Hurricane Helene Community Brief 

For Thursday, September 26

As our community braces for Hurricane Helene, citizens must take action. Citizens should either shelter-in-place in their homes and wait out the hurricane-force winds, seek shelter at one of the County's eight shelter locations (listed below), or seek safer shelter elsewhere. Everyone now must consider the safety of our neighbors, friends, and family.
 
Stay informed. Be safe. We are a united and resilient community that has proven time and time again that we are stronger than disaster.

A Hurricane Warning, Flood Warning, and Tornado Watch has been issued for Leon County. While even a small shift in the storm’s track could significantly alter its impact, the latest forecast still projects Helene to pass directly over Leon County, posing a serious threat to our community. 

For up-to-the minute critical emergency information, visit the County’s Emergency Information Portal at www.LeonCountyFL.gov/ei. 

Weather Update

Hurricane Helene is currently a Category 2 hurricane and is expected to remain a major hurricane prior to landfall. We expect wind risks and rain impacts to begin as early as mid-day today and to continue through tonight, including hurricane-force winds and up to 10 inches of rain. Additionally, the possibility of isolated tornadoes is expected through late Thursday night. Leon County is now under a Hurricane Warning, a Tornado and Flash Flood Watch and a Storm Surge Warning has been issued along the coast throughout our region. Again, hurricane-force winds remain the most severe threat for our community which could cause widespread power outages, significant property damage, and put lives at risk.

The following includes a list of resources for disaster planning in Florida: 

• FloridaDisaster.org contains a summary of currently open general and special needs shelters within the State of Florida. 

• The Visit Florida website contains current travel safety information as well as resources for hotel and lodging availability across the state of Florida. 

• The American Red Cross shelter directory contains a list of currently open American Red Cross shelters across the country. 

Important Updates
  
Evacuation Order for Mobile and Manufactured Homes

Leon County has issued a mandatory evacuation order for citizens living in mobile or manufactured homes due to the threat of severe winds.
 
Risk Shelters
  
In partnership with Leon County Schools, the following eight risk shelters are currently open:  

• Fort Braden School, 15100 Blountstown Hwy 
• Chiles High School, 7200 Lawton Chiles Lane 
• Leon High School, 550 East Tennessee Street 
• Lincoln High School, 3838 Trojan Trail 
• Fairview Middle School, 3415 Zillah Street 
• SAIL High School, 2006 Jackson Bluff Road 
• Godby High School, 1717 W Tharpe Street
• Rickards High School, 3013 Jim Lee Road

All shelters are pet accessible. Please bring a crate or carrier for your pet.

For shelters open throughout the state of Florida, visit the Florida Division of Emergency Management's Shelter Status webpage. One host shelter is available in Leon County:

• Al Lawson Center, 1800 Wahnish Way (not pet-accessible)

When evacuating from a hurricane and seeking shelter, it's crucial to be well-prepared to ensure the safety and well-being of both you and your pets. Here's a comprehensive list of necessary supplies:  
  
Recommended Supplies for Individuals  

• Identification: Government-issued ID, copies of important documents (e.g., insurance policies, medical records)  

• Cash: ATMs may not be working; small bills are best.  

• Clothing: Enough for several days, including sturdy shoes and rain gear.  

• Food and Water: Non-perishable food items and at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days.  

• First Aid Kit: Bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, prescription medications, etc.  

• Personal Hygiene Items: Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, feminine hygiene products, etc.  

• Flashlights: With extra batteries.  

• Communication Devices: Fully charged cell phone with backup battery, emergency contact list.  

• Blankets or Sleeping Bags: For warmth and comfort.  

• Local Maps: In case GPS is not available.  

• Entertainment: Books, cards, or small games to pass the time.  

• Face Masks and Hand Sanitizers: For personal protection.  

• Baby Supplies: If applicable, bring diapers, formula, and other necessary items.  

• Special Needs Items: For elderly or disabled family members.  

 
Recommended Supplies for Pets  

• Identification: ID tags, microchip information, and a recent photo.  

• Leash and Collar: For control and identification.  

• Carrier or Cage: To safely transport and house your pet.  

• Food and Water: Enough for at least three days.  

• Bowls: For food and water.  

• Blanket or Towel: For bedding and warmth.  

• Waste Bags: For clean-up.  

• Medications: Any prescription medications your pet may need.  

• First Aid Kit: Specific to pets, including bandages and antiseptics.  

• Toys: To keep your pet occupied and reduce stress.  

• Vaccination Records: Some shelters require proof of vaccinations.  

• Special Needs Items: If your pet has specific dietary or medical needs, make sure to bring those supplies.  

Always prioritize the most essential items as space may be limited.  
  
Office, School, and University/College Closures  

• Leon County public-facing offices are closed Thursday, September 26 and Friday, September 27, to reassign staff to storm response and recovery efforts.
• City of Tallahassee administrative offices are closed Thursday, September 26 and Friday, September 27.
• Leon County Schools is closed Thursday, September 26 and Friday, September 27. 
• Florida A&M University classes are canceled, and academic and campus operations have been suspended through Friday, September 27.
• The FAMU Developmental Research School (K-12) is closed through Friday, September 27. 
• Florida State University is closed through 11 p.m. on Sunday, September 29. 
• Florida State University Schools (Florida High) is closed on Thursday, September 26 and Friday, September 27. 
• Tallahassee State College classes are canceled and campuses are closed through Friday, September 27.

Stay Informed
 
As Helene approaches our area, Leon County Emergency Management is actively monitoring and executing our emergency plans for this storm. To stay up to date on Leon County preparedness actions, such as shelter locations and preparedness tips, you have the following resources: 

• LeonReady.com – The Leon Ready website is a hub of resources to help you, your family, and your neighborhood prepare for disasters. There are a variety of resources available, like the County’s Disaster Survival Guide, a full list of disaster supplies for your disaster bucket, and so much more, to increase your readiness. 

• Download the Leon County Citizens Connect Mobile App – The Citizens Connect mobile app puts timely emergency notifications at your fingertips through push notifications on your smartphone or other device. Be the first to know about shelter locations, road closures and service changes by downloading the application on the Apple and Google Play stores. 

• Visit the Leon County Emergency Information Portal – Hosting the same information as the Citizens Connect app, the Emergency Information Portal can be accessed on a desktop or a mobile browser by visiting www.LeonCountyFL.gov/ei. 

• iHeartRadio will also provide updates on the following stations: WFLA-FM 100.7, WFLF-FM 94.5, WTNT 94.9, KISS-FM 107.1, X-FM101.5, and The Beat-FM 105.3.
• Listen to 88.9 WFSU-FM – Citizens can tune in to 88.9 FM for the most up-to-date information from local public safety officials. Featuring to-the-minute reporting, WFSU, Leon County and the City of Tallahassee remain committed to getting information out on the radio as soon as possible.

• Call 2-1-1 Big Bend – If you need community information, services and support any day of the year, Big Bend 2-1-1 is reachable by dialing either 2-1-1 or (850) 617-6333. 

• Call (850) 606-3700 with questions – Leon County Emergency Management staff is available to answer questions about how you should prepare, act and recover. 

• For updates on City of Tallahassee Utilities and other City services, visit Talgov.com. 

• Insurance Helpline – The Florida Department of Financial Services offers a toll-free Insurance Consumer Helpline to assist Florida's insurance consumers. Insurance Specialists are available to answer questions or concerns regarding insurance coverage and advocate on a consumer's behalf to resolve a dispute with an insurance company. To receive assistance, call 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (693-5236) toll-free, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

• Price Gouging – During a state of emergency, it is unlawful to sell or lease certain commodities for an amount that grossly exceeds the average price. To report price gouging, call 1-866-966-7226. 

It is important to know the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning. A hurricane watch is an announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 miles per hour or higher) are possible within a specified area. Watches are generally issued 48 hours in advance of hurricane winds. A warning indicates conditions are expected, and these are issued 36 hours in advance. 

If you have any questions about how best to prepare, please call the Leon County Citizens Information Line at 850-606-3700. 
 
For current information about local preparedness and response, please visit www.LeonCountyFL.gov/ei.