Leon County Disaster Survival Guide
Prepare. Act. Recover.
PDF file »
A prepared community is a resilient community
Leon County is a resilient community filled with local officials, neighborhood leaders, and community partners working around the clock during disaster to keep us safe. Thanks to our community members’ resilience and preparedness, the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) designated Leon County as the first #HurricaneStrong community in the nation, making us the model for resilience everywhere. We are proud to be #HurricaneStrong and Leon County remains committed to keeping citizens informed and prepared for emergencies.
Resilience
Prepare
Plan now. When disaster strikes, it is too late to prepare. This section will help you plan to keep you and your family safe during disasters. Be prepared by having a plan and disaster bucket for your family.
Build Your Bucket
Leon County encourages citizens to put disaster supplies in a waterproof and durable five-gallon bucket. Keep these essential items in a bucket near an exit door in your home or in your vehicle.
- Batteries
- Battery powered AM/FM radio
- Blanket
- Can opener
- Cash
- Change of clothing
- Duct tape
- Dust mask
- First aid kit
- Flashlight
- Games and toys
- Gloves
- Hand sanitizer
- Keys (home and car)
- Large plastic trash bags
- Local map
- Medications
- Non-perishable food
- Permanent marker
- Pet supplies
- Photos of family members and pets
- Pocket knife
- Portable phone charger
- Ponchos
- Rope/paracord
- Soap
- Special family needs (diapers, feminine hygiene items, etc.)
- Tarp
- Toilet paper
- Toothbrush
- Towel
- Water
- Waterproof bag with family documents, including driver’s license, insurance information, out-of-area contact
- Whistle
Watch or Warning
Knowing the difference between a watch and warning can help keep you safe.
Tropical Storm Watch:
An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 of 73 mph) are possible within the specified area within 48 hours.
Tropical Storm Warning:
An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected within the specified area within 36 hours.
Hurricane Watch:
An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible somewhere within the specified area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.
Hurricane Warning:
An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher are expected somewhere within the specified area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.
Insurance
5 Questions to Ask About Your Policy- What is my standard deductible?
- What is my hurricane deductible?
- Do I need flood insurance?
- Do I have enough coverage to replace my home and belongings?
- Do I have loss-of-use coverage for temporary housing expenses?
Not all insurance policies are created equal. Check your policy or talk to your agent to make sure you have sufficient coverage and to determine if any home improvements would qualify for a discount on premiums. Learn more about insurance policies from the Insurance Information Institute at iii.org.
Flood Insurance
Homeowner Insurance policies do not cover damage from rising flood waters. If you own a home in a flood zone, your mortgage company will require you to carry a separate flood policy. Even if you don’t live in a flood zone, consider the additional coverage. To learn more about flood protection, visit LeonCountyFL.gov/FloodProtection.
Don’t wait until it is too late to buy a flood insurance policy. Typically, there’s a 30-day waiting period before your policy goes into effect.
Renters
Questions to ask:
Do I know my rental property’s risk of flood or storm surge? Do I know my evacuation zone?
Do I need flood insurance and renter’s insurance to cover damage to my personal property?
Will my landlord protect the windows in a storm? If not, where would I go during a hurricane?
Insurance Helpline
The Florida Department of Financial Services’ toll-free Insurance Consumer Helpline is available year-around to assist Florida’s insurance consumers. Insurance Specialists are available to answer questions or concerns regarding insurance coverage and advocate on a consumer’s behalf to resolve a dispute with an insurance company. Consumers may contact an Insurance Specialist at 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (693-5236) toll-free, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In the event of a disaster, the Department may activate its Disaster Assistance Insurance Helpline at 1-800-222-STORM (227-8676). Visit MyFloridaCFO.com/Division/Consumers for more.
Sandbags
Sandbags are made available by Leon County and the City of Tallahassee for heavy rain. Leon County sandbags are limited to15 bags per household and citizens should bring shovels to fill bags. Locations will not be staffed, but crews will resupply sites. Sites will remain open until officials determine sandbags are no longer needed. Updates about sandbag availability will be provided during an emergency at LeonCountyFL.gov/ei.Please note:
Residents should not rely on sandbags to save their home from major flooding, especially fast moving hurricane storm surge flooding. Consider the severity of flood conditions before deciding whether sandbags would provide effective protection.
Act
Making the decision to stay or go
When a hurricane is approaching, will you stay in Leon County or drive miles away to another location? Evacuating to a safe shelter locally or in a neighboring county has advantages; you will avoid traffic jams and highways crowded with vehicles from other counties joining the evacuation. Even if you leave the area, the storm could shift and still put you in harm’s way. The next section will guide you through the steps you should take as a storm is approaching and the choices you’ll have to make.
Understanding the forecast
5-day cone actionsWhen the Big Bend area is in the 5-day cone, it’s time to implement your plan and preparations. A hurricane is on a probable path to reach our area in five days.
- Review your family disaster plan.
- Get your disaster bucket and important papers ready.
- Begin work to prepare your home and yard.
- If you have special needs, be sure to implement your plan and, if needed, you are registered for a special needs shelter. See page 9 for more information.
3-day cone actions
As a storm moves closer to land, the accuracy of the forecast increases and residents should step up their preparation with the following actions:
- Double check your disaster bucket and make necessary purchases.
- Gather special supplies for children, seniors, and pets.
- Be sure you have all materials and tools necessary to shutter windows.
- If your plans are to evacuate, make arrangements, book reservations and pack what you can in your vehicle.
Hurricane Watch actions (48 hours ahead)
- Prepare as if the storm is headed directly for your home. Be ready for a Hurricane Warning within a few hours.
- Fill your vehicle’s gas tank.
- Get cash and secure important papers and valuables.
- Refill medications.
- Fill containers and tubs with water, even if evacuating – you may need the water when you return.
- Secure yard equipment and furniture.
- Shutter your windows.
- If your plans are to evacuate the area, secure your home so you can leave as soon as an evacuation order is issued.
- If you are registered for transportation to a public shelter, be sure you have everything you need in your disaster bucket.
Hurricane Warning actions (36 hours ahead)
- Be prepared for an evacuation order to be issued.
- Stay tuned to local news and get your weather radio ready.
- Complete final preparations to evacuate or to shelter in your home.
- If your plan is to travel out of the local area and you can leave at this point, go.
Evacuation order
- If you are registered for transportation to a public shelter, be ready to leave when contacted.
- Determine if your residence is affected by the evacuation order — does it include your area, or do you live in a mobile or manufactured home?
- If you are evacuating locally, get to your shelter location within a few hours of the order.
- If you are traveling out of the local area, leave immediately to avoid traffic jams.
- Be aware of your evacuation time range. Evacuations will be issued with beginning and end times.
Mobile homes
A Category 1 hurricane like Hermine, with winds of 74 to 95 mph, can rip apart a mobile home. The National Hurricane Center reports that no mobile home or manufactured home — no matter how new it is — can be a safe shelter from hurricane force winds. Also, tornadoes can spin off from hurricanes. Straps or other tie-downs will not protect a mobile home from high winds associated with a hurricane. In 1992, 97% of all manufactured homes in Hurricane Andrew’s path in Dade County were destroyed, compared to 11% of single-family, non-manufactured homes. If a hurricane threatens Leon County, all mobile home residents should plan to evacuate to a safer location. If you must evacuate and do not have access to transportation due to age, disability, or other special needs, you should register now with Leon County Emergency Management.
Plan to stay if ...
- You live in a structure that was built after 1973 when Florida adopted a standard building code.
- You do not live in a manufactured or mobile home.
- Your home is not vulnerable to storm surge or inland flooding.
- You have reduced the threat of falling trees by trimming and/or removing dead, dying or diseased trees.
- You have mitigated the effects of severe winds on your home by installing hurricane shutters on windows and bracing your garage door.
- You have prepared a multi-hazard Disaster Response Plan for yourself, your family, and your pets.
- You have prepared a disaster bucket that includes cash, a supply of food, water and a 1-month supply of prescription medicines.
- You have identified a Safe Room within your home.
Plan to go if ...
- An evacuation order has been issued.
- You live in a manufactured or mobile home.
- You live in a structure that was built prior to 1973 when Florida adopted a standard building code.
- Your home is vulnerable to storm surge or inland flooding.
- You can leave early enough to meet an estimated regional clearance time of 24 hours. (It is very dangerous to be on the highway during a storm.)
Learn more about evacuations and sheltering »
Recover
During a disaster, services could be impacted, including electric, water, and sewer. When preparing, consider that you could be without these important utilities for an extended period.
Electric outages
For City of Tallahassee customers, you can report electric outages via the City’s DigiTally App, Talgov.com/Outage, or by calling (850) 891-4YOU (4968). During major events, the City will send information directly to utility customers. Keep your contact details current by visiting Talgov.com/Update or by calling (850) 891-4968.
For Talquin Electric members, you can report an electric outage by calling 1-866-899-4832 (Automated System) or 1-888-802-1832 (Live Operator) or text #OUTAGE to 85700 from any registered cell phone. Sign up for text alerts by visiting TalquinElectric.com. Download Talquin's iPhone app from the App Store.
Duke Energy customers, call 1-800-228-8485.
Call wait times will be longer during major events.
Food Safety
TWO DAYS: The approximate time frozen items can be stored safely if you keep the freezer door shut.
FOUR HOURS: If your refrigerator’s power is out for longer than this time, move perishable foods into an ice-filled cooler.
Generators
If you are considering purchasing a portable generator, the City of Tallahassee offers a low-interest loan program for qualified homeowners. To be eligible, a transfer switch and interconnect agreement are required. Get details by calling 891-4YOU (4968).
A generator can keep your appliances going after a disaster, but it comes with several dangers:
CARBON MONOXIDE: Use generators outdoors and away from windows and doors to avoid exposure to this deadly, colorless, odorless gas. Never operate a generator indoors.
FIRE: Make sure the generator is cool when refilling the fuel tank and store flammable fuel away from fuel-burning appliances.
ELECTRICAL SHOCK: An electrical shock from your generator can kill you.
- Keep the generator in a dry place.
- Plug appliances directly into the generator or use a heavy-duty, three-pronged extension cord.
- Never plug the generator into a wall outlet; this can cause electrocution.
Water impacts
If the drinking water supply is compromised by a disaster, a boil water notice will be issued, which means there’s a possibility of contamination.
BOIL: Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil for 1 minute to kill bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
BLEACH: Add 1/8 tsp. of unscented bleach per gallon of water and let stand for 30 minutes; bleach used should contain 5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite. This is less effective but will work if there’s no way to boil water.
Sewer outage
If a sewer outage is announced, DO NOT flush your toilet. Powered sewer lift stations may be down, which could cause a sewage back-up in your home.
Emergency toilets
Use a chemical toilet or create an emergency toilet by one of the following methods:
5-GAL BUCKET: Line with heavy-duty trash bag and use household bleach as disinfectant. Make sure it has a tight lid.
TOILET BOWL: Turn off your outside water supply first and flush once to empty before lining with a trash bag. Do not use kitty litter — it cannot be flushed after the sewer system is running.
Safe driving
After a storm, roads may be littered with debris and many routes may be flooded. Avoid unnecessary travel and, if you must venture out, always obey Road Closed signs.
Never drive through standing water. Treat any intersection with non-working traffic signals as an “all way” stop. Be prepared to stop at every intersection.
Price gouging
In a declared state of emergency, it is illegal to sell necessary goods or services at increased prices. If you believe a business or individual is price gouging, call the Attorney General’s Office at 1-866-9-NO-SCAM (1-866-966-7226).
Who to call
- 9-1-1 for life-threatening emergencies or (850) 606-5800 for non-emergency public safety assistance.
- Citizen Information Line for the latest emergency updates, (850) 606-3700 or use 7-1-1 Florida Relay.
- Contact 2-1-1 Big Bend for 24-hour social services assistance by dialing 2-1-1 or (850) 617-6333.
- For City of Tallahassee Utility information, call (850) 891-4968.
- For Talquin Electric, call 1-888-802-1832.
- For Duke Energy call 1-800-228-8485.
Preparing debris for curbside pickup
Stay engaged
and informed
The agencies below are critical during any disaster. Please consider learning more about volunteering with these nonprofits partners.
To be connected with all other partners in our area, please contact Leon County Volunteer Services.
If you are unable to use your smartphone, tablet, or computer, timely and critical updates will be provided by emergency management officials on 88.9 WFSU-FM radio. By partnering with WFSU, Leon County and the City of Tallahassee will help ensure that any citizen with radio access stays informed before, during, and after a disaster. Also, visit Talgov.com for information and updates from the City of Tallahassee.
LeonCountyFL.gov/ei | (850) 606-3700
LeonCountyFL.gov | (850) 606-5300
