Latest info on Hurricane Irma

Irma Cone Map (Updated at 5am 9/8/17)

From Wayne Sallade (Earlier this morning)

Facebook Family, it is vitally important that you understand these instructions. moving forward: YOU MUST FOLLOW GUIDANCE PROVIDED BY LOCAL (COUNTY) OFFICIALS IN YOUR COMMUNITY!!! Are we clear on that? Here is my morning take on your very dangerous, and potentially life-threatening situation: Major Hurricane Irma is projected by the NHC, to traverse the entire Florida Peninsula along what is primarily the U.S. Highway 27 Corridor from the Keys to the Georgia State line! Irma is still a Major Hurricane this morning and will be when she reaches the Florida Keys sometime late tomorrow. She will weaken some as she tracks N over land, but the Everglades are flat and wet, so she won't lose much of her punch! The core of Irma will be moving E of Urban Southwest Florida by some 60-80 miles in the early morning hours on Sunday. Rainfall amounts could range from 8-12 inches, with locally higher totals possible. Storm surge levels will trigger some coastal evacuations. You must KNOW YOUR ZONE, and when local authorities announce your color or level of evacuation, you must leave that area and move to higher ground! You will be given SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS and you must follow that guidance or you are risking your life.Now, I pray that this made sense to you and will not bring about many questions about specifics at your address.God Bless you my friends, and all in Florida!

Shelter-in-Place Recommended for All Special Needs Registration at Full Capacity CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (Sept. 7, 2017) –

 With the current forecast of minimal storm surge, residents are encouraged to shelter-in-place. Charlotte County special needs shelter registration has reached full capacity. Those who are oxygen dependent should have a 36-hour supply of oxygen on hand. People who are electric-dependent need to prepare to shelter-in-place with an electrical backup. For sheltering in place, including residents with special needs, you should be prepared to do the following

:•Select a small, interior room, with no or few windows. Remember mobile homes are not built to withstand the high winds associated with tropical storms and hurricanes

.•Close and lock all windows and exterior doors. Windows should be reinforced with hurricane shutters or at least 5/8” plywood

.•Turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems. Close the fireplace damper.•Get your family disaster supplies kit including a first aid kit

. •Bring your pets inside, and be sure to bring additional food and water supplies for them. Do not allow pets to go outside until the danger has passed

.•Fill your bathtub with water to clean and flush toilets

.•It is ideal to have a hard-wired telephone in the room you select. Call your emergency contact and have the phone available if you need to report a life-threatening condition. Cellular telephone equipment may be overwhelmed or damaged during an emergency

.•Keep listening to your radio or television until you are told all is safe or you are told to evacuate. Make sure you have the following items:At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food, including any special dietary needs and a manual can opener

. •One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation.•Special items needed for infants or elderly family members.

 •Battery operated or hand crank radio and flashlight with extra batteries

. •Any medications that you take and glasses.You must take responsibility for yourself and your family in an emergency. Part of any plan is to identify and use all available resources. Plan ahead with friends and family members where possible who lives outside of the evacuation area or flood zones, in a well-constructed home. Media and public can follow Charlotte County Emergency Management important emergency information at

 www.charlottecountyfl.gov,www.facebook.com/oemcharlottecounty,

 and www.twitter.com/ccoem.

For more information on flooding risk..go to the following Charlotte County website:

https://www.charlottecountyfl.gov/services/emergencymgmt/Pages/Flooding-Risks.aspx