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Walton County Mandatory Evacuation Notice for Hurricane Michael

By October 8, 2018Uncategorized

The National Hurricane Center has issued a Hurricane Warning and Storm Surge Warning for Walton County. Hurricane Michael, currently a Category 1 storm, is expected to impact Walton County beginning at 8:00pm on Tuesday, October 9th.

Due to the potential of life threatening storm surge and winds predicted to accompany this storm, Walton County Emergency Management has an issued a Mandatory Evacuation order for the following evacuation zones:

  • Evacuation Zone A
  • Evacuation Zone B
  • Evacuation Zone C

NOTE: Seacrest is located in Evacuation Zone B.
The Walton County Evacuation Zone Map can be viewed at http://bit.ly/2ESHSon. If you are unsure of your Evacuation Zone, you may search by address at http://bit.ly/2ogfd34.

Hurricane Michael is expected to make landfall as a Category 3 Major Hurricane

The issuance of this Mandatory Evacuation Order is as follows:

Issued when an imminent threat to life exists and individuals MUST evacuate in accordance with the instructions of local officials. During these unsafe conditions, Public Safety officials will not risk lives to respond to emergency calls in the affected areas. When conditions improve, response times could be severely delayed due to an inability to access the mandatory evacuation area. These delays could last for hours or days. Utilities, including electricity, water, and phone service, could be damaged and unavailable for extended periods of time. If you do not evacuate, prepare to be self-sufficient for up to 72-hours or more.

The following Shelter location will be open beginning at 7:00am on Tuesday, October 9th. This location will serve as a general population, special needs and pet friendly shelter.

Freeport High School – 12615 US 331 Business, Freeport, FL 32439

Pet Shelter Info: Pet owners must provide pet supplies, such as food bowls, water bowls, food, water and appropriate-sized carriers/crates for their dogs and cats. Walton County pet owners are asked to bring updated rabies vaccination information with them to the shelter. Although Walton County Animal Shelter staff will be onsite, no veterinarian services will be available at the shelter. Please note that only dogs and cats will be allowed at the shelter and all pet owners are expected to remain the primary caregivers for their pets during emergency shelter operations.
If you live in Evacuation Zones A, B or C please prepare your home and beginning at 7:00am on Tuesday, October 9th. Please check on your neighbors and if necessary, assist them in evacuating. If you or a neighbor requires transportation assistance to a shelter, you may call the Citizen Information Center at 850-892-8392 or 850-892-8394.

Residents and visitors should be prepared to bring the supplies they need with them to the shelter. These items include:

  • A change of clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes.
  • Toiletries and personal items.
  • Blankets or sleeping bag, and a pillow.
  • Identification.
  • Games, toys, books, or other entertainment.
  • Special items needed for infants or elderly family members.
  • Any special dietary needs.
  • Non-perishable foods for snacks.
  • Battery operated radio and flashlight with extra batteries.
  • Any medications that you take.

Residents and visitors not in the Mandatory evacuation zone should prepare their homes and remain indoors as weather conditions deteriorate.

Walton County residents should monitor the situation closely as conditions can rapidly change.

Please register for emergency alerts at www.AlertWalton.org.

A citizen’s information line has been established at 850-892-8392 or 850-892-8394; you can also find up-to-date information on the Walton County Emergency Management Facebook page at www.facebook.com/WaltonCountyEM.