Florida Division of Emergency Management officials are urging beachgoers in Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa counties to use extreme caution as a high risk of rip currents is expected today. There is also a Small Craft Advisory for Western Panhandle counties. When red flags are flying, beachgoers need to be aware that swimming in the Gulf of Mexico can be dangerous.
“Rip currents are one of the most dangerous hazards at the beach,” said State Meteorologist Amy Godsey. “With the high risk of rip currents in the area, residents and visitors to the beaches of Northwest Florida should check the rip current outlook before entering the water and follow any instructions from safety officials.”
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 persons who are 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 a rip current 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.
Follow safe boating practices:
• Have a VHF Marine Band Radio and NOAA Weather Radio on board.
• Check the marine forecast well ahead of time.
• Know the limitations of your boat. If small craft advisories or gale warnings are issued, you should postpone travel.
• Be sure everyone aboard is wearing a life jacket.
• File a float plan at your marina.
• Thunderstorms and weather-related hazards form quickly. Never let these storms cut off your route back to land.
Beachgoers who want to learn more about rip currents can visit www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov. Boaters can go to www.srh.noaa.gov/wml to check the current marine conditions and updated forecasts. For more information on the Florida Division of Emergency Management and to GET A PLAN!, please visit: www.FloridaDisaster.org. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/flsertinfo or join our blog at: http://flsertinfo.blogspot.com/.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Friday, October 15, 2010
If a Disaster Struck Today, Would You and Your Family Be Ready?
If a disaster struck today, would you and your family be ready?
As Floridians, we know that disasters can happen anywhere and anytime in the Sunshine State. No part of the state is immune from disasters. We must always be ready to protect ourselves, our families, and our loved ones from a potential catastrophe. So, as we enter into the final months of hurricane season, let’s take a moment to review some important preparedness information.
First, let’s talk about the importance of a disaster-survival plan. It is crucial for all Floridians to have a disaster-survival plan, as proper emergency planning can greatly reduce the risk of disasters to the state’s residents and visitors. This plan should be flexible, and serve as a guide for individuals both before and during disasters. Some really important questions to ask yourself when making a disaster-survival plan include:
If my family has to evacuate before a disaster, where will we go?
How am I going to take care of elderly family members, friends, or neighbors during emergencies?
What accommodations have to be made for any family members or friends with disabilities or special needs?
Where are my pets and animals (including farm animals!) going to go if I need to leave my home? Service animals for persons with disabilities or special needs are exceptions.
What evacuation route am I going to take if I need to leave my home?
To help you build your individual and family disaster-survival plan, you can go to www.FloridaDisaster.org. There, you can click on the “Get A Family Plan” link, and start building your plan today.
We should also take a moment to go over the importance of having a disaster supply kit. After some disasters, it may take emergency managers and first responders up to three days to reach you. During this time, you may have to provide for yourself and your family. We urge all Floridians to have the following items on hand and centrally located in case of such emergencies:
As Floridians, we know that disasters can happen anywhere and anytime in the Sunshine State. No part of the state is immune from disasters. We must always be ready to protect ourselves, our families, and our loved ones from a potential catastrophe. So, as we enter into the final months of hurricane season, let’s take a moment to review some important preparedness information.
First, let’s talk about the importance of a disaster-survival plan. It is crucial for all Floridians to have a disaster-survival plan, as proper emergency planning can greatly reduce the risk of disasters to the state’s residents and visitors. This plan should be flexible, and serve as a guide for individuals both before and during disasters. Some really important questions to ask yourself when making a disaster-survival plan include:
If my family has to evacuate before a disaster, where will we go?
How am I going to take care of elderly family members, friends, or neighbors during emergencies?
What accommodations have to be made for any family members or friends with disabilities or special needs?
Where are my pets and animals (including farm animals!) going to go if I need to leave my home? Service animals for persons with disabilities or special needs are exceptions.
What evacuation route am I going to take if I need to leave my home?
To help you build your individual and family disaster-survival plan, you can go to www.FloridaDisaster.org. There, you can click on the “Get A Family Plan” link, and start building your plan today.
We should also take a moment to go over the importance of having a disaster supply kit. After some disasters, it may take emergency managers and first responders up to three days to reach you. During this time, you may have to provide for yourself and your family. We urge all Floridians to have the following items on hand and centrally located in case of such emergencies:
2 gallons of water per person, per day (for drinking, cooking, and hygiene purposes)
Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables, and soups
Special foods for babies or older people
Manual can opener
Pots, pans, plates, and utensils
Food for pets
Prescription medications
First Aid kit
Cash (Small bills are best. Think $1’s, $5’s, and $10’s.)
Important documents
It is never too soon to prepare for disasters. You can take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your family by building a disaster-survival plan and disaster supply kit today.
If a disaster struck today, would you and your family be ready?
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Hurricane Paula Update
MESSAGE OF THE DAY
“Though the official forecast does not have Hurricane Paula making landfall in Florida, it is an unpredictable storm and residents and visitors across South Florida are urged to monitor its progress carefully,” said David Halstead, director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management. “Now is a good time to ensure your family disaster plan and supply kit are up-to-date and ready.”
CURRENT SITUATION - 11A.M.
o At 11 a.m. EDT, Hurricane Paula was located in the Yucatan Channel about 65 miles from the western tip of Cuba and 345 miles southwest of Key West.
o Paula is still a Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale with maximum winds near 100 mph. However, some weakening is possible over the next two days.
o The National Hurricane Center has issued Tropical Storm Watches for the Florida Keys from Craig Key westward, including the Dry Tortugas. A Tropical Storm Watch means tropical storm force winds are possible in the Watch area within the next 48 hours.
o Based on the latest forecast, this system is expected to continue moving northward through the Yucatan Channel before turning northeast this afternoon. Strong upper level steering currents will move Paula eastward tomorrow, taking the system across the northern coast of Cuba over the next four to five days.
o Beyond 36 hours, the official forecast is somewhat uncertain and therefore, there is a small possibility that the center of Paula could move through the Florida Straits. A cold front moving through the state will pull tropical moisture from Paula northward into South Florida and rainfall amounts may approach two to four inches by Friday.
STATE ACTIONS
o The State Emergency Operations Center is closely monitoring the progress of Hurricane Paula and prepared to respond as necessary to support any impacted counties.
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS FOR THE PUBLIC
o Residents and visitors in South Florida are urged to monitor this system, review their family and business disaster supply plans and kits and make any updates necessary.
o Mariners in South Florida should make preparations to secure their vessels in safe harbor.
For more information on the Florida Division of Emergency Management and to GET A PLAN!, please visit: www.FloridaDisaster.org. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/flsertinfo
“Though the official forecast does not have Hurricane Paula making landfall in Florida, it is an unpredictable storm and residents and visitors across South Florida are urged to monitor its progress carefully,” said David Halstead, director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management. “Now is a good time to ensure your family disaster plan and supply kit are up-to-date and ready.”
CURRENT SITUATION - 11A.M.
o At 11 a.m. EDT, Hurricane Paula was located in the Yucatan Channel about 65 miles from the western tip of Cuba and 345 miles southwest of Key West.
o Paula is still a Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale with maximum winds near 100 mph. However, some weakening is possible over the next two days.
o The National Hurricane Center has issued Tropical Storm Watches for the Florida Keys from Craig Key westward, including the Dry Tortugas. A Tropical Storm Watch means tropical storm force winds are possible in the Watch area within the next 48 hours.
o Based on the latest forecast, this system is expected to continue moving northward through the Yucatan Channel before turning northeast this afternoon. Strong upper level steering currents will move Paula eastward tomorrow, taking the system across the northern coast of Cuba over the next four to five days.
o Beyond 36 hours, the official forecast is somewhat uncertain and therefore, there is a small possibility that the center of Paula could move through the Florida Straits. A cold front moving through the state will pull tropical moisture from Paula northward into South Florida and rainfall amounts may approach two to four inches by Friday.
STATE ACTIONS
o The State Emergency Operations Center is closely monitoring the progress of Hurricane Paula and prepared to respond as necessary to support any impacted counties.
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS FOR THE PUBLIC
o Residents and visitors in South Florida are urged to monitor this system, review their family and business disaster supply plans and kits and make any updates necessary.
o Mariners in South Florida should make preparations to secure their vessels in safe harbor.
For more information on the Florida Division of Emergency Management and to GET A PLAN!, please visit: www.FloridaDisaster.org. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/flsertinfo
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
HIGH RISK OF DANGEROUS RIP CURRENTS EXPECTED THIS WEEK FOR SOUTHEAST FLORIDA BEACHES
Florida Division of Emergency Management officials are urging beachgoers along the Atlantic coast from Palm Beach County south to Miami-Dade County to use caution today through Thursday as a high risk of dangerous rip currents is expected. There is also an elevated threat for rip currents this week along Northeast and East Central Florida beaches. When red flags are flying, beachgoers need to be aware that swimming in the Atlantic Ocean can be dangerous.
“Strong north-northeast winds will develop along the Atlantic coast and persist through Thursday, which could cause rough surf and favorable conditions for strong and frequent rip currents,” said State Meteorologist Amy Godsey. “Beachgoers in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties should check the rip current outlook and remember the warning flag signs before entering the water this week.”
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.
Follow safe boating practices:
• Have a VHF Marine Band Radio and NOAA Weather Radio on board.
• Check the marine forecast well ahead of time.
• Know the limitations of your boat. If small craft advisories or gale warnings are issued, you should postpone travel.
• Be sure everyone aboard is wearing a life jacket.
• File a float plan at your marina.
• Thunderstorms and weather-related hazards form quickly. Never let these storms cut off your route back to land.
Beachgoers who want to learn more about rip currents can visit www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov. Boaters can go to www.srh.noaa.gov/wml to check the current marine conditions and updated forecasts.
“Strong north-northeast winds will develop along the Atlantic coast and persist through Thursday, which could cause rough surf and favorable conditions for strong and frequent rip currents,” said State Meteorologist Amy Godsey. “Beachgoers in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties should check the rip current outlook and remember the warning flag signs before entering the water this week.”
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.
Follow safe boating practices:
• Have a VHF Marine Band Radio and NOAA Weather Radio on board.
• Check the marine forecast well ahead of time.
• Know the limitations of your boat. If small craft advisories or gale warnings are issued, you should postpone travel.
• Be sure everyone aboard is wearing a life jacket.
• File a float plan at your marina.
• Thunderstorms and weather-related hazards form quickly. Never let these storms cut off your route back to land.
Beachgoers who want to learn more about rip currents can visit www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov. Boaters can go to www.srh.noaa.gov/wml to check the current marine conditions and updated forecasts.
FLORIDA DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND THE AMERICAN RED CROSS ANNOUNCE 2011 SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK, POSTER AND VIDEO CONTESTS
The Florida Division of Emergency Management and the American Red Cross today announced that they will again team up to sponsor Florida Severe Weather Awareness Week from January 31 – February 4, 2011. The annual public awareness campaign includes a poster and video public service announcement contest.
"Florida Severe Weather Awareness Week is an important time to educate our residents and visitors about the natural hazards that may affect the Sunshine State,” said Director David Halstead of the Florida Division of Emergency Management. “We appreciate this strong partnership with the American Red Cross and their commitment to ensuring Floridians are prepared for any disaster that may occur.”
During each day of the Week, a different weather event that may affect Florida will be highlighted:
Monday, January 31: Lightning
Tuesday, February 1: Marine Hazards and Rip Currents
Wednesday, February 2: Tornadoes and Thunderstorms
Thursday, February 3: Hurricanes and Flooding
Friday, February 4: Temperature Extremes and Wildfires
“We are excited to once again partner with the Division of Emergency Management on the annual poster contest,” said Karen Hagan, Florida Disaster Officer for the American Red Cross. “These types of outreach efforts to get our youth involved in disaster preparedness activities are an important step in building a culture of preparedness in Florida.”
Annual Poster Contest
Fourth and fifth graders in all of Florida’s 67 school districts as well as students who attend private schools or are home-schooled are invited to participate in the statewide poster contest. All entries must be postmarked on or before FRIDAY, JANUARY 7, 2011 and must arrive at the American Red Cross in Tallahassee no later than MONDAY, JANUARY 10, 2011. Winners will be notified by phone. The winners' artwork is scheduled to be displayed in the State Emergency Operations Center during the first full week of February 2011. Prizes will include tickets for the winner and their family to Walt Disney World, weather radios and many other exciting things to be announced soon. For complete contest rules go to www.FloridaDisaster.org/SWAW/2011.
Annual Video PSA Contest
Florida middle and high school students in grades 6-8 and 9-12, including students who attend private schools or are home-schooled are invited to produce a 30-second public service announcement (PSA) incorporating a safety or preparedness message about one of the following topics: Hurricane Preparedness, Flood Safety or Building a Disaster Supply Kit.
Final digital videos must be mastered as a DVD for submission to the Division. All entries must be postmarked on or before FRIDAY, JANUARY 7, 2011 and must arrive at the Florida Division of Emergency Management in Tallahassee no later than MONDAY, JANUARY 10, 2011. For complete contest rules and topic information, go to www.FloridaDisaster.org/SWAW/2011.
There will be one individual or group (limit four people per group) winner chosen for both middle school and high school-level videos. The winning video(s) will be professionally re-produced for broadcast use by the Division of Emergency Management in their statewide public awareness campaign. A production team will come to the winner(s) hometown and will spend a full day shooting the winning PSA, with the winner(s) acting as the project director. Additional prizes will include tickets for the winner and their family to Walt Disney World, weather radios and many other exciting things to be announced soon.
"Florida Severe Weather Awareness Week is an important time to educate our residents and visitors about the natural hazards that may affect the Sunshine State,” said Director David Halstead of the Florida Division of Emergency Management. “We appreciate this strong partnership with the American Red Cross and their commitment to ensuring Floridians are prepared for any disaster that may occur.”
During each day of the Week, a different weather event that may affect Florida will be highlighted:
Monday, January 31: Lightning
Tuesday, February 1: Marine Hazards and Rip Currents
Wednesday, February 2: Tornadoes and Thunderstorms
Thursday, February 3: Hurricanes and Flooding
Friday, February 4: Temperature Extremes and Wildfires
“We are excited to once again partner with the Division of Emergency Management on the annual poster contest,” said Karen Hagan, Florida Disaster Officer for the American Red Cross. “These types of outreach efforts to get our youth involved in disaster preparedness activities are an important step in building a culture of preparedness in Florida.”
Annual Poster Contest
Fourth and fifth graders in all of Florida’s 67 school districts as well as students who attend private schools or are home-schooled are invited to participate in the statewide poster contest. All entries must be postmarked on or before FRIDAY, JANUARY 7, 2011 and must arrive at the American Red Cross in Tallahassee no later than MONDAY, JANUARY 10, 2011. Winners will be notified by phone. The winners' artwork is scheduled to be displayed in the State Emergency Operations Center during the first full week of February 2011. Prizes will include tickets for the winner and their family to Walt Disney World, weather radios and many other exciting things to be announced soon. For complete contest rules go to www.FloridaDisaster.org/SWAW/2011.
Annual Video PSA Contest
Florida middle and high school students in grades 6-8 and 9-12, including students who attend private schools or are home-schooled are invited to produce a 30-second public service announcement (PSA) incorporating a safety or preparedness message about one of the following topics: Hurricane Preparedness, Flood Safety or Building a Disaster Supply Kit.
Final digital videos must be mastered as a DVD for submission to the Division. All entries must be postmarked on or before FRIDAY, JANUARY 7, 2011 and must arrive at the Florida Division of Emergency Management in Tallahassee no later than MONDAY, JANUARY 10, 2011. For complete contest rules and topic information, go to www.FloridaDisaster.org/SWAW/2011.
There will be one individual or group (limit four people per group) winner chosen for both middle school and high school-level videos. The winning video(s) will be professionally re-produced for broadcast use by the Division of Emergency Management in their statewide public awareness campaign. A production team will come to the winner(s) hometown and will spend a full day shooting the winning PSA, with the winner(s) acting as the project director. Additional prizes will include tickets for the winner and their family to Walt Disney World, weather radios and many other exciting things to be announced soon.
Winners will be announced on January 29, 2011, at a kick-off event for Severe Weather Awareness Week in Central Florida. Winners unable to attend this event will be mailed their additional prizes.
These contests are part of an annual public awareness campaign that also includes the statewide Tornado Drill to be conducted by the National Weather Service Offices in Florida at 10:10 a.m. Eastern Time (9:10 a.m. Central Time), on Wednesday, February 2, 2011.
For more information on Florida’s 2011 Severe Weather Awareness Week go to www.FloridaDisaster.org/SWAW/2011. For more information on the Florida Division of Emergency Management and to GET A PLAN!, please visit: www.FloridaDisaster.org. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/flsertinfo or join our blog at: http://flsertinfo.blogspot.com/.
For more information on Florida’s 2011 Severe Weather Awareness Week go to www.FloridaDisaster.org/SWAW/2011. For more information on the Florida Division of Emergency Management and to GET A PLAN!, please visit: www.FloridaDisaster.org. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/flsertinfo or join our blog at: http://flsertinfo.blogspot.com/.
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