Tropical storm Debby soaks Florida

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Re: Tropical storm Debby soaks Florida

Rick Scott Bryan W. Koon
Governor State Coordinating Officer

TROPICAL STORM DEBBY UPDATE: Wednesday, June 27, 2012, 11:30 a.m.

CONTACT: Public Information (ESF 14), (850) 921-0217
www.FloridaDisaster.org

IMPACTS FROM TROPICAL DEPRESSION DEBBY FELT ACROSS FLORIDA

TALLAHASSEE ? Governor Rick Scott is monitoring the impacts of Tropical Depression Debby and continues to work with the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) to ensure timely and effective response to the impacted counties.

On Monday, the State Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee upgraded operations to Level One, full activation, and Governor Scott declared a state of emergency to allow for the potential deployment of resources as needs develop.

Yesterday, Governor Scott surveyed the damage and flooding in Wakulla County and along the Sopchoppy River where residents saw more than 21 inches of rain over the last two days.

Tropical Depression Debby moved offshore last night and is currently located about 25 miles southeast of St. Augustine.

?While Tropical Storm Debby was downgraded to a tropical depression last night, Florida continues to feel the impacts from the storm,? said Governor Scott. ?It is imperative that Florida?s residents and visitors in the affected areas continue to followinstructions from local officials to ensure the safety of their families and businesses in the wake of this storm.?

The primary concern from Debby is the massive amount of rainfall that has blanketed the state this past week and the resulting flood impacts. Rivers that have crested as a result of Debby or are forecasted to crest this week include the Black Creek, St. Mary?s, Suwannee, Sopchoppy, Econfina and Santa Fe rivers.

The SERT is beginning to work with county and federal partners to assess damage from Tropical Storm Debby. Partnering for preliminary damage assessments ensures that all impacts are carefully recorded and prioritized according to the greatest need. This information is essential for requesting assistance from state and federal emergency
management agencies.

Franklin County was among the hardest hit areas by Tropical Storm Debby. Reopening St. George Island is vital to its economy and the SERT will continue to work with Franklin County officials to ensure all resources are available for a quick recovery.

As of 6:30 a.m., more than 11,000 customers are without power in 39 counties. There are 15 shelters open in Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Duval, Hernando, Leon, Nassau, Pasco, Pinellas, Suwannee and Wakulla counties, including three special needs shelters, one in Pasco County and one in Baker County and one in Nassau County. Three deaths have been confirmed as a result of the storm in Pinellas, Highlands and Polk counties.

Governor Scott thanks all of the first responders, emergency management officials at the local and state levels, utility workers, volunteers and relief organizations who are working to protect Floridians, prevent further damage and provide relief to those in need.

The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 ? November 30. To GET A PLAN! visit
www.FloridaDisaster.org. For the latest information on the 2012 Hurricane Season, follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/flsert and on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/FloridaSERT.

http://www.floridadisaster.org/eoc/...ION DEBBY FELT ACROSS FL-FDEMpr06-27-2012.pdf

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Rick Scott Bryan W. Koon
Governor State Coordinating Officer
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, June 27, 2012, 9:00 a.m.
CONTACT: Public Information (ESF 14), (850) 921-0217
www.FloridaDisaster.org

FLORIDA EMERGENCY INFORMATION LINE ACTIVATED IN RESPONSE TO
TROPICAL DEPRESSION DEBBY

TALLAHASSEE ? Due to the continued impacts from Debby, downgraded to a tropical depression, the State Emergency Response Team has activated the Florida Emergency Information Line (FEIL), a hotline for residents to obtain accurate, up-to-date information about Debby. The FEIL will be available from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.

The toll-free number is 1-800-342-3557. Hearing-impaired persons may call the Florida Telecommunications Relay at 1-800-226-4329 to receive information and access TDD systems.

The State Emergency Operations Center is operating at a Level One, full activation, to support the needs of the impacted counties. For more information about the storm?s impact on your area, contact your local emergency management agency.

The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 ? November 30. To GET A PLAN! visit
www.FloridaDisaster.org. For the latest information on the 2012 Hurricane Season, follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/flsert and on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/FloridaSERT.

http://www.floridadisaster.org/eoc/...PICAL DEPRESSION DEBBY - FDEMpr06-27-2012.pdf

 

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Re: Tropical storm Debby soaks Florida

Rick Scott Bryan W. Koon
Governor State Coordinating Officer
TROPICAL STORM DEBBY UPDATE: Thursday, June 28, 2012, 7:30 a.m.
CONTACT: Public Information (ESF 14), (850) 921-0217
www.FloridaDisaster.org

STATE OFFICIALS URGE WATER CONSERVATION, WARN OF HEALTH RISKS AFTER A FLOOD

TALLAHASSEE ? The State Emergency Response Team (SERT), with the Florida Department of Health, encourages Floridians to use caution as flooding and standing water form as a result of the heavy rains from Tropical Storm Debby, now a post-tropical cyclone.

?We urge residents and visitors in affected areas to take precautions to conserve water and protect themselves and their families from potential health risks presented by storm surge and floodwaters,? said State Coordinating Officer Bryan W. Koon. ?As the SERT continues to respond to the impacts of Tropical Storm Debby, life safety is our first and foremost concern and Florida?s residents and visitors should continue to heed instructions from local officials.?

Do not allow children to play in floodwater, as it may contain fecal matter from sewage systems, agricultural and industrial waste and septic tanks. If you have open cuts or sores exposed to the floodwater, keep them as clean as possible by washing them with soap and disinfected or boiled water. Do not allow children to play with toys that have been in floodwater until the toys have been disinfected. Use ? cup of bleach in one gallon of water to disinfect toys and other items.

?Widespread flooding remains a critical issue for a number of our communities,? said State Surgeon General Dr. John Armstrong. ?We are continuing to partner with the State Emergency Response Team and urge all residents in affected areas to heed all safety alerts issued by their county health department and the Florida Department of Health team.?

Emergency management officials encourage the public to listen for announcements about the safety of the public water supply, and take action if a boil water notice has been issued. Flooding may have the potential to contaminate the public water supply.

Water treatment plants may not be operating or water lines may be contaminated due to the effects of the tropical storm.

Drinking contaminated water may cause illness. If your well has been flooded, it needs to be disinfected and tested after the storm passes and floodwaters recede. Questions about testing should be directed to your county health department.

Important tips on how to keep your family healthy and safe include:

 Do not drive through flooded roadways.
 Look before you step, as the ground and floors may be covered with debris,
including bottles and nails.
 Avoid contact with downed power lines and electrical wires.
 Do not open manhole covers.
 Clean up debris to avoid injury and contamination.
 Operate chainsaws only in safe conditions (not in water soaked areas)
if experienced in proper use.
 Wear shoes to avoid injury to the feet from glass, nails or other sharp objects.
 Be alert to wildlife (snakes, alligators, etc.) that may have been displaced as a
result of flooding.
 Heed posted signage near affected area waterways.
...
http://www.floridadisaster.org/eoc/...A FLOOD - ESF 14 Press Release 06-28-2012.pdf

 

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Re: Tropical storm Debby soaks Florida

Posted on Thursday, 06.28.12

Fla. officials say 7 state deaths related to Debby

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By BRENT KALLESTAD
Associated Press

<!-- end /production/story/credit_line_format.comp -->LIVE OAK, Fla. -- Florida officials said Thursday that Tropical Storm Debby was responsible for seven deaths in the state.

State emergency operations spokeswoman Jessica Sims said that two people died in Pinellas County, including a 41-year-old woman caught in a riptide Wednesday at St. Pete Beach.

Storm-related deaths were also reported in Highlands - where a woman was killed by a tornado on Sunday while clutching her baby girl, who survived - as well as in Pasco, Polk, Lake and Madison counties. Last weekend, a South Carolina man also disappeared in the rough surf off the Gulf coast of Alabama.


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http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/06/28/2873142/gov-rick-scott-visits-flood-stricken.html