Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Florida flooding update, state emergency hotline activation

U.S. Highway 90 at the Suwannee River bridge (Madison and Suwannee County line) has closed to all traffic due to high water and flood conditions.

U.S. 90 Closed At The Suwannee River - Detour Route: http://www.floridadisaster.org/eoc/PressReleases2008/90%20Closure.pdf

The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in Tallahassee has activated to a Level 1, or full activation, in response to the flooding conditions in the Panhandle and Big Bend regions of the state.

The Florida Emergency Information Line (FEIL) is now operational from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily to provide residents information on current events and safety measures. The number for residents to call is:
800-342-3557

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

State of Florida - State Emergency Response Team
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: ESF-14 Public Information

April 6, 2009
(850) 921-0217

STATE OF FLORIDA PREPARES FOR NORTH FLORIDA ROAD CLOSURES DUE TO FLOOD CONDITIONS ALONG THE SUWANNEE RIVER

TALLAHASSEE - State transportation, law enforcement and emergency management officials are preparing for the flooding of major roads in North Florida along the Suwannee River due to recent heavy rains in the region.

According to the Southeast River Forecast Center in Atlanta, the high levels of the Suwannee River could force the closure of U.S. 90 at the Suwannee River (Madison and Suwannee County line) as early as Wednesday.

If river water levels continue to rise, Interstate 10 (I-10) at the Suwannee River Bridge could also face closure as early as Thursday.

As a safety precaution, motorists are asked to delay or avoid travel through the impacted area until the conditions improve. Many smaller roads along the Suwannee River will be impacted as well over the
weekend.

To assist travelers, the state of Florida is coordinating response efforts with the state of Georgia to develop alternative routes through the region.

All motorists are advised to monitor their local media outlets for the latest information on weather conditions and possible road closures.

For real-time information on traffic conditions call 511 or visit www.FL511.com before getting on the road.

For additional information please visit www.FloridaDisaster.org

All students, teachers and parents can find educational information and free downloadable materials at: www.KidsGetAPlan.com

And for the latest daily situation and flash reports go to: www.YouTube.com/FloridaSERT


Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Flood alerts - Turn Around, Don't Drown


The southeast region of the United States is expecting moderate to major flooding. The National Weather Service is issuing watches and warning for flooding in the Gulf Region. Residents should monitor their local weather service office.

Resources are also available from:

Flood alerts - Turn Around, Don't Drown


The southeast region of the United States is expecting moderate to major flooding. The National Weather Service is issuing watches and warning for flooding in the Gulf Region. Residents should monitor their local weather service office.

Resources are also available from:

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Flood Safety Awareness Week! March 15-21.

http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/landing_pages/landing_noaa.jsp?WT.mc_id=FEMA_NOAA

Floodwaters can be swift, powerful and, at times, deadly. However, advanced planning can help protect lives and minimize property losses due to flooding. With the spring thaw approaching, NOAA's National Weather Service and FEMA are partnering to observe the fifth annual Flood Safety Awareness Week, March 16-20, 2009.

The National Weather Service, along with FEMA's FloodSmart program, has launched a new Web page (www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/landing_pages/landing_noaa.jsp?
WT.mc_id=FEMA_NOAA
) that shows the effects and cost of flooding to millions of people in the United States. The site also provides essential information on what to know and do before, during and after a flood, and a variety of safety tips and online tools, including one that lets them see whether their homes and businesses are threatened at various flood stages.

"Floods claim nearly 100 lives and cost billions in property damage in the United States annually," said Jack Hayes, director of NOAA's National Weather Service. "Spring is peak flood season in many parts of the country, but floods can happen anywhere, at any time of the year. Many lives could be saved by following some simple and essential flood safety tips."

"Knowing what you can do to protect against the impact of flooding is critical in keeping your family, home and financial well-being secure," said Ed Connor, acting federal insurance administrator for FEMA's Mitigation Directorate. "Purchasing flood insurance is one important step you can take now. Many residents incorrectly believe that homeowners insurance covers the costs of flooding, but in fact, only a flood policy can." (Excerpt from www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2009/20090313_floodsafety.html)