Governor declares state of emergency; Flagler urges residents to prepare for potential evacuation

The Flagler County government and city of Palm Coast government are providing sand and sand bags.


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  • | 9:27 a.m. August 29, 2019
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(Stock photo)
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Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an executive order on Wednesday, Aug. 28, declaring a state of emergency for counties that are in the path of Hurricane Dorian, according to a news release from the governor's office.

“Today, I am declaring a state of emergency to ensure Florida is fully prepared for Hurricane Dorian,” DeSantis said.“It’s important for Floridians on the east coast to monitor this storm closely. Every Florida resident should have seven days of supplies, including food, water and medicine, and should have a plan in case of disaster. I will continue to monitor Hurricane Dorian closely with emergency management officials. The state stands ready to support all counties along the coast as they prepare.”

The declaration of a state of emergency helps ensure that local and state governments have the resources to prepare, according to the news release.

County government urges residents to prepare for potential evacuation

Flagler County officials are urging all residents east of Interstate 95, as well as residents who live in mobile homes or in low-lying areas, to prepare for a potential evacuation.

“While we don’t want people to panic, Hurricane Dorian is gaining strength and is currently projected to make a direct hit to Florida’s Atlantic Coast,” Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord said on Aug. 28, according to a county government news release. “The best way to protect yourself is to be prepared.”

Residents should gather food, fuel, water, medication, pet supplies, critical papers and family comfort supplies before the weekend, have their hurricane shutters in place, and clear porches and patios of anything that could create a hazard, according to the news release.

“This is critical,” Lord said. “We will likely have a locally declared emergency by early afternoon Thursday. We need everyone to take this very seriously.”

Sand and sand bags available 

Self-serve sand and bags will be available Thursday, Aug. 29, from the Flagler County and city of Palm Coast governments at the following locations (residents are advised to bring a shovel):

  • MalaCompra parking lot on MalaCompra Road in the Hammock (sandbags with bagging assistance will be available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday at MalaCompra Park)
  • The old jail site at Utility Street and Old Moody Boulevard
  • Hidden Trails Community Center in Daytona North
  • Palm Coast Public Works Yard, 1 Wellfield Grade, off U.S. 1 just north of Palm Coast Parkway, Palm Coast.

In addition, empty sandbags (but no sand) are available during regular business hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at:

  • Palm Coast City Hall, 160 Lake Ave., Palm Coast
  • Palm Coast Utility Department, 2 Utility Drive, Palm Coast

Those empty sandbags can then be filled at two additional self-service sand stations:

  • Indian Trails Sports Complex, 5455 Belle Terre Pkwy., Palm Coast
  • Seminole Woods Neighborhood Park, 350 Sesame Blvd., Palm Coast

Flagler County has opened its Hurricane Call Center: Call 386-586-5111 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29 and Friday, Aug. 20. Hours will be expanded as warranted, according to the news release.

 

 

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