Pensacola Weather Guide - Forcasts, Radar, Alerts, hurricane, storm tracker, shelters, Pensacola, Florida.
Hurricane Information
Pensacola movies, theaters, entertainment, trailers, box office, showtimes and more on Pensacola.com
|
 
Every year, prior to hurricane season, your family should review your hurricane plan and make changes as necessary. It should include if you plan to evacuate, where you will go, the route you will take to get there, when you will leave and what supplies you will take.
If you plan to stay, make sure you have all of the supplies necessary to be on your own for at least 72 hours. If you are planning to go to an evacuation shelter, have your shelter supplies kit packed and ready. Make sure you have all the materials on hand to protect your home. You should also trim dead wood from trees. Don't forget to make arrangements for pets. Print and save this page for future reference. You may not have power if a storm is approaching.
If the storm is threatening the area you should listen to local media for information and actions to be taken. In addition you should:
- Fuel your car. You will need it to evacuate and pumps don't work without electricity.
- Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys and garden tools.
- Install your storm shutters or cover windows with plywood and secure all doors. If you don't cover our windows, remove your screens so they won't blow away and you can reinstall them after the storm to keep mosquitos at bay.
- Prepare boats as appropriate.
- Turn refrigerators and freezers to the highest settings. Freeze plastic bottles of water (leave room for expansion).
- Turn off small appliances that are not needed.
- Turn off LP tanks.
- Call an out-of-town friend or relative to let them know of your plans. Then instruct other family members to call that person for information about your family after the storm.
- Fill sinks and bathtubs with water. Check them for slow leaks.
- Get an extra supply of cash. Banks and ATMs may not be operational immediately after the storm.
Tracking a Storm
Those of us who live along the Florida Gulf Coast should track every Atlantic hurricane or tropical storm. Many times, we will need to begin making preparations before the storm ever enters the Gulf of Mexico. When tracking a storm, remember that a hurricane is not just a point on a map. Usually the coordinates of the center of the storm are given so that you can track it on your map, however, hurricanes can have tropical storm force winds over 200 miles from that center and even hurricane force winds over 75 or 100 miles from the center. We must remember that hurricane forecasting is not an exact science and they don't always go where predicted. Get Tracking Chart.
Tropical Storm Watch
Issued when tropical storm conditions are possible in the specified watch area, usually within 36 hours.
Tropical Storm Warning
Issued when tropical storm conditions are expected in the specified warning area, usually within 24 hours.
Hurricane Watch
Issued when hurricane conditions are possible in the specified watch area, usually within 36 hours. During a hurricane watch, be prepared to take immediate action to protect your family and property in case a hurricane warning is issued.
Hurricane Warning
Issued when hurricane conditions are expected in the specified warning area, usually within 24 hours. Storm preparations should be completed and evacuation under way.
Note: Due to the amount of time required for evacuation in Escambia County, evacuation orders may be issued before a hurricane watch or warning have been issued by the National Hurricane Center. |
Going To An Evacuation Shelter?
|
|
 Going To An Evacuation Shelter? Here are some things you should know about going to a hurricane evacuation shelter.
Hurricane evacuation shelters are provided for public use in the event a hurricane evacuation becomes necessary and if you have no other place to go. It is recommended
that other arrangements be made with a friend or relative that lives in a well constructed home, out of the evacuation area, and properly protected to withstand hurricane force winds. You will probably be more comfortable, certainly in a less crowded environment and among friends. Remember, alcohol, weapons and pets are not permitted in public shelters.
Many churches will provide shelter for members and businesses should consider sheltering employees and families if possible.
Buildings used for evacuation shelters are normally public schools that are staffed by Red Cross volunteers and U.S. Navy personnel. Shelters are always crowded, usually uncomfortable when the power goes off because there is no ventilation, have long lines to use restrooms and to get food, and are very noisy - making it difficult to rest or sleep. Keep in mind you may have to stay in the shelter for several days.
If you go to a public shelter, you will need to take the following items:
- A change of clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes
- Toiletries and personal items
- Blankets or sleeping bags and pillows
- Identification and any important papers
- Games or toys for children
- books for adults
- Special items for infants or elderly family members
- Any special dietary needs and non-perishable foods for snacks
- Battery operated radio, flashlights and plenty of spare batteries
- Prescription medications or any over-the-counter medications you normally take
|
Links To Other Emergency Info Sites
|
|
Hurricane News Links
Hurricane Preparation and Other Links
|
|
|
|
RSS Feeds