Hurricane Preparedness
It's not too early to start getting ready. Disaster prevention should include developing a plan. Discuss the type of hazards that could affect your family, such as storm surges, flooding and strong wind. Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet should you be separated. Check your insurance coverage. Be advised that flood damage is not usually covered by homeowner’s insurance.
Be prepared for possible intense weather by stocking up on non-perishable foods, baby foods or pet foods, blankets, bottled water, batteries, flashlights, medications, a battery powered radio, first aid kit, cash, important documents and any other necessities to last up to seven days. As always, please listen to local weather advisories and continue to monitor the storm.
One of the most important decisions you will have to make is whether or not to evacuate. If you are asked to evacuate, you should do so without delay. I encourage all of you to take steps now to protect your home and family. Below are some helpful tips and resources to keep you safe and informed. During severe weather and other emergencies, the State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) a toll-free hotline, is activated to provide accurate and up-to-date information on emergency or disaster situations impacting Florida. the hotline is 1-1800-342-3557. Visit http://www.floridadisaster.org to find information on emergency preparedness.
As always, remember that my office is open and available to assist you. For help with emergency resources, please contact my office at either (904)354-1652 (Jacksonville), (850) 558-9450 (Tallahassee), or (202) 225-0123 (Washington, DC). You can also find me on Facebook and on Twitter at @RepAlLawsonJr.
Stay Safe,
Al
HURRICANE ELSA UPDATE
At the time of this writing (7/7/21), the National Hurricane Center has upgraded Hurricane Elsa to a Category 1. As of 8 a.m. EST, Tropical Storm Elsa was 35 miles west of Cedar Key, Fla., and about 115 miles northwest of Tampa, moving north at 14 MPH with maximum sustained winds of 65 MPH. While storm paths are likely to change, high winds, rain, and flooding or storm surge could affect Baker, Columbia, Duval, Gadsden, Hamilton, Jefferson, Leon, and Madison counties.
Important Numbers:
FEMA Disaster Assistance: (800) 621-3362
Florida Help Line: 211
Florida Power and Light: (800) 468-8243
State Volunteer and Donations: (800) 354-3571
American Red Cross: (904) 358-8091
Price Gouging Hotline: (866) 966-7226
Emergency Numbers
Emergency: 911
Duval Sherriff’s Office Non-Emergency: (904) 630-0500
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Non-Emergency: (850) 997-2523
Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office Non-Emergency: (850) 627-9233
Leon County Sheriff’s Office Non-Emergency: (850) 606-3300
Madison County Sheriff’s Office Non-Emergency: (850) 973-4151
Baker County Sheriff’s Office Non-Emergency: (904) 259-2231
Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Non-Emergency: (386) 362-2222
Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Non-Emergency: (386) 752-9212
Emergency Management:
Madison County Emergency Management:(850) 973-3698
Baker County Emergency Management: (904) 259-6111
Leon County Emergency Management:(850) 488-5921
Duval County Emergency Management:(904) 630-2472
Gadsden County Emergency Management:(850) 875-8642
Jefferson County Emergency Management: (386) 792-6647
Hamilton County Emergency Management: (386) 792-6647
Columbia County Emergency Management:(386) 752-8787
Social Media outlets:
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA):
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NOAA/
Twitter: @NOAA
Florida Division of Emergency Management:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FloridaSERT/
Twitter: @FLSERT
Florida Department of Transportation:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FLDOT/
Twitter: @MyFDOT
Radio Stations
Florida Public Radio Emergency Network:
Jacksonville – 89.9 WJCT-FM
Tallahassee – 88.9 WFSU-FM
Websites:
Florida Division of Emergency Management:
https://www.floridadisaster.org/
Emergency Alerts Sign up:
https://member.everbridge.net/index/453003085614822#/login