Storm shelter information

As Tropical Storm Isaac is forecasted to hit Mississippi on Wednesday morning, Navarre residents should make the decision to stay or leave the area within the next 48 hours.

Isaac is presently located below the Florida Keys and is forecasted to make land fall between Mobile and Mississippi sometime on Wednesday, but that can change.

For residents who decide to stay, storm shelters are available, but none are located in the south end. The nearest storm shelter is the Milton Community Center located at 5629 Byrom Street.

According to the Santa Rosa County storm preparation website, do not go to a shelter until it’s been verified that it is open.

Hurricane shelter openings will be announced through all means possible, and shelters may not be opened at the same time, therefore contact the Citizens Information Center at 850-983-4636 to find out which shelters will be open.

It is also important to account for family members with disabilities and pets when deciding to stay, leave or go to a shelter. Not all shelters can accommodate pets or disabled family members.

Residents that will use special needs shelters, call 850-983-5360 to register or register online at www.santarosa.fl.gov/emergency/specialneeds.html.

If transportation is needed, do not wait. Downed power line, trees and flooding may make it difficult, it not impossible, to reach shelters during a hurricane.

Allow for adequate time to reach a shelter before winds and rains become severe.

If transportation is needed, call 850-983-4636 to make arrangements. Transportation will not be available after the arrival of tropical storm force winds.

More information about shelters and evacuation procedures can be found at http://www.santarosa.fl.gov/news/factsheet/2012%20Disaster%20Guide.pdf#page=27.

Updates will be provided throughout the day on the storm’s location.