DOH-Santa Rosa Urges Residents to Prepare Ahead of Isaias

Milton, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Santa Rosa County (DOH-Santa Rosa) urges residents to prepare now ahead of landfall of Isaias. A good rule of thumb is “week ready,” meaning you will need to have enough emergency supplies on hand to be self-sufficient for at least one week.

One decision you will have to make before the storm strikes is whether to evacuate or stay in your home. To decide, ask yourself these questions:

• Is your home in an evacuation zone? Entering your address into Know Your Evacuation Zone on the Santa Rosa County Emergency Management website, will tell you whether you are in an evacuation zone and if any evacuations have been ordered.
• Is your home safe? If you live in a mobile home, or your home needs extensive repairs, it may be a good idea to move to a building that is more structurally sound, even if you are not in an evacuation zone.
• Where will you go if you evacuate? Can you stay with a friend, stay in a motel, or will you have to go to a shelter? A shelter should be your last resort. Although they may be safe, they are frequently uncomfortable, noisy, and there may be little privacy. Household members with special medical needs may be eligible for the special needs shelter.

Emergency Disaster Kit

Whether you stay or go, you should assemble a disaster kit that includes such items as:

• Non-perishable food
• Can opener
• Water – one gallon per person, per day (don’t forget to include food and water for pets)
• First aid kit
• Weather radio
• Flashlight
• Batteries
• Paper cups, plates, plastic utensils
• Cash (ATMs and debit/credit card machines will not work if the power is out)
• Blankets and pillows (or sleeping bags)
• Change of clothes appropriate to the climate
• Sturdy shoes
• Rain poncho
• Personal hygiene items (soap, washcloth, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, etc.)
• Cell phone and portable charger
• Enough essential medications to last seven days
• Important papers in a watertight container (or scan and put them on a thumb drive)
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen
• Bleach or some other disinfectant
• Books and games

If your household includes an infant or older adult, you will also want to include any special items they will need such as baby formula, baby wipes, or adult incontinence supplies. 

Generator Safety

Fill your vehicle’s gas tank. If you have a generator, fill gas cans and store them in a safe manner. Remember to take precautions to avoid carbon monoxide exposure or other accidents when using your generator:

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation.
• Do not operate the generator in the house or garage.
• Install a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector in your home.
• Keep children and pets away from the generator (generators can become hot quickly).

Stay Informed

Learn more about health and safety resources, and get additional information from the Florida Division of Emergency Management.