Governor Charlie Crist today commended the approval of federal funding for structural hardening projects at domestic violence centers throughout Florida. The disaster mitigation initiatives will make domestic violence centers more resistant to severe weather and tropical systems through various building upgrades and enhance the safety of residents during weather-related emergencies.
“The structural strengthening of targeted domestic violence centers throughout Florida will be a hallmark achievement in Florida’s efforts to prepare for severe weather and hurricanes,” said Governor Charlie Crist. “These projects will help us make great strides in our collective effort to ensure that some of our most vulnerable fellow Floridians are protected during emergencies.”
The wind retrofit project will be funded by 75 percent grant through the federal Hazard Mitigation Grant Program ($1,689,457) and a 25 percent matching grant of state funds ($563,152). The total cost of the project is $2,252,609.
“Severe winds are one of nature’s most destructive forces,” said David Halstead, director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management. “By taking these proactive steps to mitigate against the effects of severe weather and tropical systems, we will greatly enhance the safety and security of these vitally important facilities during weather-related emergencies.”
The mitigation project is part of an ongoing effort on behalf of state, federal, and local emergency management partners to ensure that the effects of future disasters are properly prepared for. Recently, the Florida Division of Emergency Management received approval from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for its enhanced mitigation plan, which enables the state to receive more federal money for disaster mitigation projects.
"This critical project ensures women and children are not forced to leave a safe environment during hurricanes and other weather-related disasters," said Tiffany Carr, President and CEO of the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence. "Governor Crist's support of the hardening project will increase the safety of Florida's most vulnerable individuals and ultimately save lives. As always, I applaud Governor Crist's strong stand on strengthening penalties for perpetrators and strengthening services for victims of domestic violence."
For more information on mitigation techniques and to GET A PLAN! for disaster preparedness, please visit www.FloridaDisaster.org.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
HIGH RISK OF DANGEROUS RIP CURRENTS EXPECTED THIS WEEK FOR ALL OF FLORIDA’S EAST COAST BEACHES
Florida Division of Emergency Management officials are again urging beachgoers along the entire Atlantic coast from Nassau County south to Miami-Dade County to use extreme caution this week as a high risk of dangerous rip currents is expected through Friday due to ocean swells caused by distant tropical systems. When red flags are flying beachgoers need to be aware that swimming in the Atlantic Ocean can be dangerous.
“Area beach conditions will be very rough and rip currents can be life-threatening to anyone entering the water along Florida’s East Coast this week,” State Meteorologist Amy Godsey said. “Beachgoers and surfers should check the rip current outlook and remember the warning flag signs before going into the water.”
A rip current is a narrow, powerful current of water that runs perpendicular to the beach, out into the ocean. These currents may extend 200 to 2,500 feet (61 to 762 meters) lengthwise, but they are typically less than 30 feet (9 meters) wide. Also, rip currents can often move at more than 5 miles per hour (8 kilometers per hour) or faster and are not always identifiable to the average beachgoer.
In Florida, rip currents kill more people annually than thunderstorms, hurricanes and tornadoes combined. They are the number-one concern for beach lifeguards. According to the United States Lifesaving Association, 80 percent of surf beach rescues are attributed to rip currents. The greatest safety precaution that can be taken is to recognize the danger of rip currents and always remember to swim at beaches with lifeguards.
When at the beach:
- Whenever possible, swim at a lifeguard-protected beach.
- Be cautious at all times, especially when swimming at unguarded beaches.
- Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards. Lifeguards are trained to identify hazards.
- Ask a lifeguard about the conditions before entering the water. This is part of their job.
- Learn how to swim in the surf. It's not the same as swimming in a pool or lake. Also, never swim alone.
- Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Permanent rip currents often exist alongside these structures.
- Consider using polarized sunglasses when at the beach. They will help you to spot signatures of rip currents by cutting down glare and reflected sunlight off the ocean’s surface.
- Pay especially close attention to children and elderly when at the beach. Even in shallow water, wave action can cause loss of footing.
If caught in a rip current:
- Remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly.
- Never fight against the current.
- Think of it like a treadmill that cannot be turned off, which you need to step to the side of.
- Swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline. When out of the current, swim at an angle--away from the current--towards shore.
- If you are unable to swim out of the rip current, float or calmly tread water. When out of the current, swim towards shore.
- If you are still unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself by waving your arm and yelling for help.
If you see someone in trouble, don't become a victim too:
- Get help from a lifeguard.
- If a lifeguard is not available, have someone call 9-1-1.
- Throw the rip current victim something that floats--a lifejacket, a cooler, an inflatable ball.
- Yell instructions on how to escape.
- Remember, many people drown while trying to save someone else from a rip current.
Beachgoers who want to learn more about rip currents can visit www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov.
“Area beach conditions will be very rough and rip currents can be life-threatening to anyone entering the water along Florida’s East Coast this week,” State Meteorologist Amy Godsey said. “Beachgoers and surfers should check the rip current outlook and remember the warning flag signs before going into the water.”
A rip current is a narrow, powerful current of water that runs perpendicular to the beach, out into the ocean. These currents may extend 200 to 2,500 feet (61 to 762 meters) lengthwise, but they are typically less than 30 feet (9 meters) wide. Also, rip currents can often move at more than 5 miles per hour (8 kilometers per hour) or faster and are not always identifiable to the average beachgoer.
In Florida, rip currents kill more people annually than thunderstorms, hurricanes and tornadoes combined. They are the number-one concern for beach lifeguards. According to the United States Lifesaving Association, 80 percent of surf beach rescues are attributed to rip currents. The greatest safety precaution that can be taken is to recognize the danger of rip currents and always remember to swim at beaches with lifeguards.
When at the beach:
- Whenever possible, swim at a lifeguard-protected beach.
- Be cautious at all times, especially when swimming at unguarded beaches.
- Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards. Lifeguards are trained to identify hazards.
- Ask a lifeguard about the conditions before entering the water. This is part of their job.
- Learn how to swim in the surf. It's not the same as swimming in a pool or lake. Also, never swim alone.
- Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Permanent rip currents often exist alongside these structures.
- Consider using polarized sunglasses when at the beach. They will help you to spot signatures of rip currents by cutting down glare and reflected sunlight off the ocean’s surface.
- Pay especially close attention to children and elderly when at the beach. Even in shallow water, wave action can cause loss of footing.
If caught in a rip current:
- Remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly.
- Never fight against the current.
- Think of it like a treadmill that cannot be turned off, which you need to step to the side of.
- Swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline. When out of the current, swim at an angle--away from the current--towards shore.
- If you are unable to swim out of the rip current, float or calmly tread water. When out of the current, swim towards shore.
- If you are still unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself by waving your arm and yelling for help.
If you see someone in trouble, don't become a victim too:
- Get help from a lifeguard.
- If a lifeguard is not available, have someone call 9-1-1.
- Throw the rip current victim something that floats--a lifejacket, a cooler, an inflatable ball.
- Yell instructions on how to escape.
- Remember, many people drown while trying to save someone else from a rip current.
Beachgoers who want to learn more about rip currents can visit www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
HIGH RISK OF DANGEROUS RIP CURRENTS EXPECTED THIS WEEK FOR FLORIDA EAST COAST BEACHES
Florida Division of Emergency Management officials are urging beachgoers along the Atlantic coast in Nassau, Duval, St. Johns, Flagler, Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin counties to use caution this weekend and next week as a high risk of dangerous rip currents is expected. There is also a moderate risk of rip currents for Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties this weekend. When red flags are flying beachgoers need to be aware that swimming in the Atlantic Ocean can be dangerous.
“Beachgoers and surfers along the entire Florida East coast should be very cautious this week as ocean swells from distant tropical systems produce dangerous surf conditions for a prolonged period,” State Meteorologist Amy Godsey said. “We strongly urge beachgoers to check the rip current outlook and stay out of the water when red flags are posted.”
A rip current is a narrow, powerful current of water that runs perpendicular to the beach, out into the ocean. These currents may extend 200 to 2,500 feet (61 to 762 meters) lengthwise, but they are typically less than 30 feet (9 meters) wide. Also, rip currents can often move at more than 5 miles per hour (8 kilometers per hour) or faster and are not always identifiable to the average beachgoer.
In Florida, rip currents kill more people annually than thunderstorms, hurricanes and tornadoes combined. They are the number-one concern for beach lifeguards. According to the United States Lifesaving Association, 80 percent of surf beach rescues are attributed to rip currents. The greatest safety precaution that can be taken is to recognize the danger of rip currents and always remember to swim at beaches with lifeguards.
When at the beach:
- Whenever possible, swim at a lifeguard-protected beach.
- Be cautious at all times, especially when swimming at unguarded beaches.
- Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards. Lifeguards are trained to identify hazards. - Ask a lifeguard about the conditions before entering the water. This is part of their job.
- Learn how to swim in the surf. It's not the same as swimming in a pool or lake. Also, never swim alone.
- Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Permanent rip currents often exist alongside these structures.
- Consider using polarized sunglasses when at the beach. They will help you to spot signatures of rip currents by cutting down glare and reflected sunlight off the ocean’s surface.
- Pay especially close attention to children and elderly when at the beach. Even in shallow water, wave action can cause loss of footing.
If caught in a rip current:
- Remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly.
- Never fight against the current.
- Think of it like a treadmill that cannot be turned off, which you need to step to the side of.
- Swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline. When out of the current, swim at an angle--away from the current--towards shore.
- If you are unable to swim out of the rip current, float or calmly tread water. When out of the current, swim towards shore.
- If you are still unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself by waving your arm and yelling for help.
If you see someone in trouble, don't become a victim too:
- Get help from a lifeguard.
- If a lifeguard is not available, have someone call 9-1-1.
- Throw the rip current victim something that floats--a lifejacket, a cooler, an inflatable ball.
- Yell instructions on how to escape.
- Remember, many people drown while trying to save someone else from a rip current.
Beachgoers who want to learn more about rip currents can visit www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov.
“Beachgoers and surfers along the entire Florida East coast should be very cautious this week as ocean swells from distant tropical systems produce dangerous surf conditions for a prolonged period,” State Meteorologist Amy Godsey said. “We strongly urge beachgoers to check the rip current outlook and stay out of the water when red flags are posted.”
A rip current is a narrow, powerful current of water that runs perpendicular to the beach, out into the ocean. These currents may extend 200 to 2,500 feet (61 to 762 meters) lengthwise, but they are typically less than 30 feet (9 meters) wide. Also, rip currents can often move at more than 5 miles per hour (8 kilometers per hour) or faster and are not always identifiable to the average beachgoer.
In Florida, rip currents kill more people annually than thunderstorms, hurricanes and tornadoes combined. They are the number-one concern for beach lifeguards. According to the United States Lifesaving Association, 80 percent of surf beach rescues are attributed to rip currents. The greatest safety precaution that can be taken is to recognize the danger of rip currents and always remember to swim at beaches with lifeguards.
When at the beach:
- Whenever possible, swim at a lifeguard-protected beach.
- Be cautious at all times, especially when swimming at unguarded beaches.
- Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards. Lifeguards are trained to identify hazards. - Ask a lifeguard about the conditions before entering the water. This is part of their job.
- Learn how to swim in the surf. It's not the same as swimming in a pool or lake. Also, never swim alone.
- Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Permanent rip currents often exist alongside these structures.
- Consider using polarized sunglasses when at the beach. They will help you to spot signatures of rip currents by cutting down glare and reflected sunlight off the ocean’s surface.
- Pay especially close attention to children and elderly when at the beach. Even in shallow water, wave action can cause loss of footing.
If caught in a rip current:
- Remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly.
- Never fight against the current.
- Think of it like a treadmill that cannot be turned off, which you need to step to the side of.
- Swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline. When out of the current, swim at an angle--away from the current--towards shore.
- If you are unable to swim out of the rip current, float or calmly tread water. When out of the current, swim towards shore.
- If you are still unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself by waving your arm and yelling for help.
If you see someone in trouble, don't become a victim too:
- Get help from a lifeguard.
- If a lifeguard is not available, have someone call 9-1-1.
- Throw the rip current victim something that floats--a lifejacket, a cooler, an inflatable ball.
- Yell instructions on how to escape.
- Remember, many people drown while trying to save someone else from a rip current.
Beachgoers who want to learn more about rip currents can visit www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
HIGH RISK OF DANGEROUS RIP CURRENTS EXPECTED TODAY FOR NORTHWEST FLORIDA BEACHES
Florida Division of Emergency Management officials are urging beachgoers along the Gulf coast in Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties to use caution Tuesday as a high risk of dangerous rip currents is expected. When red flags are flying beachgoers need to be aware that swimming in the Gulf of Mexico can be dangerous.
“Beachgoers and surfers should be very cautious along the Northwest Florida coast today,” State Meteorologist Amy Godsey said. “We strongly urge beachgoers to check the rip current outlook and stay out of the water when red flags are posted.”
A rip current is a narrow, powerful current of water that runs perpendicular to the beach, out into the ocean. These currents may extend 200 to 2,500 feet (61 to 762 meters) lengthwise, but they are typically less than 30 feet (9 meters) wide. Also, rip currents can often move at more than 5 miles per hour (8 kilometers per hour) or faster and are not always identifiable to the average beachgoer.
In Florida, rip currents kill more people annually than thunderstorms, hurricanes and tornadoes combined. They are the number-one concern for beach lifeguards. According to the United States Lifesaving Association, 80 percent of surf beach rescues are attributed to rip currents. The greatest safety precaution that can be taken is to recognize the danger of rip currents and always remember to swim at beaches with lifeguards.
When at the beach:
- Whenever possible, swim at a lifeguard-protected beach.
- Never swim alone.
- Learn how to swim in the surf. It's not the same as swimming in a pool or lake.
- Be cautious at all times, especially when swimming at unguarded beaches. If in doubt, don’t go out.
- Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards. Lifeguards are trained to identify potential hazards. Ask a lifeguard about the conditions before entering the water. This is part of their job.
- Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Permanent rip currents often exist alongside these structures.
- Consider using polarized sunglasses when at the beach. They will help you to spot signatures of rip currents by cutting down glare and reflected sunlight off the ocean’s surface.
- Pay especially close attention to children and elderly when at the beach. Even in shallow water, wave action can cause loss of footing.
If caught in a rip current:
- Remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly.
- Never fight against the current.
- Think of it like a treadmill that cannot be turned off, which you need to step to the side of.
- Swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline. When out of the current, swim at an angle--away from the current--towards shore.
- If you are unable to swim out of the rip current, float or calmly tread water. When out of the current, swim towards shore.
- If you are still unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself by waving your arm and yelling for help.
If you see someone in trouble, don't become a victim too:
- Get help from a lifeguard.
- If a lifeguard is not available, have someone call 9-1-1.
- Throw the rip current victim something that floats--a lifejacket, a cooler, an inflatable ball.
- Yell instructions on how to escape.
- Remember, many people drown while trying to save someone else from a rip current.
Beachgoers who want to learn more about rip currents can visit www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
