Tropical Storm Helene Community Brief 

For Tuesday, September 24 

Leon County Government has been in close coordination with the National Weather Service and our local first responder agencies to monitor Tropical Storm Helene. 

As our community monitors Helene, Leon County Emergency Management continues to execute our emergency plans for this storm. County residents are encouraged to review their disaster plans now. A Hurricane Warning 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. Although there is still some uncertainty, this forecast does not change our preparedness efforts, as we continue to prepare for the worst-case scenarios. 

Leon County is actively preparing across every work area and essential function. For up-to-the minute critical emergency information, visit the County’s Emergency Information Portal at www.LeonCountyFL.gov/ei. 

Weather Update

Helene continues to be projected to intensify with Leon County anticipated to experience impacts as early as mid-day Thursday with hurricane force winds possible through Thursday evening, and up to ten inches of rain. Surrounding counties have begun issuing evacuation orders for coastal areas in anticipation of significant storm surge impacts. Additionally, the National Weather Service has advised that there is a marginal risk of tornadoes in our area on Wednesday. The most severe threat for our community, however, remains hurricane-force winds that 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
 
Sandbag Locations 
  
Sandbags are available at the following Leon County and City of Tallahassee distribution sites: 

• Leon County's Northeast Branch Library, 5513 Thomasville Road (County)  

• Apalachee Regional Park (Solid Waste Management Facility), 7550 Apalachee Parkway (County)  

• Fred George Park, 3043 Capital Circle NW (County)  

• At the intersection of Oak Ridge at Ranchero roads (County)  

• Fort Braden Community Park, 15000 Blountstown Hwy (County) 

• Jack McClean Community Center, 700 Paul Russel Road (City) 

• Mike Blankenship Skate Park, 2909 Jackson Bluff Road (City)  

• Former Northwood Centre site, 1940 N. Monroe Street, (City)  

County locations will be staffed from dawn to dusk to assist citizens. Sand, bags and ties are available for public use. Residents are asked to take no more than 15 (25 City) bags to allow others to prepare.  
  
Risk Shelters 
  
In partnership with Leon County Schools, the following seven risk shelters will open on Wednesday, September 25, at 6 p.m.:  

• 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 

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 will be closed Thursday, September 26, and Friday, September 27, to reassign staff to storm response and recovery efforts.

• For City of Tallahassee closures and service changes, visit Talgov.com. 

• Leon County Schools will commence early release on Wednesday, September 25, with dismissal of high schools at 11:20 a.m., elementary schools at 12:20 p.m., and middle schools at 1:20 p.m. All Leon County schools and district offices will be 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) will be closed Wednesday, September 25 through Friday, September 27. 

• Florida State University will be closed from 7 a.m. on Wednesday, September 25 through 11 p.m. on Sunday, September 29. 

• Florida State University Schools (Florida High) will commence early release on Wednesday, September 25, and campuses will be closed on Thursday, September 26 and Friday, September 27. 

• Tallahassee State College classes are canceled and campuses are closed from Wednesday, September 25, through Friday, September 27. 

Stay Informed
 
As the storm approaches Florida, 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 sandbag 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. 

• 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. 

• Additionally, 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. 

• 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. 

• If you are looking for gas, use GasBuddy.com to report fuel prices and availability. 

Plan now because when disaster strikes, it is too late to prepare. Leon County encourages the community to put disaster supplies in a waterproof and durable five-gallon bucket. Keep these essential items near an exit door in your home or in your vehicle. Some important items include a flashlight, medications, nonperishable food and water. Visit LeonReady.com to view the Disaster Survival Guide for disaster preparedness resources and a full list of preparedness items. 
 
Once you and your family have a hurricane preparedness plan in place, check on your neighbors to ensure that they have one, too. Neighborhoods that prepare together create strong support networks that are vital to a speedy recovery. In the event of a major disaster, your neighbors will be your closest resource and support. 
 
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. 
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Prepare your home for strong winds by visually inspecting trees on your property for poor health and reducing the risk to your home by trimming hanging limbs. If you have any questions about your tree's health, contact a Certified Arborist to assist you. 
 
Please prepare now. 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.