Sandbags can redirect stormwater and debris flows away from homes and other structures if they are correctly filled, placed and maintained. However, sandbags will not seal out water and 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.

Filling

• Fill sandbags one-half full.
• Fold the top of sandbag down and rest the bag on its folded top.

Placing

• Take care in stacking sandbags.
• Limit placement to three layers unless you have a building or wall to use as a backing.
• Tamp each sandbag into place, completing each layer before starting the next layer.
• Clear a path between buildings for debris flow.
• Lay a plastic sheet in between the building and the bags to control the flow and prevent water from seeping through openings like sliding glass doors.

Limitations

• Sandbags will not seal out water.
• Sandbags deteriorate when exposed to continued wetting and drying.
• Sandbags are for small water flow protection – up to two feet. Protection from more significant water flow requires a more permanent flood prevention system.
• Wet sandbags are very heavy. Use caution when lifting to avoid injury.

Sandbags are made available by Leon County and the City of Tallahassee for heavy rain. Leon County sandbags are limited to 15 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.

5-day cone actions

When 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.

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.

When a Hurricane strikes

• Prepare for the storm before the arrival of tropical force winds. When hurricanes move onto land, the heavy rain, strong winds, storm surge and crashing waves can damage buildings, trees, cars and other infrastructure.

Hurricanes Have Two Main Parts:

• The eye of the hurricane is an area of nearly calm winds in the center of the storm where the lowest pressure resides. The eye of a hurricane averages about 20 miles in diameter and often has very few clouds.
• The second part is the wall of very tall clouds that surrounds the relatively calm eye. This region, known as the eye wall, is where the hurricane’s strongest winds and heaviest rain occur.

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.

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 via Talquin’s mobile app for either Apple or Android phones, by texting #OUTAGE to 85700, or by calling 1-866-899-4832 (Automated System) or 1-888-802-1832 (Live Operator). You can also receive notifications via the mobile app or sign up for text alerts at TalquinElectric.com.

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 try to power the house wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet.

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.

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.

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).

Hire Licensed Businesses

If repairs to your home or property are needed, hire reputable and licensed people and avoid any contractor or appraiser who says they can adjust your insurance claim. You can verify a contractor’s license and check to see if there are any complaints against them by calling the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation at (850) 487-1395.

• 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.