Sunday, October 11, 11:30 a.m. - Updates Highlighted

As Santa Rosa County continues recovery efforts following Hurricane Isaias, residents are asked to follow storm debris collection guidelines to help ensure a safe and efficient cleanup process. The first pass of debris pickup is anticipated to start on Wednesday, October 14.

Residents should place storm-generated debris along the public right-of-way, generally the area between the street and the sidewalk, ditch, utility pole or easement. Proper placement and separation of debris will help collection crews work safely and efficiently.

Residents should follow these guidelines when preparing debris for collection:

• Separate debris by type. Place vegetative debris, such as tree limbs, branches, leaves, and shrubbery, in a separate pile from construction and demolition debris, such as damaged building materials like fencing and sheds. These materials will be collected separately.
• Do not bag storm debris. Only loose debris will be collected. Bagged debris should not be placed along the public right-of-way.
• Keep debris away from utilities and obstructions. Do not place debris near drainage ditches, storm drains, mailboxes, water meters, fire hydrants, low-hanging tree limbs, power lines, transformers, or other utilities. Keep roadways clear for emergency vehicles and other traffic.
• Leave remaining debris for subsequent collection passes. Only storm debris placed along the public right-of-way is currently eligible for collection. If debris is not removed during the initial pass, keep remaining materials properly separated and accessible for subsequent collection.
• Keep household garbage separate. Regular household garbage collection will continue according to schedules established by residential waste service providers. Household trash, including spoiled food, should be placed in regular garbage containers and never mixed with storm debris.

BRACE (Be Ready Alliance Coordinating for Emergencies) is coordinating with national disaster relief organizations, local community partners, and our Long-Term Recovery Groups to connect Escambia and Santa Rosa County residents with much-needed assistance. Through Crisis Cleanup, residents can be connected with volunteer organizations that may be able to assist with:

• Roof tarping
• Tree removal
• Debris cleanup
• Mucking out flooded homes
• Other storm cleanup needs

CALL CRISIS CLEANUP: 1-800-451-1954

Santa Rosa County appreciates residents' patience and cooperation as cleanup crews work throughout the community. Following these guidelines will help keep neighborhoods safe and support an efficient recovery process.

Shelter

The Clyde L. Gracey (Milton) Community Center, 5629 Byrom St. in Milton, is open as a shelter until further notice. There are currently no plans by the City of Milton, Santa Rosa County, or the American Red Cross to close the shelter. Updates will be sent if anything changes.No pre-registration is required.

This shelter is also a pet-friendly shelter. Bring pet(s) in a carrier with proof of vaccinations and all pet food and supplies, including water, leashes and/or litter boxes with litter.

Shelters are usually uncomfortable. Meals are not provided. It is recommended that other arrangements be made to stay at a hotel or with a friends or family in a well-constructed home that is properly protected to withstand hurricane-force winds.

Anyone needing transportation assistance to a shelter should call (850) 983-4636.

Bring the following items:

• Personal identification
• Water, non-perishable snacks and any special dietary needs.
• A change of clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes.
• Toiletries and personal items.
• Blankets, pillows and sleeping bags.
• Games or toys for children; books for adults.
• Special items for infants or elderly family members.
• Battery-operated radio, flashlights and plenty of spare batteries.
• Prescriptions or any over-the-counter medications you normally need.

Santa Rosa County Offices

• All county offices, including libraries and the animal shelter, will be closed on Monday, October 12 and Tuesday, October 13
• The Central Landfill in Milton will reopen beginning Monday, October 12, for regular operations, 7 a.m.- 5 p.m., cash only.
• The First Judicial Circuit will be closed through Wednesday, October 14. Any domestic violence injunction hearing will be continued to next Wednesday, October 21.

Illegal Contractors

As you begin repairs and cleanup, please use only properly licensed and insured contractors. Hiring unlicensed contractors can put you at risk of substandard work, financial loss and potential legal issues. Take time to verify credentials before agreeing to any work or making payments. Learn more about choosing the right contractor online here.

Curfew

The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office has enacted a curfew from dusk until dawn each day, until further notice. Employees who may need to travel to and from work during curfew may do so.

Citizen Information Line

The Santa Rosa County Citizen Information Line, 850-983-INFO (4636), is available for questions. Do NOT call 911 to report downed trees or power lines. These calls tie up lines meant for emergency calls.



Road Closures

Many roads in Santa Rosa County may still be impassable due to downed trees and/or power lines. Do not travel unless necessary. Crews are working as quickly as possible to clear roadways.

Report Property Damage

Residents are asked to report property damage through the Santa Rosa County Property Appraiser's website. Search for your property by either name or street address at https://srcpa.gov/search and use the "Report Damage" button found under the "Owner Information section on your parcel page. If searching by street address, use abbreviations - Dr for Drive, St for Street, Blvd for Boulevard, etc.

Safety Precautions During Recovery

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.

Navarre Beach Utilities

Due to the predicted storm surge of up to 9 feet, water service to all residents and businesses on Navarre Beach was shut off at 12 p.m. on Friday, October 9.

Crews will return as soon as it is safe to do so to assess the water system and determine when service can be restored. A precautionary boil water notice will be in place once water is restored. This precautionary boil water notice will remain in effect until a bacteriological survey shows that the water is safe to drink. 

Residents should give crews time to safely assess conditions and any potential damage before returning to the area.

Navarre Beach Pier

• Navarre Beach Pier will be closed Saturday, October 10.



Santa Rosa County District Schools

• All district and school-sponsored activities scheduled for Saturday, October 10, are canceled.
• As a reminder, Monday, October 12, is a Planning Day, and there is no school for students that day.

211 Community Resources & Non-Emergency Assistance

For up-to-date information on non-emergency community resources, evacuation assistance, storm shelter details, and post-storm recovery support, residents can dial 211 or visit 211nwfl.org. Provided by United Way of West Florida, 211 Northwest Florida offers free, confidential, 24/7 support connecting residents to critical services before, during, and after severe weather events.

#   #   #

Serving our community, committed to excellence.

www.santarosa.fl.gov