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THE LEON COUNTY 2019 SURVIVAL GUIDE

PREPARE

ACT

RECOVER

Leon County is the nation’s For updates on the radio. first 88.9 In addition, iHeartMedia stations will #HurricaneStrong community — find more provide emergency updates. information inside PAGE 2 2019 Disaster Survival Guide produced by: CONTENTS Prepare 4

Act Leon County Government 6 Emergency Public Safety Complex 911 Easterwood Dr. Tallahassee, FL 32311 Recover 10 (850) 606-3700

Leon County Community Surviving and Media Relations All 12 Leon County Courthouse 5th floor 301 S Monroe St. Tallahassee, FL 32301 Stay Engaged (850) 606-5300 and Informed 14

People Focused. Performance Driven. LeonCountyFL.gov

Leon County is proud to be the nation’s first #HurricaneStrong community

2019 DISASTER SURVIVAL GUIDE PAGE 3 A prepared community is a resilient community

10, 2018, as a Category 5 hurricane hurricane season. These improve- — the strongest 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 led Georgia, claimed lives with floodwa- FEMA and the Federal Alliance for VINCENT S. LONG ters in Virginia, and even impacted Safe Homes to name Leon County County Administrator areas in southwest Europe. While the nation’s first #HurricaneStrong 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 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 Guide you are holding now gives should not be forgotten. in building resilience and protecting Tyou 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 , 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 to making our strong response to waters, so contact your insurance emergency even stronger for the agent to learn more. next disaster. 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 FCounty 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 PAGE 4

Plan now before Prepare 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?

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 Battery powered AM/FM radio Photos of family members and storm conditions (sustained winds Blanket pets of 39 of 73 mph) are possible within 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 Dust mask Soap An announcement that tropical First aid kit Special family needs (diapers, storm conditions (sustained winds feminine items, etc.) of 39 to 73 mph) are expected within Flashlight Tarp the specified area within 36 hours. Games and toys Toilet paper Gloves Hurricane Watch: Toothbrush Hand sanitizer Towel An announcement that hurricane Keys (home and ) Water conditions (sustained winds of 74 Large plastic trash bags mph or higher) are possible some- Waterproof bag with family Local map where within the specified area. documents, including driver’s Medications Because hurricane preparedness ac- license, insurance information, tivities become difficult once winds Non-perishable food out-of-area contact reach tropical storm force, the hur- Permanent marker Whistle ricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical storm force winds. Hurricane Warning: 2019 North Atlantic Hurricane Names An announcement that hurricane Andrea Gabrielle Melissa Tanya conditions (sustained winds of 74 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 Dorian Jerry Pablo reach tropical storm force, the hur- ricane warning is issued 36 hours in Erin Karen Rebekah advance of the anticipated onset of Fernand Lorenzo Sebastien tropical storm force winds.

2019 DISASTER SURVIVAL GUIDE PAGE 5

Renters

Questions to ask: • Do I know my rental property’s risk of flood or ? Do I know my evacuation zone? • Do I need flood insurance and renter’s insurance to cover damage to my personal prop- erty? Insurance • 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 , 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 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 Making the neighboring county has advantages; you will avoid traffic jams and highways crowded with vehicles from other counties joining the evacuation. Even if decision 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 Hurricane Watch plan. actions • Get your disaster bucket and (48 hours ahead) important papers ready. • Hurricane Michael • Prepare as if the storm is head- 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 you have everything you sure to implement your plan 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 Hurricane Warning See page 8 for more informa- papers and valuables. tion. actions • (36 hours ahead) 3-day cone actions Refill medications. • • Fill containers and tubs with wa- Be prepared for an evacuation 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 PAGE 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- 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 ’s path due to age, , 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 PAGE 8 Evacuations and shelters

Red Cross Shelters

Sheltering info THOMASVILLE RD 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: • ¤£27 Toiletries and diapers if you are Lake • sheltering with young children Jackson Prescription medications and

any important documents you N MERIDIAN RD • deem necessary CENTERVILLE RD Additional snacks, specifically if • you have a special diet Blankets, pillows, and/

or sleeping bags--your MICCOSUKEE RD accommodations at the shelter 10 may be limited ¨¦§ • ¤£90 Books, puzzles, or other CAPITAL CIR NE

entertainment that do not CIR NW CAPITAL require electricity ¨¦§10 N MONROE ST ¨¦§10 For citizens with special needs

W THARPE ST MAHAN DR According to the Florida Department ¤£90 W TENNESSEE ST of Health, a Special Needs Shelter is for “someone who, during periods of 5 evacuation or emergency, requires 3 sheltering assistance due to physical BLOUNTS W PENSACOLA ST impairment, mental impairment, cognitive impairment or sensory TOWN HWY Lake Lafayette .” Special needs shelters ¤£27 APALACHEE PKWY are designed to meet the needs of persons who require assistance 4 ¤£27 that exceeds services provided at a general population shelter. If a person ORANGE AVE is medically stable but needs help ST MONROE S with basic tasks or uses an electronic CAPITAL CIR SE medical device and has no other CIR SW CAPITAL evacuation options, they should pre- § register for a special needs shelter at SNR.FloridaDisaster.org.

All information is confidential and SPRINGHILL RD protected under Florida Statutes and 0 1 2 Miles must be updated on an annual basis. CRAWFORDVILLE RD TRAM RD For further assistance, call Leon WOODVILLE HWY County at (850) 606-3700. 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.

2019 DISASTER SURVIVAL GUIDE PAGE 9

Leon County officials can issue an order directing the evacuation of specific areas of the county deemed to be in danger. Prepare to leave Evacuations and shelters 24 hours prior to the storm landfall in order to give yourself enough Voluntary time to evacuate. 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 THOMASVILLE RD recommend residents in mobile homes or flood prone areas evacuate 1. Chiles High School 1 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. ¤£27 The probability of storm surge 4. Sail High School is high and could be deadly for Lake Jackson 2006 Jackson Bluff Rd. residents who don’t leave. It is illegal 5. Godby High School to stay in a home under a mandatory evacuation order. Residents living N MERIDIAN RD 1717 West Tharpe St. CENTERVILLE RD in mobile homes should plan to evacuate to a safer location during a mandatory order.

MICCOSUKEE RD ¨¦§10 ¤£90 CAPITAL CIR NE

CAPITAL CIR NW CAPITAL Storm Surge ¨¦§10 N MONROE ST ¨¦§10 Storm surge is the leading cause of death from hurricanes and is the reason orders W THARPE ST MAHAN DR Storm Surge Evacuation Zones are issued. The Apalachee Bay is one ¤£90 W TENNESSEE ST of the most storm surge prone areas in the Southeast. Areas of southern Leon County have been identified BLOUNTS as storm surge evacuation zones. W PENSACOLA ST 2 Know your zone! TOWN HWY Lake Lafayette ¤£27 Zone C (Yellow) – Areas east of APALACHEE PKWY Crawfordville Highway to the Leon/ Jefferson County Line, and areas ¤£27 along and south of the following ORANGE AVE roads: Glover Road; Oak Ridge Road;

S MONROE ST MONROE S Rhodes Cemetery Road; Meridale CAPITAL CIR SE Drive. CAPITAL CIR SW CAPITAL § Zone D (Green) – Includes all areas TRAM RD in Zone C, in addition to areas east CRAWFORDVILLE RD WOODVILLE HWY of Springhill Road to the Leon/ Zone D Jefferson County Line, and areas SPRINGHILL RD along and south of the following 0 1 2 Miles roads: Capital Circle SW; Capital Zone C CRAWFORDVILLE RD TRAM RD Circle SE; Tram Road. 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.

2019 DISASTER SURVIVAL GUIDE PAGE 10

In the aftermath Recover 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 appliances going after a disaster, Electric outages 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 Emergency toilets current by visiting Talgov.com/ 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; Food Safety this can cause electrocution. Safe driving TWO DAYS: The approximate time frozen items can be stored safely if Water impacts After a storm, roads may be littered you keep the freezer door shut. with debris and many routes may If the drinking water supply is be flooded. Avoid unnecessary compromised by a disaster, a boil FOUR HOURS: If your refrigerator’s travel and, if you must venture out, water notice will be issued, which power is out for longer than this always obey Road Closed signs. means there’s a possibility of time, move perishable foods into an contamination. ice-filled cooler. Never drive through standing water. Turn around, don’t drown! Generators BOIL: Bring a pot of water to a rolling Treat any intersection with 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 GUIDE PAGE 11

WRONG WAY 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 property will not be picked up. makes it harder for when hauling hurricane-related Contractors cannot collect 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

NO PICK UP PICK UP

B 6 Sources: C Army Corps of Engineers, 5 debris removal contractors 4 STAFF GRAPHIC BY DAN SWENSON 3 HELPFUL HINTS A Limit curbside garbage to two 32- A 2 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:

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 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 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 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 GUIDE PAGE 12 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 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 hazards during the summertime. The Sun- shine State sees about 1.4 million Terrorism and active lightning strikes in an average year shooters and we lead the nation in light- ning-related deaths. About 10 per- cent of thunderstorms are severe, Unlike a hurricane, there may be no with winds 58 mph or stronger If stuck outdoors ... warning for a terrorist attack, but and 1-inch . Keep an eye on the you can plan ahead by taking the weather forecast before you venture • steps referenced earlier: emergency Get off any elevated areas. outdoors and heed nature’s warning contacts, emergency alerts, a meet- when you hear the sky start to rum- • ing place and a disaster bucket. Be Do not shelter under an isolat- ble. alert and aware of your surround- 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. Every produces light- of Law Enforcement at 1-855-FLA- ning. If you hear thunder, lightning SAFE. is close enough to strike. Go inside or find shelter immediately. Wait 30 Downed minutes after hearing the last crash of thunder before going back out- In our global society, infectious doors. power lines 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 go indoors! lines. is the agency responsible for warning the public about pan- • Assume all downed power lines demic health hazards. The Flori- If you’re indoors during a thunder- are energized. da Department of Health in Leon storm, stay away from anything County may also issue warnings that conducts electricity, such as • Contact your utility provider and advice. For more information, corded phones, electrical applianc- to report downed power lines. visit the website of the CDC at CDC. es, computers, plumbing, metal See page 10 for contact infor- gov or the Florida Dept. of Health at doors and windows. mation. Leon.FloridaHealth.gov.

2019 DISASTER SURVIVAL GUIDE PAGE 13

• A new flood policy takes 30 days to take effect. Tornadoes 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 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. • : 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 : 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. • Remain indoors and wait for further instructions Floods 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. 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 GUIDE PAGE 14 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 Disaster Volunteer. Employees with the State of Florida, Leon County, (850) 878-6080 and City of Tallahassee are eligible for 15 days of disaster leave by becoming 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, assistance, information about local services, and referrals that contain accurate, up-to-date resource information. The agency’s resource or database contains more than 1,000 programs in the Big Bend area with 2-1-1 (850) 617-6333 subjects including housing assistance, emergency shelter, mental health, 211BigBend.org substance abuse, domestic violence, child development, employment, food pantries, and more.

The Salvation Army of Tallahassee serves disaster survivors and relief workers with food, emotional support, and other critical services. ’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 (850) 222-0304 clean-up kits to residents who are affected or have been displaced by a 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 (850) 606-1970 disaster. COAD focuses on coordinating efforts to best serve communities. Nonprofit partners include: 2-1-1 Big Bend, America’s Second Harvest of the VolunteerLEON.org Big Bend, Catholic Charities, Florida Baptist Active in Disaster, Goodwill, Red Cross, Salvation Army, United Way, and more.

Business Do you have questions about how to prepare your business for hurricane season? FloridaDisaster.biz Disaster provides valuable information regarding preparedness, response, and recovery from hurricanes and other disasters. For additional information on local business assistance during disasters, please Toolkit contact the Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality at [email protected].

2019 DISASTER SURVIVAL GUIDE PAGE 15 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 (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) 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

2019 DISASTER SURVIVAL GUIDE