State officials are urging residents and visitors throughout Florida to prepare for temperatures near or below the freezing mark next week. Temperatures could reach the lower 20s away from the coast across northern Florida and near the freezing mark as far south as Lake Okeechobee.
“An arctic cold front will move through the state this weekend and result in much cooler morning temperatures. The colder airmass behind this front will produce a widespread freeze across much of Florida this weekend as well as many mornings next week,” said Meteorologist Amy Godsey. “Residents and visitors across the state should prepare for an unusually long period of freezing or subfreezing temperatures each morning that could harm vegetation, pipes, animals and people.”
Durations of freezing temperatures will range from 5-7 hours inland and 2-4 hours near the coast. Freeze Warnings could be issued for a large portion of Florida, with Hard Freeze Warnings likely for much of North Florida through the middle of next week.
Residents and visitors should remember the "Five P's" of cold weather safety. The “5 P’s” are: Protecting People, Protecting Plants, Protecting Pets, Protecting Exposed Pipes, and Practicing Fire Safety.
The following actions are important safety measures:
Stay indoors and use safe heating sources.
Be aware of the fire danger from space heaters and candles, keep such devices away from all flammable materials such as curtains and furniture, and install recommended smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Indoors: Do not use charcoal or other fuel-burning devices, such as grills that produce carbon monoxide. Install at least one carbon monoxide detector per floor in your home.
Outdoors: Stay dry and in wind-protected areas.
Wear multiple layers of loose-fitting, warm clothing.
Drink non-alcoholic fluids.
Shelter or bring inside animals, especially pets.
###
Thursday, December 31, 2009
SBA APPROVES DISASTER LOAN PROGRAMS FOR BROWARD COUNTY
Governor Charlie Crist and Florida emergency management officials today announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved disaster loan funds for Broward County residents and businesses in response to the severe storms and flooding that occurred on December 17-18, 2009.
“We are grateful to Administrator Mills, Director Skaggs and our federal partners at the SBA for granting this needed disaster assistance to South Floridians,” said Governor Crist. “The SBA Disaster Assistance Loan Program is an excellent resource for homeowners, renters and businesses as they work to recover.”
"Disasters do not always occur within single jurisdictional boundaries,” said David Halstead, interim deputy director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management. “Under the declaration, residents and businesses in Broward and the contiguous counties of Miami-Dade, Collier, Palm Beach and Hendry are eligible to apply for loans if they suffered physical property damage or economic injury.”
The SBA offers loans of up to $200,000 to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for loans of up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property. Interest rates on the loans can be as low as 2.562 percent for homeowners and renters, to 4 percent for businesses. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.
“We are thankful to have received this declaration,” said Broward County Emergency Management Director, Chuck Lanza. “The SBA’s rapid response will give affected residents and businesses in South Florida access to low-interest loan programs to begin the rebuilding process.”
Loan applications for physical damages can be filed until the close of business on March 1, 2010. Loan applications for economic injury can be filed until the close of business on September 29, 2010.
Small Business Administration customer service representatives will be on hand at the following location at the times listed below:
Broward County
Town of Pembroke Park – City Hall
3150 SW 52nd Avenue
Pembroke Park, Florida 33023
Opens: Tuesday, January 5 at 8:30 a.m.
Open: Tuesday, January 5 – Thursday, January 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Closed Saturday, January 9 and Sunday, January 10)
Closing: Thursday, January 14 at the close of business
Individuals and businesses unable to come to the loan center in person may obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the hearing impaired), Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EDT.
Affected business owners and residents can visit the SBA Web site at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance or send an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information. Florida residents affected by the severe storms and flooding may apply for disaster loans from SBA’s secure Web site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/. Completed applications should be returned to the Center or mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
For more information on the Florida Division of Emergency Management and to GET A PLAN!, please visit: www.FloridaDisaster.org. All students, teachers and parents can find educational information and free downloadable materials at: www.KidsGetAPlan.com. And for the latest flash reports go to: www.YouTube.com/FloridaSERT.
“We are grateful to Administrator Mills, Director Skaggs and our federal partners at the SBA for granting this needed disaster assistance to South Floridians,” said Governor Crist. “The SBA Disaster Assistance Loan Program is an excellent resource for homeowners, renters and businesses as they work to recover.”
"Disasters do not always occur within single jurisdictional boundaries,” said David Halstead, interim deputy director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management. “Under the declaration, residents and businesses in Broward and the contiguous counties of Miami-Dade, Collier, Palm Beach and Hendry are eligible to apply for loans if they suffered physical property damage or economic injury.”
The SBA offers loans of up to $200,000 to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for loans of up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property. Interest rates on the loans can be as low as 2.562 percent for homeowners and renters, to 4 percent for businesses. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.
“We are thankful to have received this declaration,” said Broward County Emergency Management Director, Chuck Lanza. “The SBA’s rapid response will give affected residents and businesses in South Florida access to low-interest loan programs to begin the rebuilding process.”
Loan applications for physical damages can be filed until the close of business on March 1, 2010. Loan applications for economic injury can be filed until the close of business on September 29, 2010.
Small Business Administration customer service representatives will be on hand at the following location at the times listed below:
Broward County
Town of Pembroke Park – City Hall
3150 SW 52nd Avenue
Pembroke Park, Florida 33023
Opens: Tuesday, January 5 at 8:30 a.m.
Open: Tuesday, January 5 – Thursday, January 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Closed Saturday, January 9 and Sunday, January 10)
Closing: Thursday, January 14 at the close of business
Individuals and businesses unable to come to the loan center in person may obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the hearing impaired), Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EDT.
Affected business owners and residents can visit the SBA Web site at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance or send an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information. Florida residents affected by the severe storms and flooding may apply for disaster loans from SBA’s secure Web site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/. Completed applications should be returned to the Center or mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
For more information on the Florida Division of Emergency Management and to GET A PLAN!, please visit: www.FloridaDisaster.org. All students, teachers and parents can find educational information and free downloadable materials at: www.KidsGetAPlan.com. And for the latest flash reports go to: www.YouTube.com/FloridaSERT.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Colder Temperatures Expected Across Northern Florida This Weekend
North Floridians should remember the "Five P's" of cold weather safety.
State officials are urging residents and visitors in Northern Florida to prepare for temperatures near or below the freezing mark across much of the Florida Panhandle, Big Bend and Nature Coast. Temperatures could reach as low as the mid to upper 20s away from the coast.
“Residents and visitors to the state are encouraged to prepare for this anticipated long stretch of cold winter temperatures,” said Meteorologist Amy Godsey. “Even colder nighttime temperatures are expected early next week.”
Durations of freezing temperatures will range from 5-7 hours inland and 2-4 hours near the coast. Freeze Warnings will likely be issued for a large portion of North Florida. Freezing temperatures are not expected across Central and South Florida, but some inland locations could experience low temperatures in the mid-30s each night. In addition, the combination of colder temperatures and north winds could produce cold wind chill values in the low and mid 30s as far south as Lake Okeechobee each morning. Wind Chill Advisories may be issued throughout the weekend for some of these areas.
North Floridians should remember the "Five P's" of cold weather safety. The “5 P’s” are: Protecting People, Protecting Plants, Protecting Pets, Protecting Exposed Pipes, and Practicing Fire Safety.
The following actions are important safety measures:
Stay indoors and use safe heating sources.
Be aware of the fire danger from space heaters and candles, keep such devices away from all flammable materials such as curtains and furniture, and install recommended smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Indoors: Do not use charcoal or other fuel-burning devices, such as grills that produce carbon monoxide. Install at least one carbon monoxide detector per floor in your home.
Outdoors: Stay dry and in wind-protected areas.
Wear multiple layers of loose-fitting, warm clothing.
Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids.
For more information on the Florida Division of Emergency Management and to GET A PLAN!, please visit: www.FloridaDisaster.org. All students, teachers and parents can find educational information and free downloadable materials at: www.KidsGetAPlan.com. And for the latest situation and flash reports go to: www.YouTube.com/FloridaSERT.
###
State officials are urging residents and visitors in Northern Florida to prepare for temperatures near or below the freezing mark across much of the Florida Panhandle, Big Bend and Nature Coast. Temperatures could reach as low as the mid to upper 20s away from the coast.
“Residents and visitors to the state are encouraged to prepare for this anticipated long stretch of cold winter temperatures,” said Meteorologist Amy Godsey. “Even colder nighttime temperatures are expected early next week.”
Durations of freezing temperatures will range from 5-7 hours inland and 2-4 hours near the coast. Freeze Warnings will likely be issued for a large portion of North Florida. Freezing temperatures are not expected across Central and South Florida, but some inland locations could experience low temperatures in the mid-30s each night. In addition, the combination of colder temperatures and north winds could produce cold wind chill values in the low and mid 30s as far south as Lake Okeechobee each morning. Wind Chill Advisories may be issued throughout the weekend for some of these areas.
North Floridians should remember the "Five P's" of cold weather safety. The “5 P’s” are: Protecting People, Protecting Plants, Protecting Pets, Protecting Exposed Pipes, and Practicing Fire Safety.
The following actions are important safety measures:
Stay indoors and use safe heating sources.
Be aware of the fire danger from space heaters and candles, keep such devices away from all flammable materials such as curtains and furniture, and install recommended smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Indoors: Do not use charcoal or other fuel-burning devices, such as grills that produce carbon monoxide. Install at least one carbon monoxide detector per floor in your home.
Outdoors: Stay dry and in wind-protected areas.
Wear multiple layers of loose-fitting, warm clothing.
Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids.
For more information on the Florida Division of Emergency Management and to GET A PLAN!, please visit: www.FloridaDisaster.org. All students, teachers and parents can find educational information and free downloadable materials at: www.KidsGetAPlan.com. And for the latest situation and flash reports go to: www.YouTube.com/FloridaSERT.
###
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
HIGH RISK OF RIP CURRENTS TODAY ALONG THE SPACE AND TREASURE COASTS
DANGEROUS RIP CURRENTS EXPECTED TODAY IN
VOLUSIA, BREVARD, INDIAN RIVER, SAINT LUCIE AND MARTIN COUNTIES
Florida Division of Emergency Management officials are urging beachgoers in Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin counties to use caution today as a high risk of dangerous rip currents is expected along the Atlantic coast. When red flags are flying beachgoers need to be aware that swimming can be dangerous.
“Rip currents can be life threatening to anyone entering the water,” Acting State Meteorologist Amy Godsey said. “We strongly urge beachgoers to check the rip current outlook and remember the warning flag signs before going into the water. Beachgoers should stay out of the water when 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.
Rip currents are responsible for about 150 deaths every year in the United States. In Florida, they 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.
Beachgoers should take the following precautionary and preparedness actions:
· Swim at guarded beaches and heed to the advice of beach patrol.
· If caught in the seaward pull of a rip current do not attempt to move directly toward shore. Instead move sideways across the rip currents until the pull eases.
· If a lifeguard is not available, have someone call 9-1-1.
· Throw the rip current victim something that floats: a lifejacket, a cooler or inflatable ball.
· Yell instructions on how to escape.
· Never go into the water alone, and if you aren’t a strong swimmer, stick to shallow waters (although shallow waters can be dangerous too for weak swimmers).
· Only swim in areas where there is a lifeguard or strong swimmers on the beach who can keep a safe eye on you.
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. For the latest weekly situation and flash reports go to: www.YouTube.com/FloridaSERT or join our blog at: http://flsertinfo.blogspot.com/.
VOLUSIA, BREVARD, INDIAN RIVER, SAINT LUCIE AND MARTIN COUNTIES
Florida Division of Emergency Management officials are urging beachgoers in Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin counties to use caution today as a high risk of dangerous rip currents is expected along the Atlantic coast. When red flags are flying beachgoers need to be aware that swimming can be dangerous.
“Rip currents can be life threatening to anyone entering the water,” Acting State Meteorologist Amy Godsey said. “We strongly urge beachgoers to check the rip current outlook and remember the warning flag signs before going into the water. Beachgoers should stay out of the water when 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.
Rip currents are responsible for about 150 deaths every year in the United States. In Florida, they 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.
Beachgoers should take the following precautionary and preparedness actions:
· Swim at guarded beaches and heed to the advice of beach patrol.
· If caught in the seaward pull of a rip current do not attempt to move directly toward shore. Instead move sideways across the rip currents until the pull eases.
· If a lifeguard is not available, have someone call 9-1-1.
· Throw the rip current victim something that floats: a lifejacket, a cooler or inflatable ball.
· Yell instructions on how to escape.
· Never go into the water alone, and if you aren’t a strong swimmer, stick to shallow waters (although shallow waters can be dangerous too for weak swimmers).
· Only swim in areas where there is a lifeguard or strong swimmers on the beach who can keep a safe eye on you.
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. For the latest weekly situation and flash reports go to: www.YouTube.com/FloridaSERT or join our blog at: http://flsertinfo.blogspot.com/.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Freeze Watches and Warnings Tonight for Northern Florida
A reinforcing cold front will send a shot of cold and dry air into the state. Afternoon temperatures will struggle to reach the low to mid 50s across Northwest Florida, with upper 50s to low 60s expected across Northeast Florida and northern Central Florida. High temperatures in the mid 60s to mid 70s are forecast for much of Central and South Florida today.
Breezy northwest winds will surge into the state by this afternoon. Sustained winds of 10-20mph can be expected, with occasional gusts to 25-35mph. As a result, a Lake Wind Advisory has been issued for Northeast Florida from late this morning through this afternoon.
The cold air tonight will allow temperatures to reach or dip below the freezing mark across much of North Florida. Freeze Watches and Warnings are in effect across the Florida Panhandle, Big Bend, Nature Coast, and much of Northeast Florida, where temperatures in the upper 20s to low 30s are expected tonight. Durations of freezing temperatures will range from 5-7 hours inland and 2-4 hours near the coast. In addition, areas of frost will be possible. Though freezing temperatures are not expected across Central and South Florida, the combination of cool temperatures and northwest winds of 5-15mph will produce cold wind chill values ranging from the low 30s to low 40s near and north of Lake Okeechobee and mid 40s to low 50s across the remainder of mainland South Florida tonight. Wind Chill Advisories may be issued later today for some of these areas.
Ocean swells will result in a moderate to high risk of rip currents along the Florida East Coast today, mainly between Nassau and Palm Beach counties, despite offshore northwest winds today. The highest risk for rip currents will be along East Central Florida beaches. These northwesterly winds will result in a moderate risk of rip currents at West Central Florida beaches between Pinellas and Sarasota counties today.
A River Flood Warning remains in effect for flooding on the Escambia River, Apalachicola River, Aucilla River and Choctawhatchee River. All rivers have crested and are in recession. Click here to view the latest river levels.
To access the latest watches, warnings, and advisories from the National Weather Service for your county, please click here.
Weather Images Courtesy of Weather Services International
Breezy northwest winds will surge into the state by this afternoon. Sustained winds of 10-20mph can be expected, with occasional gusts to 25-35mph. As a result, a Lake Wind Advisory has been issued for Northeast Florida from late this morning through this afternoon.
The cold air tonight will allow temperatures to reach or dip below the freezing mark across much of North Florida. Freeze Watches and Warnings are in effect across the Florida Panhandle, Big Bend, Nature Coast, and much of Northeast Florida, where temperatures in the upper 20s to low 30s are expected tonight. Durations of freezing temperatures will range from 5-7 hours inland and 2-4 hours near the coast. In addition, areas of frost will be possible. Though freezing temperatures are not expected across Central and South Florida, the combination of cool temperatures and northwest winds of 5-15mph will produce cold wind chill values ranging from the low 30s to low 40s near and north of Lake Okeechobee and mid 40s to low 50s across the remainder of mainland South Florida tonight. Wind Chill Advisories may be issued later today for some of these areas.
Ocean swells will result in a moderate to high risk of rip currents along the Florida East Coast today, mainly between Nassau and Palm Beach counties, despite offshore northwest winds today. The highest risk for rip currents will be along East Central Florida beaches. These northwesterly winds will result in a moderate risk of rip currents at West Central Florida beaches between Pinellas and Sarasota counties today.
A River Flood Warning remains in effect for flooding on the Escambia River, Apalachicola River, Aucilla River and Choctawhatchee River. All rivers have crested and are in recession. Click here to view the latest river levels.
To access the latest watches, warnings, and advisories from the National Weather Service for your county, please click here.
Weather Images Courtesy of Weather Services International
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
GOVERNOR CRIST REQUESTS SBA DECLARATION FOR BROWARD COUNTY FLOOD SURVIVORS
Governor Charlie Crist today requested a disaster declaration from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to aid Broward County residents impacted by the recent severe weather and flooding rains that occurred on December 17 and 18, 2009.
“A disaster declaration from the SBA will help our fellow South Floridians repair their homes and businesses following last week’s flooding,” said Governor Crist. “We anticipate our request will result in welcome assistance for those affected.”
Preliminary damage assessments were conducted jointly by Broward County officials, the Florida Division of Emergency Management, the SBA, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The assessments indicate that 189 homes in Broward County sustained minor to major damage.
A declaration from the SBA will provide affected residents with low interest loans to repair or replace real estate, personal property, machinery, equipment, inventory and business assets that were damaged or destroyed in the disaster.
To be eligible for a disaster declaration from the SBA, 25 homes or 25 businesses (or combination thereof) must have sustained uninsured losses of 40 percent or more of the estimated fair replacement values of the damaged property. The three types of loans available from SBA include Home Disaster Loans, Business Physical Disaster Loans, and Economic Injury Disaster Loans. For more information on the SBA please go to: www.sba.gov.
For more information on the Florida Division of Emergency Management and to GET A PLAN!, please visit: www.FloridaDisaster.org. All students, teachers and parents can find educational information and free downloadable materials at: www.KidsGetAPlan.com. And for the latest situation and flash reports go to: www.YouTube.com/FloridaSERT .
###
“A disaster declaration from the SBA will help our fellow South Floridians repair their homes and businesses following last week’s flooding,” said Governor Crist. “We anticipate our request will result in welcome assistance for those affected.”
Preliminary damage assessments were conducted jointly by Broward County officials, the Florida Division of Emergency Management, the SBA, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The assessments indicate that 189 homes in Broward County sustained minor to major damage.
A declaration from the SBA will provide affected residents with low interest loans to repair or replace real estate, personal property, machinery, equipment, inventory and business assets that were damaged or destroyed in the disaster.
To be eligible for a disaster declaration from the SBA, 25 homes or 25 businesses (or combination thereof) must have sustained uninsured losses of 40 percent or more of the estimated fair replacement values of the damaged property. The three types of loans available from SBA include Home Disaster Loans, Business Physical Disaster Loans, and Economic Injury Disaster Loans. For more information on the SBA please go to: www.sba.gov.
For more information on the Florida Division of Emergency Management and to GET A PLAN!, please visit: www.FloridaDisaster.org. All students, teachers and parents can find educational information and free downloadable materials at: www.KidsGetAPlan.com. And for the latest situation and flash reports go to: www.YouTube.com/FloridaSERT .
###
HIGH RISK OF DANGEROUS RIP CURRENTS EXPECTED TODAY IN PALM BEACH, BROWARD AND MIAMI-DADE COUNTIES
-Threat moves to the Panhandle Beaches on Thursday-
Florida Division of Emergency Management officials are urging beachgoers in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties to use caution today as a high risk of dangerous rip currents is expected along the Gold Coast. The rip current threat is expected to shift north to the Florida Panhandle beaches from Franklin County westward on Thursday.
“We want residents and visitors to safely enjoy our beaches during the holidays,” Acting State Meteorologist Amy Godsey said. “We urge beachgoers to check the rip current outlook, swim on guarded beaches and stay out of the water when red flags are flying.”
Rip currents are responsible for about 150 deaths every year in the United States. In Florida, they 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 along side 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.
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. For the latest weekly situation and flash reports go to: www.YouTube.com/FloridaSERT or join our blog at: http://flsertinfo.blogspot.com/ .
Florida Division of Emergency Management officials are urging beachgoers in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties to use caution today as a high risk of dangerous rip currents is expected along the Gold Coast. The rip current threat is expected to shift north to the Florida Panhandle beaches from Franklin County westward on Thursday.
“We want residents and visitors to safely enjoy our beaches during the holidays,” Acting State Meteorologist Amy Godsey said. “We urge beachgoers to check the rip current outlook, swim on guarded beaches and stay out of the water when red flags are flying.”
Rip currents are responsible for about 150 deaths every year in the United States. In Florida, they 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 along side 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.
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. For the latest weekly situation and flash reports go to: www.YouTube.com/FloridaSERT or join our blog at: http://flsertinfo.blogspot.com/ .
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