TALLAHASSEE- -Florida emergency management officials strongly urge residents and visitors to the Sunshine State to use caution this weekend as afternoon temperatures could climb near or over 100 degrees. Weekend forecast temperatures are expected to remain in the 95-100 degree range with heat indices of 105 -115 degrees from Escambia County east to Duval County.
“Temperatures will be dangerously high across all of North Florida this weekend,” said State Meteorologist Amy Godsey. “It is vital that our residents and visitors take extreme precaution and avoid extended hours in the afternoon sun when possible.”
The National Weather Service has issued heat advisories for all counties from the Florida Panhandle through the Northern Atlantic coast due to extremely dangerous heat indices which are expected to persist for several hours. Counties included in the Heat Advisory are: Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Washington, Bay, Jackson, Calhoun, Gulf, Gadsden, Liberty, Franklin, Leon, Wakulla, Madison, Taylor, Lafayette, Dixie, Hamilton, Suwannee, Columbia, Baker, Nassau and Duval. These advisories may extend across a majority of North Florida through the weekend.
What is the Heat Index?
Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, Florida is often influenced by tropical moisture, especially during the summer months. When high humidity values combine with high temperatures, our bodies think it is hotter than it actually is. This is called the heat index. The heat index is an accurate measure of how hot it really feels when relative humidity is added to the actual air temperature. When the heat index reaches more than 105 degrees Fahrenheit, conditions become dangerous for the general population.
A person can experience sunstroke, heat craps, heat exhaustion and even heatstroke if exposed to these conditions for a long period of time. The National Weather Service will issue heat advisories and warnings when the combination of heat and humidity causes the heat index to reach extreme levels.
Heat Safety Tips
- Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun’s energy. It is also a good idea to wear a hat or to use an umbrella.
- Drink water. Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body.
- Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid high-protein foods, which increase metabolic heat.
- Slow down and avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day – morning hours between 4 and 7 a.m.
- Stay indoors when possible. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine. Remember that electric fans do not cool, they simply circulate the air.
- Be a good neighbor. Check in on elderly residents in your neighborhood and those who do not have air conditioning.
- Don’t forget your pets. Make sure they have access to water, ventilation and shade.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Tropical Depression 3 Media Advisory - July 22, 2010
MESSAGE OF THE DAY
“Residents across South Florida are urged to follow the progress of Tropical Depression Three, heed local advisories, and be prepared to implement their family disaster plans,” said David Halstead, Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management. “All Floridians should continue to follow the activity in the tropics and take this time to update their plans and check their disaster survival kits.”
NEW INFORMATION- 11A.M.
o South Florida residents and visitors need to closely follow Tropical Depression Three and be prepared to implement their disaster plans.
o Mobile home residents and visitors need to heed any local evacuation orders, if issued.
o Mariners need to make preparations to secure their vessels in safe harbor.
o Residents should review their family disaster plans and ensure their disaster survival kits are fully stocked. Residents should also remember to plan for their pets.
o In light of Tropical Depression Three, supplemental Tier 3 boom is currently being removed from Escambia through Franklin counties and will be redeployed if further oil spill impacts are projected. Some Tier 1 and 2 boom is also being removed at the direction of Unified Command Mobile and Branch offices.
CURRENT SITUATION / STATE ACTIONS
o The National Hurricane Center has begun issuing advisories on newly formed Tropical Depression Three, located about 405 miles east-southeast of Key Largo, Florida.
o Maximum sustained winds are near 35mph and Tropical Depression Three is forecast to become Tropical Storm Bonnie later today.
o A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect along the South Florida coast between Golden Beach and Bonita Beach, which covers all of Miami-Dade, Monroe and Collier counties. Tropical Storm Watches are in effect along the east coast of Florida north of Golden Beach to Jupiter Inlet, which includes all of Broward and Palm Beach counties. A Tropical Storm Watch is also in effect for Lake Okeechobee.
o A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39-73mph) are expected in the warning area within 36 hours. A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area generally within 48 hours.
o Heavy rainfall will likely be the greatest threat, with 2-4 inches possible across portions of southern Florida and the Treasure Coast, with higher amounts up to 6 inches possible in very localized areas.
o Ocean swells and high winds from the storm may also produce gusty winds, frequent and dangerous rip currents, and possibly isolated tornadoes.
o The official forecast from the National Hurricane Center brings the center of Tropical Depression Three into the Florida Straits on Friday, possibly making landfall near Key West Friday afternoon. The system will emerge into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico late Friday before turning northwest, making a second landfall as a tropical storm near southwestern Louisiana or eastern Texas in 3-4 days.
o The State EOC in Tallahassee is at a Level 1, or full activation in response to the Deepwater Horizon incident.
BE SMART, BE SAFE, BE A SURVIVOR! Go to www.FloridaDisaster.org today to create a personal or family disaster plan. All students, teachers and parents can find educational information and free downloadable materials at: www.KidsGetAPlan.com.
“Residents across South Florida are urged to follow the progress of Tropical Depression Three, heed local advisories, and be prepared to implement their family disaster plans,” said David Halstead, Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management. “All Floridians should continue to follow the activity in the tropics and take this time to update their plans and check their disaster survival kits.”
NEW INFORMATION- 11A.M.
o South Florida residents and visitors need to closely follow Tropical Depression Three and be prepared to implement their disaster plans.
o Mobile home residents and visitors need to heed any local evacuation orders, if issued.
o Mariners need to make preparations to secure their vessels in safe harbor.
o Residents should review their family disaster plans and ensure their disaster survival kits are fully stocked. Residents should also remember to plan for their pets.
o In light of Tropical Depression Three, supplemental Tier 3 boom is currently being removed from Escambia through Franklin counties and will be redeployed if further oil spill impacts are projected. Some Tier 1 and 2 boom is also being removed at the direction of Unified Command Mobile and Branch offices.
CURRENT SITUATION / STATE ACTIONS
o The National Hurricane Center has begun issuing advisories on newly formed Tropical Depression Three, located about 405 miles east-southeast of Key Largo, Florida.
o Maximum sustained winds are near 35mph and Tropical Depression Three is forecast to become Tropical Storm Bonnie later today.
o A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect along the South Florida coast between Golden Beach and Bonita Beach, which covers all of Miami-Dade, Monroe and Collier counties. Tropical Storm Watches are in effect along the east coast of Florida north of Golden Beach to Jupiter Inlet, which includes all of Broward and Palm Beach counties. A Tropical Storm Watch is also in effect for Lake Okeechobee.
o A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39-73mph) are expected in the warning area within 36 hours. A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area generally within 48 hours.
o Heavy rainfall will likely be the greatest threat, with 2-4 inches possible across portions of southern Florida and the Treasure Coast, with higher amounts up to 6 inches possible in very localized areas.
o Ocean swells and high winds from the storm may also produce gusty winds, frequent and dangerous rip currents, and possibly isolated tornadoes.
o The official forecast from the National Hurricane Center brings the center of Tropical Depression Three into the Florida Straits on Friday, possibly making landfall near Key West Friday afternoon. The system will emerge into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico late Friday before turning northwest, making a second landfall as a tropical storm near southwestern Louisiana or eastern Texas in 3-4 days.
o The State EOC in Tallahassee is at a Level 1, or full activation in response to the Deepwater Horizon incident.
BE SMART, BE SAFE, BE A SURVIVOR! Go to www.FloridaDisaster.org today to create a personal or family disaster plan. All students, teachers and parents can find educational information and free downloadable materials at: www.KidsGetAPlan.com.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
FLORIDA DEEPWATER HORIZON RESPONSE JULY 7, 2010
Under the leadership of Governor Charlie Crist, the State Emergency Response Team and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) are actively coordinating and responding to the Deepwater Horizon incident.
The following is a summary of state and BP response actions to date, as well as tips for residents and visitors to take precautions both pre and post-landfall.
Landfall Reports and Predictions:
· Tar balls, tar patties and sheen have been reported in Northwest Florida, though fewer impacts have been observed due to westward-moving winds and ocean currents. View the latest reconnaissance reports here.
· Continued impacts will be possible in Northwest Florida over the next 72-hours, likely in the form of tar balls and tar patties.
· Nearly 90 percent of Florida’s more than more than 1260 miles of coastline remains unimpacted.
· If oil is sighted on Florida’s coastline report it to the State Warning Point at 1-877-2-SAVE-FL (1-877-272-8335) or by dialing #DEP from most cell phones.
· Pensacola Pass as well as Perdido Pass will continue to be closed with the tide to reduce the amount of oil entering inland waters. These waterways are manned to allow access to necessary vessel traffic and are open for vessel traffic during low tide. See NOAA tide predictions.
· Observations by NOAA continue to indicate no significant amounts of oil moving toward the Loop Current. The Loop Current Ring, a circular current which was formerly part of the Loop Current provides no clear path for oil to enter the Florida Straits.
· There have been no reports of Deepwater Horizon oil spill-related products reaching the shore beyond the Northwest Florida region. There is no indication that the rest of the state will have impacts from weathered oil products within the next 72 hours.
The National Hurricane Center is currently monitoring a tropical wave located near the northwestern Yucatan Peninsula. This wave has been given a 40% chance of developing into a tropical depression by Friday before moving onto the Texas or Mexico coast.
On Site Actions:
· Current projections estimate Deepwater Horizon’s discharge at 35,000 to 60,000 barrels per day. Learn more.
· BP is continuing its efforts to contain the leak and capture a substantial amount of leaking oil from the use of the Lower Marine Riser Package (LMRP) Cap Containment System. Get daily oil collection numbers here.
· BP continues efforts to drill two relief wells.
State Actions:
· The State Emergency Operations Center is activated at Level 1.
· Five state-leased skimmers continue to operate in Northwest Florida to protect sensitive inland water bodies. These skimmers are operating at the passes in Escambia, Okaloosa, Bay, Gulf and Franklin Counties.
DEP continues to conduct water sampling monitoring to establish baseline conditions throughout the state. Learn more about sampling and results at www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/water.htm.
· DEP's Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas is conducting water sampling under the Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) process. Learn more.
· Real-time sampling data from statewide air quality monitoring can be viewed at http://www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/air.htm. Air quality reports for July 6 revealed that air quality was considered good for ozone and fine particulate concentrations in Northwest Florida. “Good” means the air quality is satisfactory and air pollution poses little or no risk.
Boom Placement:
· Approximately 435,600 feet of hard boom and 7,760 feet of sorbent boom has been placed in Northwest Florida along the most sensitive areas. Additionally, counties in the region are moving forward with supplemental booming plans. As of July 6, 316,261 feet of supplemental boom has been deployed or staged by Florida contractors.
Health Effects:
There are Oil Impact Notices posted for all Escambia and Walton County Gulf beaches, as well as designated beaches in Okaloosa County. Signs may remain in place until local authorities determine that beaches are no longer impacted by the oil spill. Learn more.
· If residents or visitors see tar or oiled debris on the beach, DO NOT PICK IT UP. For most people, an occasional brief contact with a small amount of oil will not cause any harm, however it is not recommended. Learn more.
Fisheries & Seafood:
· On July 4, NOAA revised the commercial and recreational fishing closure in the oil impacted areas of the Gulf of Mexico. The new closure measures 81,181 square miles. This federal closure does not apply to any state waters and still leaves approximately 66 percent of Gulf federal waters available for fishing. Learn more.
· A portion of coastal state waters offshore of Escambia County is closed to the harvest of saltwater fish, crabs and shrimp. Learn more.
· To report oiled wildlife, please call 1-866-557-1401. For the safety of the public as well as the safety of animals, rescues should only be conducted by trained responders. Learn more.
· Visit http://bpdecon.com for a list of vessel decontamination locations for oiled boats within the U.S. Coast Guard Mobile Sector.
Learn More About Florida’s Response:
· Visit www.deepwaterhorizonflorida.com to learn more about Florida’s response to the Deepwater Horizon incident, sign up for daily updates, view tips for businesses and consumers, and much more.
· For a list of Unified Command, BP and Florida phone numbers, visit http://www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/default.htm#numbers.
· The Oil Spill Information Line is available at 1-888-337-3569 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. seven days a week. Additional phone numbers have also been established for persons with disabilities: (800) 955-8771 (TDD) or (800) 955-8770 (voice).
The following is a summary of state and BP response actions to date, as well as tips for residents and visitors to take precautions both pre and post-landfall.
Landfall Reports and Predictions:
· Tar balls, tar patties and sheen have been reported in Northwest Florida, though fewer impacts have been observed due to westward-moving winds and ocean currents. View the latest reconnaissance reports here.
· Continued impacts will be possible in Northwest Florida over the next 72-hours, likely in the form of tar balls and tar patties.
· Nearly 90 percent of Florida’s more than more than 1260 miles of coastline remains unimpacted.
· If oil is sighted on Florida’s coastline report it to the State Warning Point at 1-877-2-SAVE-FL (1-877-272-8335) or by dialing #DEP from most cell phones.
· Pensacola Pass as well as Perdido Pass will continue to be closed with the tide to reduce the amount of oil entering inland waters. These waterways are manned to allow access to necessary vessel traffic and are open for vessel traffic during low tide. See NOAA tide predictions.
· Observations by NOAA continue to indicate no significant amounts of oil moving toward the Loop Current. The Loop Current Ring, a circular current which was formerly part of the Loop Current provides no clear path for oil to enter the Florida Straits.
· There have been no reports of Deepwater Horizon oil spill-related products reaching the shore beyond the Northwest Florida region. There is no indication that the rest of the state will have impacts from weathered oil products within the next 72 hours.
The National Hurricane Center is currently monitoring a tropical wave located near the northwestern Yucatan Peninsula. This wave has been given a 40% chance of developing into a tropical depression by Friday before moving onto the Texas or Mexico coast.
On Site Actions:
· Current projections estimate Deepwater Horizon’s discharge at 35,000 to 60,000 barrels per day. Learn more.
· BP is continuing its efforts to contain the leak and capture a substantial amount of leaking oil from the use of the Lower Marine Riser Package (LMRP) Cap Containment System. Get daily oil collection numbers here.
· BP continues efforts to drill two relief wells.
State Actions:
· The State Emergency Operations Center is activated at Level 1.
· Five state-leased skimmers continue to operate in Northwest Florida to protect sensitive inland water bodies. These skimmers are operating at the passes in Escambia, Okaloosa, Bay, Gulf and Franklin Counties.
DEP continues to conduct water sampling monitoring to establish baseline conditions throughout the state. Learn more about sampling and results at www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/water.htm.
· DEP's Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas is conducting water sampling under the Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) process. Learn more.
· Real-time sampling data from statewide air quality monitoring can be viewed at http://www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/air.htm. Air quality reports for July 6 revealed that air quality was considered good for ozone and fine particulate concentrations in Northwest Florida. “Good” means the air quality is satisfactory and air pollution poses little or no risk.
Boom Placement:
· Approximately 435,600 feet of hard boom and 7,760 feet of sorbent boom has been placed in Northwest Florida along the most sensitive areas. Additionally, counties in the region are moving forward with supplemental booming plans. As of July 6, 316,261 feet of supplemental boom has been deployed or staged by Florida contractors.
Health Effects:
There are Oil Impact Notices posted for all Escambia and Walton County Gulf beaches, as well as designated beaches in Okaloosa County. Signs may remain in place until local authorities determine that beaches are no longer impacted by the oil spill. Learn more.
· If residents or visitors see tar or oiled debris on the beach, DO NOT PICK IT UP. For most people, an occasional brief contact with a small amount of oil will not cause any harm, however it is not recommended. Learn more.
Fisheries & Seafood:
· On July 4, NOAA revised the commercial and recreational fishing closure in the oil impacted areas of the Gulf of Mexico. The new closure measures 81,181 square miles. This federal closure does not apply to any state waters and still leaves approximately 66 percent of Gulf federal waters available for fishing. Learn more.
· A portion of coastal state waters offshore of Escambia County is closed to the harvest of saltwater fish, crabs and shrimp. Learn more.
· To report oiled wildlife, please call 1-866-557-1401. For the safety of the public as well as the safety of animals, rescues should only be conducted by trained responders. Learn more.
· Visit http://bpdecon.com for a list of vessel decontamination locations for oiled boats within the U.S. Coast Guard Mobile Sector.
Learn More About Florida’s Response:
· Visit www.deepwaterhorizonflorida.com to learn more about Florida’s response to the Deepwater Horizon incident, sign up for daily updates, view tips for businesses and consumers, and much more.
· For a list of Unified Command, BP and Florida phone numbers, visit http://www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/default.htm#numbers.
· The Oil Spill Information Line is available at 1-888-337-3569 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. seven days a week. Additional phone numbers have also been established for persons with disabilities: (800) 955-8771 (TDD) or (800) 955-8770 (voice).
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
HIGH RISK OF DANGEROUS RIP CURRENTS EXPECTED TODAY THROUGH THURSDAY ALONG THE PANHANDLE COAST
Florida Division of Emergency Management officials are urging residents and visitors to the beaches of Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Bay, Gulf and Franklin counties to use caution today through Thursday as a moderate to 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 this week,” said State Meteorologist Amy Godsey. “Strong winds combined with increasing swells from the tropical system in the southern Gulf of Mexico will result in 4 to 6 foot seas near the coast and make beach conditions very dangerous along the Florida Panhandle and western Florida Big Bend coastline through at least Thursday. We strongly urge beachgoers to heed local officials’ warnings and stay out of the water where red flags are flying."
A rip current is a narrow, powerful current of water running 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. Rip currents can often move at more than 5 miles per hour (8 kilometers per hour) or faster. 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.
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. 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/.
“Beachgoers and surfers should be very cautious along the Northwest Florida coast this week,” said State Meteorologist Amy Godsey. “Strong winds combined with increasing swells from the tropical system in the southern Gulf of Mexico will result in 4 to 6 foot seas near the coast and make beach conditions very dangerous along the Florida Panhandle and western Florida Big Bend coastline through at least Thursday. We strongly urge beachgoers to heed local officials’ warnings and stay out of the water where red flags are flying."
A rip current is a narrow, powerful current of water running 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. Rip currents can often move at more than 5 miles per hour (8 kilometers per hour) or faster. 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.
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. 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/.
FLORIDA DEEPWATER HORIZON RESPONSE JULY 6, 2010
Under the leadership of Governor Charlie Crist, the State Emergency Response Team and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) are actively coordinating and responding to the Deepwater Horizon incident.
The following is a summary of state and BP response actions to date, as well as tips for residents and visitors to take precautions both pre and post-landfall.
Landfall Reports and Predictions:
· Tar balls, tar patties and sheen have been reported in Northwest Florida, though fewer impacts have been observed due to westward-moving winds and ocean currents. View the latest reconnaissance reports here.
· Continued impacts will be possible in Northwest Florida over the next 72-hours, likely in the form of tar balls and tar patties.
· Nearly 90 percent of Florida’s coastline remains unimpacted.
· If oil is sighted on Florida’s coastline report it to the State Warning Point at 1-877-2-SAVE-FL (1-877-272-8335) or by dialing #DEP from most cell phones.
· Pensacola Pass as well as Perdido Pass will continue to be closed with the tide to reduce the amount of oil entering inland waters. These waterways are manned to allow access to necessary vessel traffic and are open for vessel traffic during low tide. See NOAA tide predictions.
· Observations by NOAA continue to indicate no significant amounts of oil moving toward the Loop Current. The Loop Current Ring, a circular current which was formerly part of the Loop Current provides no clear path for oil to enter the Florida Straits.
· There have been no reports of Deepwater Horizon oil spill-related products reaching the shore beyond the Northwest Florida region. There is no indication that the rest of the state will have impacts from weathered oil products within the next 72 hours.
There are currently two tropical waves being monitored for tropical development by the National Hurricane Center. A small tropical wave south of Louisiana has a 0% chance of development. Environmental conditions near a tropical wave in the Yucatan Channel are more favorable for development. This wave has a 30% chance of becoming a tropical depression by Thursday.
On Site Actions:
· Current projections estimate Deepwater Horizon’s discharge at 35,000 to 60,000 barrels per day. Learn more.
· BP is continuing its efforts to contain the leak and capture a substantial amount of leaking oil from the use of the Lower Marine Riser Package (LMRP) Cap Containment System. Get daily oil collection numbers here.
· BP continues efforts to drill two relief wells.
State Actions:
· The State Emergency Operations Center is activated at Level 1.
· Five state-leased skimmers continue to operate in Northwest Florida to protect sensitive inland water bodies. These skimmers are operating at the passes in Escambia, Okaloosa, Bay, Gulf and Franklin Counties.
DEP continues to conduct water sampling monitoring to establish baseline conditions throughout the state. Learn more about sampling and results at www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/water.htm.
· DEP's Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas is conducting water sampling under the Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) process. Learn more.
· Real-time sampling data from statewide air quality monitoring can be viewed at http://www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/air.htm. Air quality reports for July 5 revealed that air quality was considered good for ozone and fine particulate concentrations in Northwest Florida. “Good” means the air quality is satisfactory and air pollution poses little or no risk.
Boom Placement:
· Approximately 419,600 feet of hard boom and 7,760 feet of sorbent boom has been placed in Northwest Florida along the most sensitive areas. Additionally, counties in the region are moving forward with supplemental booming plans. As of July 5, 316,261 feet of supplemental boom has been deployed or staged by Florida contractors.
Health Effects:
· There are Oil Impact Notices posted for all Escambia and Walton County Gulf beaches. Signs may remain in place until local authorities determine that beaches are no longer impacted by the oil spill. Learn more.
· If residents or visitors see tar or oiled debris on the beach, DO NOT PICK IT UP. For most people, an occasional brief contact with a small amount of oil will not cause any harm, however it is not recommended. Learn more.
Fisheries & Seafood:
· On July 4, NOAA revised the commercial and recreational fishing closure in the oil impacted areas of the Gulf of Mexico. The new closure measures 81,181 square miles. This federal closure does not apply to any state waters and still leaves approximately 66 percent of Gulf federal waters available for fishing. Learn more.
· A portion of coastal state waters offshore of Escambia County is closed to the harvest of saltwater fish, crabs and shrimp. Learn more.
· To report oiled wildlife, please call 1-866-557-1401. For the safety of the public as well as the safety of animals, rescues should only be conducted by trained responders. Learn more.
· Visit http://bpdecon.com for a list of vessel decontamination locations for oiled boats within the U.S. Coast Guard Mobile Sector.
Learn More About Florida’s Response:
· Visit www.deepwaterhorizonflorida.com to learn more about Florida’s response to the Deepwater Horizon incident, sign up for daily updates, view tips for businesses and consumers, and much more.
· For a list of Unified Command, BP and Florida phone numbers, visit http://www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/default.htm#numbers.
· The Oil Spill Information Line is available at 1-888-337-3569 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. seven days a week. Additional phone numbers have also been established for persons with disabilities: (800) 955-8771 (TDD) or (800) 955-8770 (voice).
The following is a summary of state and BP response actions to date, as well as tips for residents and visitors to take precautions both pre and post-landfall.
Landfall Reports and Predictions:
· Tar balls, tar patties and sheen have been reported in Northwest Florida, though fewer impacts have been observed due to westward-moving winds and ocean currents. View the latest reconnaissance reports here.
· Continued impacts will be possible in Northwest Florida over the next 72-hours, likely in the form of tar balls and tar patties.
· Nearly 90 percent of Florida’s coastline remains unimpacted.
· If oil is sighted on Florida’s coastline report it to the State Warning Point at 1-877-2-SAVE-FL (1-877-272-8335) or by dialing #DEP from most cell phones.
· Pensacola Pass as well as Perdido Pass will continue to be closed with the tide to reduce the amount of oil entering inland waters. These waterways are manned to allow access to necessary vessel traffic and are open for vessel traffic during low tide. See NOAA tide predictions.
· Observations by NOAA continue to indicate no significant amounts of oil moving toward the Loop Current. The Loop Current Ring, a circular current which was formerly part of the Loop Current provides no clear path for oil to enter the Florida Straits.
· There have been no reports of Deepwater Horizon oil spill-related products reaching the shore beyond the Northwest Florida region. There is no indication that the rest of the state will have impacts from weathered oil products within the next 72 hours.
There are currently two tropical waves being monitored for tropical development by the National Hurricane Center. A small tropical wave south of Louisiana has a 0% chance of development. Environmental conditions near a tropical wave in the Yucatan Channel are more favorable for development. This wave has a 30% chance of becoming a tropical depression by Thursday.
On Site Actions:
· Current projections estimate Deepwater Horizon’s discharge at 35,000 to 60,000 barrels per day. Learn more.
· BP is continuing its efforts to contain the leak and capture a substantial amount of leaking oil from the use of the Lower Marine Riser Package (LMRP) Cap Containment System. Get daily oil collection numbers here.
· BP continues efforts to drill two relief wells.
State Actions:
· The State Emergency Operations Center is activated at Level 1.
· Five state-leased skimmers continue to operate in Northwest Florida to protect sensitive inland water bodies. These skimmers are operating at the passes in Escambia, Okaloosa, Bay, Gulf and Franklin Counties.
DEP continues to conduct water sampling monitoring to establish baseline conditions throughout the state. Learn more about sampling and results at www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/water.htm.
· DEP's Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas is conducting water sampling under the Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) process. Learn more.
· Real-time sampling data from statewide air quality monitoring can be viewed at http://www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/air.htm. Air quality reports for July 5 revealed that air quality was considered good for ozone and fine particulate concentrations in Northwest Florida. “Good” means the air quality is satisfactory and air pollution poses little or no risk.
Boom Placement:
· Approximately 419,600 feet of hard boom and 7,760 feet of sorbent boom has been placed in Northwest Florida along the most sensitive areas. Additionally, counties in the region are moving forward with supplemental booming plans. As of July 5, 316,261 feet of supplemental boom has been deployed or staged by Florida contractors.
Health Effects:
· There are Oil Impact Notices posted for all Escambia and Walton County Gulf beaches. Signs may remain in place until local authorities determine that beaches are no longer impacted by the oil spill. Learn more.
· If residents or visitors see tar or oiled debris on the beach, DO NOT PICK IT UP. For most people, an occasional brief contact with a small amount of oil will not cause any harm, however it is not recommended. Learn more.
Fisheries & Seafood:
· On July 4, NOAA revised the commercial and recreational fishing closure in the oil impacted areas of the Gulf of Mexico. The new closure measures 81,181 square miles. This federal closure does not apply to any state waters and still leaves approximately 66 percent of Gulf federal waters available for fishing. Learn more.
· A portion of coastal state waters offshore of Escambia County is closed to the harvest of saltwater fish, crabs and shrimp. Learn more.
· To report oiled wildlife, please call 1-866-557-1401. For the safety of the public as well as the safety of animals, rescues should only be conducted by trained responders. Learn more.
· Visit http://bpdecon.com for a list of vessel decontamination locations for oiled boats within the U.S. Coast Guard Mobile Sector.
Learn More About Florida’s Response:
· Visit www.deepwaterhorizonflorida.com to learn more about Florida’s response to the Deepwater Horizon incident, sign up for daily updates, view tips for businesses and consumers, and much more.
· For a list of Unified Command, BP and Florida phone numbers, visit http://www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/default.htm#numbers.
· The Oil Spill Information Line is available at 1-888-337-3569 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. seven days a week. Additional phone numbers have also been established for persons with disabilities: (800) 955-8771 (TDD) or (800) 955-8770 (voice).
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