Monday, October 12, 8:30 a.m.

The Santa Rosa County evacuation order for Zones A, B and C has been rescinded. While the orders have been rescinded, residents should not return to Navarre Beach until critical infrastructure, including power, is restored.

As Santa Rosa County begins recovering from the impacts of Hurricane Isaias, residents are reminded that dangerous conditions remain after the storm. Downed power lines, flooding, damaged utility systems and other hazards can pose serious risks, even after weather conditions begin to improve.

Residents should follow guidance from local officials and take the following precautions to protect themselves and their families.

• Wait for official clearance
  Stay where you are until local authorities confirm it is safe to leave or return to your area. Follow updates from Santa Rosa County Emergency Management and other official sources, such as the Sheriff's Office, before returning to evacuated areas.
• Stay away from downed power lines
  Treat all fallen, dangling, or submerged power lines as live. Keep a safe distance and report downed lines to your utility provider. Never attempt to move or touch a power line.
• Standing water
  Never walk, swim, or drive through standing or moving floodwater. Just 12 inches of rushing water can carry away a vehicle. Floodwaters may also conceal debris, sharp objects, downed electrical lines, and sewage.
• Non-working traffic signals
  Drivers should treat intersections with non-working traffic signals as STOP signs in all directions, then proceed with caution.
• Chainsaw Safety
  Familiarize yourself with the safe operational procedures before attempting to use a chainsaw. Be sure that you are in top physical and mental condition when operating dangerous machinery. Medications and alcohol can cause you to be a hazard to yourself and others when working with chainsaws. Equip yourself with protective clothing and equipment including safety goggles, hearing protection, steel-toed shoes, hard hat, gloves, and close-fitting clothing. Never make cuts with the saw between your legs; always cut with the saw to the outside of your legs. Never position yourself or other people in line with the chain, and keep the chain out of the dirt.
• Use generators and fuel-burning equipment safely
  Never operate portable generators, camp stoves or grills inside a home, garage or other enclosed space because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Generators should be placed outdoors at least 20 feet from homes and other structures, with exhaust directed away from doors, windows, and vents.
• Use flashlights instead of candles
  Use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns for lighting. Avoid candles and other open flames, as damaged gas lines or other hazards may increase the risk of fire.
• Make sure drinking water is safe
  Do not assume tap water is safe to drink or use for cooking following storm impacts. Follow instructions from your water provider, including any boil water notices. Use bottled water or boil water as directed until officials confirm the water is safe. Contact utility providers for service issues.
• Utility updates
  Residents should contact their utility providers directly regarding power, water, internet and other service disruptions. Do not call 911 for utility service issues. The 911 system should be reserved for emergencies requiring immediate assistance.
• Santa Rosa County encourages residents to remain vigilant, check on neighbors when it is safe to do so, and continue monitoring official Emergency Management communication channels for the latest information and recovery guidance. For additional updates, follow Santa Rosa County Emergency Management on Facebook and visit the County's official website.

#   #   #

Serving our community, committed to excellence.

www.santarosa.fl.gov