- April 28, 2024
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Flagler County Emergency Management does more than encourage residents to get their affairs in order at the start of hurricane season, it has its own catalog of preparations to complete to ensure it’s ready to keep the community safe in the event of a named storm.
“Being prepared isn’t just something we talk about and ask our residents to do,” said Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord. “As an agency, it’s something we take very seriously. We do everything we can to make sure we are ready to support our community.”
That is especially true of some of the most vulnerable residents – those living in residential healthcare and group home facilities. Lord and his staff on Wednesday (June 2) hosted its annual “Care Facility Preparedness Meeting” for the operators of them.
“The primary goal of the meeting is to provide information and guidance about disaster preparedness, response, and responsibilities,” Lord said. “Making sure these facilities are ready goes a long way to ensure we are ready as a community.”
Flagler County Fire Rescue also discussed fire safety, and an overview of what the facilities can expect in terms of medical services during a hurricane.
“It’s a perfect opportunity to talk about things like generator safety – and to make sure they are working if they have them,” said Interim Fire Rescue Chief Joe King. “They also need to understand that if an evacuation is called for, we don’t have the resources to transport all of their residents and remain operational for emergencies.”
There are 64 facilities in Flagler County that provide 24-hour care. Each is required to have its own “Emergency and Evacuation Plan” by the regulatory agencies that provide oversight.
Flagler County Emergency Management is also working with personnel from various county departments, constitutional officers, special districts, municipalities, and key private sector partners who will serve in the Emergency Operations Center if it activates. Staff is participating in briefings from the National Weather Service and Hurricane Center. Communications and other safety equipment is being checked on an enhanced schedule.
“Preparedness is so important,” Lord said. “Help us to help you. It doesn’t take a lot of time to start getting ready bit by bit.”
For more information go to www.flaglercounty.org/emergency and click on “Personal and Family Preparedness” and follow Emergency Management on social media at:
