Hurricane Info Center

• Check for Hazards: Walk carefully around the exterior of your home to look for downed power lines, gas leaks, structural cracks, or loose tree limbs. Never touch a downed power line.
• Avoid Floodwaters: Stay out of standing water, which may hide live electrical wires, sharp debris, or sewage contamination.
• Use Generators Safely: Run portable gasoline or diesel generators outdoors only—at least 20 feet away from windows, doors, and vents—to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Never run a generator inside a home, basement, or garage.
• Use Flashlights, Not Candles: Rely on battery-powered flashlights or headlamps to avoid fire risks from tipped candles.
• Unplug Appliances: Turn off or disconnect major appliances and sensitive electronics (like TVs and computers) to prevent power surges and circuit overload when electricity is restored.

• Keep Refrigerators Closed: A closed refrigerator keeps food cold for up to 4 hours; a full freezer holds its temperature for about 48 hours.
• Discard Spoiled Food: Throw away any perishable food (meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy) that has been above 40°F (4°C) for 4 hours or more, or if it has an unusual odor, color, or texture.
• Conserve and Purify Water: Drink bottled water or treat tap water only after local authorities confirm the municipal system is safe.
  • Escambia County: The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA) issued a systemwide precautionary boil water notice for all of its customers.
  • Santa Rosa County: The City of Milton issued a boil water notice after a central city water lost power.

• Photograph Damage: Take clear photos and videos of all structural damage to your home, roof, fencing, and personal property before starting cleanup.
• Report Your Outage: Notify your electric utility company through their mobile app, online portal, or phone line if you haven’t already.
• Save Repair Receipts: Keep itemized receipts for any emergency materials (tarps, plywood, temporary repairs) for insurance claims or FEMA assistance.
• Hire Licensed Pros: Verify the credentials and licenses of any local contractors or restoration companies before signing work agreements

• FEMA Disaster Assistance: Register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 1-800-462-7585) for individual and household aid.
• Florida Division of Emergency Management: Check live updates and evacuation orders through Florida Disaster.
• Disaster Unemployment Assistance: Visit FloridaJobs.org or call 1-800-385-3920 if your employment was impacted.
• By Phone: Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to report storm damage or request urgent assistance.
• United Way Emerald Coast: Dial 211 to connect with local community groups providing food, shelter, and recovery supplies.

• Okaloosa County EOC: For live operational alerts and shelter status, stay tuned to the Okaloosa County Emergency Management website.
• State Assistance Information Line (SAIL): Call 1-800-342-3557 for real-time, up-to-the-minute state emergency resources and information.
• 211 Northwest Florida: Dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211 for 24/7 disaster routing, staging site updates, and local preparedness assistance.
• Price Gouging Hotline: Report anyone inflating prices on gas, water, or hotel rooms to the state at 1-866-966-7226.

Helpful sites to get info:

BAY COUNTY

Bay County emergency Management

• Okaloosa County maintains a complete online resource, including the Hurricane Guide, at  https://myokaloosa.com/eoc/home
• In the event of an emergency and if the Emergency Operations Center Activates, up-to-date information can be found at myokaloosa.com/eoc/home.
• You can also stay up-to-date via traditional social media by following our Facebook page facebook.com/OkaloosaCounty