Prepare Now For Hurricane Irma
September 06, 2017
The City of Tallahassee continues to plan and prepare for the worst, while hoping for the best. There remains uncertainty about Hurricane Irma’s trajectory, with the forecast currently predicting Tropical Storm force winds in our community late Sunday, Sept. 10, with 1-2 inches of rain, though that amount is likely to change.
Community Preparedness
This evening, the City hosted Neighborhood and Community leaders at Walker-Ford Community Center to discuss preparations for the storm. In the event of a major disaster, strong neighborhood networks will aid in recovery. As local officials and relief workers may not be able to reach everyone immediately following a major natural disaster, it’s important to remember that you are your best first line of defense, and your neighbors will be your closest resource and support.
In the event of a major disaster, strong neighborhood networks will aid in recovery. As local officials and relief workers may not be able to reach everyone immediately following a major natural disaster, it’s important to remember that you are your best first line of defense, and your neighbors will be your closest resource and support.
To aid citizens in preparing, the City and County have both opened four (4) sandbag locations, for a total of eight (8) locations community-wide. The City and County both have staff available at each location to assist the elderly and those with special needs with filling bags and loading their cars. Staff and supplies will be available at the four City sites today through 8 p.m. and will be re-stocked and re-opened at 7 a.m. tomorrow. Today, the City has distributed nearly 10,000 sandbags to citizens. Sandbags are available at the following locations:
- Jack McLean Community Center, 700 Paul Russell Road (City site)
- Winthrop Park, 1601 Mitchell Avenue (City site)
- James Messer Sports Complex, 2830 Jackson Bluff Road (City site)
- Lawrence-Gregory Community Center, 1115 Dade Street (City site)
- Tekesta Park, at Tekesta Drive and Deer Lake Road in Killearn Lakes
- Apalachee Regional Park (Landfill), 7550 Apalachee Parkway
- J. Lee Vause, 6024 Old Bainbridge Road
- At the intersection of Oak Ridge at Ranchero roads
City Preparedness
Mutual aid and resources have been requested for Electric and Underground Utilities. Many utilities in Florida and out of state near the potential path of Hurricane Irma are in the same boat. The City has commitments from utility companies in Louisiana and Ohio. Several others have pledged their crews and support contingent on the storm’s path.
Since last year, the City has enhanced the number of employees who respond to emergencies, which will provide supplemental support in various areas such as customer service. All employees are aware of the City’s response plans and efforts, and all employees who will be part of the response are preparing for a potential activation.
The City will remain open for business and ready to serve through Friday. Decisions for the following week will be determined once there is more certainty about the impact areas for Hurricane Irma.
To stay up-to-date on the City of Tallahassee’s preparedness efforts and the status of City services:
- Visit the City’s website Talgov.com for community response information, as well as details about City services.
- Download the City’s free mobile app, DigiTally, now to easily report power outages or downed trees later if needed.
- Follow the City on Twitter.com/COTNews and like Facebook.com/COTNews for timely information about local preparedness and response efforts.
Preparedness is a community effort. Below is information from partner response agencies.
- The Red Cross is planning for shelters to house those evacuating from south and central Florida, as well as any local needs. They are in need of volunteers and are offering shelter training this week. Those who are interested can contact the Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross at 878-6080.
- Leon County Schools has made the decision to remain open on Friday, Sept. 8.
- Florida State University has moved its game time to noon on Saturday, Sept. 9.
- Leon County is evaluating evacuation options and preparing for a potential activation of its Emergency Response Center.
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