SAFETY IS VITAL AS RISK OF FLOODING INCREASES IN NORTH FLORIDA

TALLAHASSEE - The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) reminds Florida’s residents and visitors to use caution this week as storms continue to bring significant rainfall and flood risks to North Florida and the Panhandle. Another one to three inches of rain is forecast to occur through Tuesday afternoon. A Flash Flood Watch is in effect for the Florida Panhandle and the Big Bend, and River Flood Warnings have been issued for 11 Florida rivers. A possibility of severe storms in North and Central Florida may also bring gusty winds and isolated tornadoes through Tuesday. “It is important for Floridians to use caution and practice flood safety as additional rainfall impacts already saturated areas,” said FDEM Director Bryan W. Koon. “I urge all Floridians to continue to monitor local media and follow all instructions from local officials. If you encounter a flooded roadway it is important to remember to Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” Due to existing elevated river water levels and additional runoff from recent rainfall, several rivers in Northwest Florida are forecast to rise above flood stage and crest later this week. River Flood Warnings have been issued by the National Weather Service for the Apalachicola, Big Coldwater Creek, Blackwater, Chipola, Choctawhatchee, Escambia, Ochlocknee, Perdido, Shoal, Styx, and Yellow rivers, impacting Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Leon, Liberty,Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton and Washington counties. Practice Flood Safety: Have a NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio in your home or office to receive warnings from the National Weather Service. Monitoring a NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio or a trusted local news outlet provides a vital source for updates on local weather. Don’t Wait to Evacuate. Follow instructions from local officials by staying tuned to local media for evacuation or sheltering and take action immediately. Turn Around, Don’t Drown. NEVER drive through flooded roadways. Road beds may be washed out under flood waters. If you see a flooded roadway, turn around and take another route. Take your time when travelling. Avoid areas already flooded, especially if the water is flowing fast. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize potential flood dangers. Avoid Standing Water. Do not play in floodwater. Floodwater can hide dangerous debris such as glass, nails or other sharp objects. Water can also be contaminated with fecal matter and other harmful materials. Avoid Downed Power Lines. If you see a downed power line, assume it is live and contact the utility. Do not try to handle it yourself. Be alert to wildlife (snakes, alligators, etc.) that may have been displaced as a result of flooding. To learn more about severe weather in Florida, and to Get A Plan!, visitwww.FloridaDisaster.org, and follow FDEM on Twitter at @FLSERT and on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/FloridaSERT andwww.Facebook.com/kidsgetaplan.

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