Flagler County: Remove Hurricane Boards & Shutters To Avoid Fire Hazards

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Flagler County, FL - Flagler County residents are encouraged to remove their hurricane shutters and boards from windows to prevent fire hazards. “All residential rooms are required to have two points of egress,” said Flagler County Fire Marshal Jerry Smith. “If there is a fire, it is important to make sure you have a way to get out of your home.” Keeping shutters up until the end of the hurricane season can create a fire hazard that has potentially deadly consequences. “A fire inside a home with shuttered windows may not be visible until it is too late,” Flagler County Fire Rescue Chief Don Petito says. “It can delay firefighters trying to enter a home that is on fire.” Flagler County firefighters follow a “vent, enter, search” protocol, which means they will enter room-by-room and search them to ensure everyone is out of the burning structure. Shuttered and boarded-up windows can hinder this process. “We know folks are tired and weary, but please take the time to remove your shutters,” Flagler County Deputy Fire Chief Joe King explains. Check for current information on Flagler County’s website www.flaglercounty.org  and follow Flagler County Government or Flagler County Emergency Management on Facebook or Twitter. The county’s social media team will provide updates through these official accounts:.