City of Panama Beach issued the following announcement on August 15.
Bay County and local first responders are currently preparing for Tropical Storm Fred. Our area is under a tropical storm warning.
This storm is forecast to bring impacts to our area similar to those of Hurricane Sally. If your property is prone to flooding, please take precautionary measures. The County has placed sand for bagging at Pete Edwards Field, 7300 McElvey Road, Panama City Beach, and at the northwest side of Deer Point Dam. Panama City Beach staff have sand at Frank Brown Park.
The County has also lowered Deer Point Lake and both the City and County has been clearing outfalls, ditches and storm drains. Stay #weatheraware and prepared. Sign up for AlertBay at alertbay.org.
Here's a list of Frequently Asked Questions from Bay County:
Is Bay County under any Watches or Warnings?
Bay County is under a tropical storm warning. Continue to monitor local media, the National Weather Service, and Bay County Emergency Management social media.
What are the anticipated effects of this storm?
The primary threat is likely to be heavy rainfall capable of causing localized flooding and river flooding. There is potential for dangerous marine conditions on area beaches. Isolated tornadoes are possible.
Will Bay County close bridges?
Current forecasts do not place high winds for Bay County.
What kind of warning can I get for bridge closures?
The determination for closure of the bridge is made by the Florida Department of Transportation, Florida Highway Patrol, and local law enforcement based on weather conditions. Little to no warning could be issued due to the fast-changing nature of weather systems. We recommend that all citizens and visitors sign up for AlertBay at alertbay.org for emergency notifications.
We are planning on coming into the area for vacation. Should we still come?
No one can make that decision for you. We could potentially experience heavy rip currents and rainfall of up to 12 inches. This situation is fluid and subject to change at a moment’s notice. Continue to monitor news media, the National Weather Service, and Bay County Emergency Management to stay up-to-date.
Where can I get updates on what the County is doing during Fred?
To receive updates on County actions during a disaster like a hurricane or tropical storm, follow the County's social media accounts and sign up for emergency notifications on alertbay at alertbay.org.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BayCountyFLEmergencyServices/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayCountyEM
Website: http://www.baycountyfl.gov/164/Emergency-Services
Where can I get official forecasts?
Official tropical cyclone forecasts can be found at www.nhc.noaa.gov. Bay County Emergency Management social media will also be updated when an active tropical cyclone has the potential to impact Bay County.
Where are the shelters located within Bay County?
No shelters are open at this time and there is no plan to open shelters for Fred. If conditions change, our primary shelter is at Deane Bozeman School, 13410 Hwy. 77, Panama City. Our Special Needs Shelter is also located at Deane Bozeman School.
Are there any evacuations for Bay County?
There are no evacuations orders at this time. If an evacuation is needed a notification will go out from Emergency Management or the Sheriff’s Office via press release, social media, AlertBay, and traditional media outlets.
Is there a Local State of Emergency?
There is a precautionary Local State of Emergency for Bay County.
What should I do if a Hurricane or Tropical Storm is forecast to impact Bay County?
If a tropical cyclone is forecast to impact Bay County, it is important that you monitor the situation. Follow any protective actions that are called for. This could include evacuating your home. Be sure to have a fully stocked disaster supply kit ready and have a disaster plan for you, your family, or your business. To create a plan, visit www.alertbay.org and click “Get a Plan.”
What should I have in my disaster supply kit?
At a minimum you should have AT LEAST seven days worth of the following items in your disaster supply kit:
- Water (1 gallon per person per day)
- Non-Perishable food
- Manual can opener
- Battery powered or hand cranked radio
- NOAA Weather Radio
- Flashlight with batteries
- First aid kit
- Prescription medications
- Hand sanitizer
- Local maps
- Cards/board games
- Cash
If you have a medical or functional need, please register on the Special Needs Shelter website: https://snr.floridadisaster.org/Signin?client=bay.
What do I do if I have any damage?
If you have any damage or impacts to your home or business contact emergency management at the information below. If your damage is life threatening, such as a downed power line is on your home, contact 911.
Email recovery@baycountyfl.gov with:
• Name
• Telephone number
• Address of damage
• Picture/video of the damage
• Time the damage occurred (If known)
What do I do if I have flooding on my property?
• Do not let children play in flood waters as these waters may be contaminated by sewage.
• If you live in a low-lying or flood-prone area, the ground in your area may be saturated from heavy rainfalls or flooding. You should use household water as little as possible to prevent backups of sewage into your home.
• Document all flooding with pictures/videos.
Where can I get sand for bagging?
Local Public Works Departments have placed sand for bagging at Pete Edwards Field at 7300 McElvey Road, Panama City Beach; Deer Point Dam located on the northwest side; and at the main entrance to Frank Brown Park, 16200 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach. Sandbags are available for purchase at home improvement stores. Please bring a shovel.
Original source can be found here.
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