General Cleanup Safety Tips Be careful when using a power saw or tools to clear tree limbs and debris.  Watch out for fallen power lines in trees or standing water.  Never stand on the top rung of a ladder. Have a second person “spot “you when using a ladder and power tools. Work smart.  Wear protective clothing, hats and sunscreen during clean-up.  Take periodic breaks and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.   Standing flood waters pose possible health dangers.  Basic hygiene is critical.  Avoid contact with flood waters if at all possible and Keep children away from flood waters.    Take this time to restock and supply your personal disaster – supply kits.

 

Florida Division of Forestry

Due to damage sustained during recent storms, many roads and bridges on

Blackwater River State Forest are impassable.  Additionally, Coldwater Recreation Area and Hurricane North Recreation Areas are temporarily closed.

 

Bryant Bridge and Peaden Bridge are closed temporarily due to flooding; Kennedy Bridge is closed until further notice; Cotton Bridge, located on Hwy. 4, is open.  Primary paved roads are generally open; however, continued rainfall and temporary flooding may occur at any time.  Secondary roads are approximately 50% open, except around creeks and drains.  Repairs are underway but restoration to full access will take several weeks due to the extent of the damage. Coldwater Recreation Area will be closed at least until April 12 and Hurricane North Recreation Area will be closed until further notice due to infrastructure damage.

 

For more information, contact the Florida Division of Forestry at 850-957-6140. General Safety InformationPlease monitor your home weather radio and local media outlets for the most up-to-date information. Your best defense in any disaster is a NOAA Weather radio.

Citizens can signup to automatically receive breaking news alerts from Santa Rosa County Emergency Management via e-mail or as a text message on their cell phone at:  http://www.santarosa.fl.gov/emergency/publicwarning.html.