FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10/12/18  5:00 PM
 
Nassau County ARES Providing Communications Support to Panhandle
 
Nassau County’s Amateur Radio Emergency Services (NCARES) team has been requested by the State’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to lend their communications networking capabilities and technological expertise to the Panhandle counties.  Hurricane Michael destroyed critical infrastructure throughout several counties west of Tallahassee.  Many are relying on volunteer Ham Radio operators utilizing the State Amateur Radio Network (SARnet) to relay information about structural damage, supply shortages, and requests for assistance from the Panhandle to NE Florida, where those needs can be put directly into Emergency Management’s web-based disaster information and mission request system. 

As a not-for-profit entity, NCARES pays for all of its equipment and operations through donations and two annual barbeque fundraisers.  NCARES members volunteer their time and resources daily to Nassau County Emergency Management staffing the County Watch Office.  During disasters like Hurricane Michael, the volunteers do whatever is needed to ensure emergency messages get to where they need to go.  NCARES volunteers will tow their Mobile Communications Center, joining Detective Thomas Kelley in the specially-equipped NCSO Mobile Communications Vehicle on a mission to provide emergency generator power, patching, relay, and dispatch capabilities and help repair what they can to improve public safety communication in the devastated counties.

Nassau County Emergency Management
Contact:  Martha Oberdorfer, Public Information
904-548-0900 (EOC Information Center)
e-mail:  EOC.PublicInfo@NassauFLEM.com
Facebook: NassauEM
Twitter: @NassauEM

10/10/18 @ 10:45 a.m. - Below is an updated from Nassau County Emergency Management posted to their website at 10:00 a.m. this morning:

HURRICANE MICHAEL UPDATE: 10/10/2018 10AM

For areas along the coast and The Intracoastal Waterway, be aware of periodic high winds, possibility of tornadoes/waterspouts, and intermittent bridge closures. Officers will be stationed at the bridges to monitor sustained wind speeds. Timing of concern for our area begins early this afternoon and into the midnight hours.

For areas west of US1 in Nassau County, be aware of periodic high winds, tornadoes. Remember that the west side... of our county sits on the edge of warning areas sustained tropical storm force winds. Vigilance and preparedness is imperative.

While no official warnings have been issued for Nassau County, there are severe weather impact potentials all around us. Please remain vigilant and prepared.

Bridges are open at this time. When sustained wind speeds are above 39 mph for 3 minutes, we will temporarily close the bridge. Officers will be stationed to monitor these conditions throughout the day. If the bridges close, they will reopen as soon as winds speeds subside to a safe level for travel.
Because of construction on A1A, we are unsure how winds and rains may impact the roadways. If you do not have reason to be on the roads, we encourage you to remain indoors.

If you have questions? Call Nassau County Emergency Management 904-548-0900.

10/10/18 @ 2:00 p.m. - At this morning's Conference Call of the Executive Policy Group, Emergency Management Director, Billy Estep, stated that Hurricane Michael is now being referred to as a "historical storm" due to its size and strength and indicated that tropical storm force winds will be felt as far north as Augusta, Ga.

Current wind predictions for Nassau County are between 20-35 mph from 3:00 p.m. to midnight, and then between 35-50 mph from midnight to noon tomorrow. The west side of the County has the potential for power outages and tornadoes. The east side of the County has already experienced fallen debris and will be in danger of possible tornadoes and water spouts.

We've been told that Okefenokee Electric has ample resources to respond to power outages in their service areas on the west side of the County and that Florida Power & Light will be staging 150 trucks near Hilliard to respond to outages to their customers throughout the County. Residents are reminded to avoid downed power lines and to report them as soon as possible.

Employees of the Nassau County Road & Bridge Department and Facilities Maintenance Department will be working throughout the night to respond to calls as needed. Officers will be stationed by the bridges to monitor wind conditions and will close bridges if we experience sustained (continuous) winds of 39mph or greater for 3 minutes. If the bridges close, they will reopen as soon as winds speeds subside to a safe level for travel.

The Emergency Operations Center will remain activated to a Level II and will have staff and volunteers answering phones and watching the storm as it progresses throughout the evening. If you have any questions, they can be reached at (904) 548-0900.

The Journey Church in Fernandina Beach has indicated they can open their doors for shelter and can take up to 130 people. They are not currently open at this time, however will be on standby should Emergency Management determine there is a need. Should the County need to open a shelter, it will be at the Hilliard Middle Senior High School. Please note there are currently NO plans to open a County operated shelter at this time.

Nassau County Schools have cancelled all after school activities, however there are currently NO plans to cancel school tomorrow.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

10/9/18 @ 4:30 p.m. - A Conference Call of the Executive Policy Group was held right before noon today. Emergency Management Director, Billy Estep, indicated that the current track shows Hurricane Michael making landfall in the panhandle and that the possibility of hurricane force winds for Nassau County has diminished.

Tropical Storm force winds on the east side of the County are expected to range from 20-25 mph with gusts up to 35. The west side of the County could see winds between 25-30 mph with gusts up to 35. Though we are currently out of the path, Nassau County could still experience coastal flooding, power outages, and possible tornadoes. THERE ARE CURRENTLY NO PLANS TO CLOSE THE SHAVE BRIDGE.

Nassau County beaches have been closed for swimming and driving due to high tides and a marine warning has been issued up the coast from Flagler Beach, FL up to Altamaha Sound, GA.

Lastly, Nassau County Schools and County Offices are expected to be open tomorrow.

Nassau County Emergency Management will remain at a Level II activation through tomorrow morning and will continue to monitor the storm closely. If you need to speak to someone, please call (904) 548-0900.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

10/8/18 @ 4:10 p.m. - A Conference Call of the Executive Policy Group was held at 11:45 a.m. to discuss Hurricane Michael and potential impacts to Nassau County. Michael is gaining strength rapidly and while it's currently a Category 1, it is expected to be a major hurricane by the time it reaches land. It is too early to know exactly how this storm will affect Nassau County, however it is anticipated that Nassau County could see Tropical Storm or Category 1 force winds late Tuesday evening or early Wednesday morning.

The Nassau County Emergency Operations Center has activated to a Level 2 which means that EOC Command and General Staff positions are in place to monitor the storm and begin planning as necessary. Another Conference Call has been scheduled for tomorrow morning. We will provide an update after the call.

In the meantime, please review your evacuation plan, check supplies, and pay close attention to updates. If you have not already, please sign up for emergency alerts to receive emergency incident notification calls, texts, emails and/or smartphone messages.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

10/3/18 @ 8:40 a.m. - There will be a nationwide test of the Wireless Emergency Alert System today at 2:18 p.m.EDT. This test is being done to ensure that the public is able to receive safety information quickly.

The content of the message will be clear that you've received a test and will state, "THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed".

The Wireless Emergency Alert will be followed by a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, which is a similar message that will be played over broadcast radio and television stations.

Visit FEMA's website for additional information.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

7/26/18 @ 1:45 p.m. - The County Extension Office will be hosting a Hurricane Preparedness Workshop on Thursday, August 9, 2018 from 5:30-8:00 p.m. Topics of discussion include:

• Hurricane meal plans and food safety
• Mold management
• Preparing your landscape
• Youth's role in difficult situations
• Preparing your boat, farm and livestock

The workshop will be held in the Emergency Operations Center located at 77150 Citizens Circle, Yulee, FL 32097. Tickets are $5 and include a mock hurricane dinner and refreshments. To sign up, please click here.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

UPDATED AT 11:05 A.M. - State Road 200 from the bridge to Chester Road is now closed. We will continue to post updates as they are received from the Sheriff's Office.

6/14/18 @ 10:50 a.m. - Emergency Management just announced that a gas line has been breached by construction equipment on State Road 200 at O'Neil-Scott Road. The Nassau County Sheriff's Office is assisting with traffic control however traffic is moving slowly. Try to avoid the area if you can. The Fire Rescue Hazmat specialist are also on the scene. Please be patient and cautious.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

5/4/18 @ 1:15 p.m. - It's Florida Flood Awareness Week!

Friday's message: Most areas in Nassau County are prone to some amount of damage from coastal flooding, including sea level rise. Learn about scientific predictions for rising sea levels in Nassau County and potential impacts on our coastal community on NOAA's website.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

5/3/18 @ 2:00 p.m.

It's Florida Flood Awareness Week!

Thursday's message: Protect our natural floodplain functions. Keep swales and drainage ditches clear of debris to ensure water flow. Report the dumping of materials to Code Enforcement by calling (904) 530-6200 or submitting a complaint through their website.

To learn more about natural floodplains, please review the attached Floodplain Management Quick Guide.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office