Tropical Storm Helene update #2

• Tropical Storm Helene is expected to intensify to near hurricane strength when it reaches the northwestern Caribbean Wednesday morning. Further intensification is expected as the storm lifts across the eastern Gulf and the system is expected to become a major hurricane before approaching the northeastern Gulf Coast Thursday evening.
• Marine and coastal impacts, including dangerously high surf, deadly rip currents, and hazardous marine conditions (strong winds and high waves) begin Wednesday night into early Thursday morning.
• A high risk of deadly rip currents is expected Wednesday through Saturday. High surf of 10 feet is expected Wednesday night through Thursday night. We are also monitoring for the potential of at least minor coastal flooding.
• Rainfall amounts of up to 2 to 5 inches is forecasted. Locally higher amounts will be possible.

• The county's public works department has sand available on a first-come, first-served basis at the following locations:
• The corner of Leisure St. and Citrus Dr. in Navarre
• Tiger Point Park in Gulf Breeze (1370 Tiger Park Ln.)
• Pace Fire-Rescue in Pace (4773 Pace Patriot Blvd.)
• The corner of Pine Forest Rd. and Carroll Rd. in Milton
• Residents must provide their own sandbags and shovel. Bags can be purchased at many local hardware stores. For information on how to make and use sandbags, visit the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (www.flash.org). While sandbags can help mitigate to an extent, buying flood insurance is the best protection against flood loss.

• Schools will be in session tomorrow, Wed., Sept. 25. The school district will provide another update tomorrow regarding decisions for school on Thurs., Sept. 26.
• Bridges only close if sustained winds reach 40 mph or greater. Not all bridges close at the same time. Bridges are not closed in advance of a storm. At this time, these types of conditions are not expected.
• No evacuations have been ordered and no shelters have been opened. 

• Visit Santa Rosa County's Know Your Zone for evacuation zone information.
• Review your disaster plan and make sure it includes any pets.
• Check your disaster supply kit and replenish necessary items. Be One Week Ready by stocking up on enough supplies/food/water to sustain your family (and pets) for one week.
• Keep your car filled to at least half a tank.
• Pick up loose objects around your home and store them in a secure location in the event of strong winds.
• Have hurricane protection for your windows on your home ready just in case.
• Check on family and friends (especially if they're new to hurricanes) to make sure they are prepared too.
• Know where you will go if evacuations become necessary. Think 10s of miles, not 100s of miles.
• If you own a generator, test it to make sure it's in working order.
• Have multiple ways of receiving alerts. Every home should have a NOAA weather radio, the first line of defense before relying on alerts through a smartphone.
• Smartphone weather apps are also an excellent delivery source of severe weather information and other disaster updates - especially during overnight hours. Santa Rosa County's alert app - AlertSantaRosa.com - provides updates on emergency incidents (hazardous materials as well as severe weather) in the county at addresses of your choice (work, school, home, etc).
• Be sure that you have not disabled your alerts on your phone and that it is fully charged and within reach. If you use the "Do Not Disturb" feature on your phone at night, turn it off so that any emergency calls may come through.
• Have a kit with supplies ready to go if a tornado warning is issued. Suggested items to include are:
• A bike helmet or some form of head protection for each family member.
• A flashlight or electric lantern.
• Charged cell phone power bank.
• A whistle or air horn in the event you are trapped under debris.
• First aid kit.
• Know where you will go (interior rooms away from windows, basement - never a car or mobile home) if a tornado warning is issued and don't forget your pets!