Often- • view and discuss your emergency times flash floods can occur with- If advised, evacuate plans. Be ready to act quickly if a in minutes and sometimes with- Hazardous immediately. warning is issued or you suspect a out any sign of rain. tornado is approaching. Know your flood risk materials Safe rooms • For your FEMA Flood Zone, Hazardous materials are part of Designate a safe room where you visit LeonCountyFL.gov/ daily life. Should a chemical spill can stay during a tornado in your FloodProtection. or other hazardous material re-

2021 DISASTER SURVIVAL GUIDE PAGE 14 STAY ENGAGED Have a Plan for The agencies below are critical during any disaster. Please consider learning more about volunteering your Business with these nonprofits partners. Small businesses are vital assets to our economy and community. But did you know most businesses do not have a plan for emergencies such as a hurri- When disaster strikes, volunteers play a critical role in re- cane? covery efforts and providing needed relief to victims. Con- sider becoming an American Red Cross Disaster Volunteer. Early preparation is the smartest way Employees with the State of Florida, Leon County and City to protect employees and ensure busi- of Tallahassee are eligible for 15 days of disaster leave by (850) 878-6080 ness continuity. becoming a Red Cross Volunteer. RedCross.org/NorthFlorida Identify Your Risk: Think through how a local disaster would impact your organization. 2-1-1 Big Bend, Inc. serves as the preferred 24/7 gateway to community information, services and support any day Develop A Plan: Depending on the of the year, including times of community emergencies. hazard, develop a plan to mitigate risk Trained hotline counselors provide emotional support, to staff, structures and services. crisis assistance, information about local services and re- ferrals that contain accurate, up-to-date resource informa- Take Action: Making a plan is not tion. The agency’s resource database contains more than enough. Follow through by taking ac- 2-1-1 or (850) 617-6333 1,000 programs in the Big Bend area with subjects includ- tion on established plans when disas- ing housing assistance, emergency shelter, mental health, ter strikes. 211BigBend.org substance abuse, domestic violence, child development, employment, food pantries and more. The Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality (OEV) is committed to serving and supporting our local business community before, during and after a disaster strikes. Vis- The Salvation Army of Tallahassee serves disaster survi- it Ready.gov/Business for more info on vors and relief workers with food, emotional support and preparedness. other critical services. The Salvation Army’s disaster team consists of staff and volunteers who conduct wellness Business Disaster checks, feed hot meals, drinks and snacks directly from our canteen, provide spiritual care and assist in distributing Toolkit (850) 222-0304 food, water, clothing and clean-up kits to residents who are SalvationArmyFlorida.org/Tallahassee affected or have been displaced by a disaster. Do you have questions about how to prepare your business for hurricane season? FloridaDisaster.biz provides valuable information regarding pre- During an emergency, VolunteerLEON organizes the Citi- paredness, response and recovery from zens Information Line and coordinates the Big Bend Com- hurricanes and other disasters. OEV munity Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD). COAD is your source for vital business infor- provides a structure for non-profit organizations, and the mation for hurricane preparation and faith-based community to prepare for, respond to, and re- recovery. cover from disaster. COAD focuses on coordinating efforts (850) 606-1970 to best serve communities. Nonprofit partners include: For additional information on local 2-1-1 Big Bend, America’s Second Harvest of the Big Bend, business assistance during disasters, VolunteerLEON.org Catholic Charities, Florida Baptist Active in Disaster, Good- please contact the OEV at info@oev- will, Red Cross, Salvation Army, United Way, and more. forbusiness.org or (850) 219-1060.

2021 DISASTER SURVIVAL GUIDE PAGE 15 STAY INFORMED

Citizens LeonCountyFL.gov/ei Twitter: @LeonCounty Facebook: @LeonCountyFL Connect App Mobile App: Leon County Citizens Connect Citizens Information Line: Download the Leon County Citizens (850) 606-3700 Connect App, your best source of emer- Emergency Alerts gency news and alerts. The most critical LeonCountyFL.gov/Alerts 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 veri- Talgov.com Twitter: @CityofTLH fied by public safety agencies, emergen- Facebook: @CityofTLH cy management professionals and other Mobile App: DigiTally crews in the field. (850) 891-4968

• • • Critical Updates: announces Storm Debris Management: Power Outages: direct links the most important after disasters, this section to outage maps from City community updates, such details debris collection and of Tallahassee and Talquin 88.9 as comfort stations, points removal. Cooperative. of distribution and price • • gouging alerts and road Sandbag Locations: lists Evacuations: provides a map If you are unable to use your closings. locations and addresses of evacuation routes for Leon smartphone, tablet, or computer, for sandbag distribution, County and other real-time timely and critical updates will including a map of sites. updates. 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 ensure that any citizen with radio access stays informed before, during, and after a disaster. In addition, iHeartMedia stations From finding your bus to paying your bills, this free app puts the City at your fingertips. Power out? Tree will provide emergency updates. trouble? Take a picture of City issues and we’ll handle it.

2021 DISASTER SURVIVAL GUIDE PAGE 16

(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 (850) 653-8977 RedCross.org/NorthFlorida 211BigBend.org FranklinEmergencyManagement.com

Gadsden County Jefferson County Liberty County Emergency Emergency Management Emergency Management Management Quincy Monticello Bristol (850) 627-9233 (850) 342-0211 (850) 643-2339 GadsdenCountyFL.gov JeffersonCountyFL.gov LibertyCountyFLEM.com

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- TaylorSheriff.org WCSO.org/Emergency- Management/ Management

In Partnership With

2021 DISASTER SURVIVAL GUIDE