Flagler County, FL - If Hurricane Irma remains on the current course, Flagler County emergency shelters will likely open on Saturday morning, and residents should plan ahead if they intend to evacuate to one of them.
“The National Hurricane Center continues to track and define Irma’s path,” says Flagler County Public Safety Emergency Manager Steve Garten. “We are paying close attention and planning accordingly. We have not opened shelters yet, and we will send out notification as soon as the decision is made.”
Flagler Schools announced late Wednesday that classes and activities are cancelled Friday in advance of the storm.
Shelters will be prepared at Rymfire Elementary – for special needs – and at Bunnell Elementary for residents with crated, domesticated pets and the general population.
- Bunnell Elementary – Shelter for general population and pets
305 N. Palmetto Street, Bunnell
- Rymfire Elementary – Special needs shelter
1425 Rymfire Drive, Palm Coast
If necessary, the special needs shelter will open first to allow extra time to transport and situate residents at that shelter. Those who have registered on the special needs evacuation registry will be individually called in advance of the shelter opening.
Notification will be posted on Flagler County’s website, www.flaglercounty.org, to notify the community when the shelters are to open, as well as through the local media.
Some cots will be available at the shelters. Residents will be permitted to bring single or twin size inflatable mattresses. Queen and king size mattresses will not be allowed.
All residents should bring:
- 72-hour supply of all medications
- Sleeping bags, pillows, and blankets
- Extra chargers and batteries for electronics
- Headphones for music devices
- Snacks and “comfort foods” – meals will be served.
- Those with special diets should bring appropriate foods.
- No weapons allowed
- No illegal narcotics allowed
- No alcohol allowed
Residents with pets (Bunnell Elementary only):
- Animals must be crated.
- Animals must have current vaccination records and supplies, including medications.
- “Pets” are dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, rodents, and turtles.
- Four (4) pet maximum.
- No snakes, reptiles or farm animals and livestock.
- No drop offs.
Residents with special needs (Rymfire Elementary):
- Special needs residents are those who require assistance with daily living or who have medical conditions that prevent or hinder their ability to care for themselves, as well as those who require electricity or oxygen.
- A family member or caregiver should stay at the shelter with the individual.
- Special needs shelters provide only limited medical care.
Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017.
