- March 5, 2025
Summertime routinely prompts Florida residents to begin bracing for any unwanted tropical system. The hurricane season, which officially started on June 1, is a prime concern for services around Flagler County.
Tropical Storm Andrea served as a watery reminder that though predictions can be shaky, Floridians should take proper precautions in case of serious conditions. Flagler County is no exception.
Troy Harper, emergency management chief at Flagler County Emergency Services, stressed that weather predictions should not be the determining factor in preparation and that residents should plan for storms no matter what the projected path may be.
“Conditions are ripe for increased activity,” he said. “Folks need to prepare every year.”
Harper attributes Northeast Florida’s avoidance of major hits to chance; there are no guarantees that Flagler will be immune to disaster.
Harper said that rain and wind would be the main concerns if a storm were to hit from the west coast, and a storm surge would be the primary problem should a direct hit from the Atlantic occur.
He said that being ready for any condition is the key to success in the season.
“The first thing is to remain calm,” he said. “Get a plan, get involved. … Almost every situation is survivable if you’re prepared.”
The hazards associated with hurricanes include storm surges, rain, wind and tornadoes.
Flagler County Emergency Services recommends that residents should know evacuation routes, set up a communication plan, learn basic first-aid techniques and create a plan for taking care of pets.
Residents should also assemble an emergency pack, a container that holds cash and traveler’s checks and three gallons of water for each person for a three-day period. The container should also have nonperishable food, family documents, prescription drugs, a battery-operated radio, first-aid kit, map, personal hygiene items and clothing. More disaster preparedness items can be found listed on the emergency service’s website.
BOX: Fill it up
Flagler County Volunteer Services is also gearing up for turbulent weather. Volunteers are asked to help out with The BEST Neighborhood Disaster Preparedness Bucket Project.
The project will take place 4-6 p.m. June 24 at the Community Center in Bunnell, 12:30-3 p.m. June 25 at the Rymfire Elementary School gym, and 4-6 p.m. June 27 at the Hammock First Baptist Church. The service includes assembling buckets full of hurricane supplies for distribution to residents.
