Volusia County declares local state of emergency in anticipation of Hurricane Dorian

YouTube download / AP video /  Hurricane Dorian threatens Florida and Georgia: The U.S. National Hurricane Center says Dorian is expected to strengthen into a dangerous Category 3 hurricane and close in on the U.S. coastline by Sunday. Officials in Florida and Georgia are urging residents to get ready (Aug. 29). ​ 

Photo for Headline Surfer / Volusia County Manager George Recktenwald provides a media update at the Emergency Operations Center on the county's preparations for Hurricane Dorian. Shown behind him at the podium (left to right) are Sheriff Mike Chitwood, County Chair Ed Kelley and EOC Manager Mike Judge. 

Advance Coverage of Hurricane Dorian East Central Florida / Headline Surfer

By HENRY FREDERICK
Headline Surfer

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- In anticipation of the Hurricane Dorian making landfall in the Sunshine State sometime late Sunday or early Monday, Volusia County Council has declared a local state of emergency.

“Volusia County is prepared,” County Manager George Recktenwald said earlier in the day from the Emergency Operations Center. “We have more than 50 representatives from our cities and other agencies in the Emergency Operations Center and several hundred around the county working together to coordinate public safety measures.”

County Chair Ed Kelley added: “We urge residents to heed the warnings, pay attention to the weather, take shelter before the tropical storm winds begin to approach, and hunker down until the all-clear is given. We are asking people to not go to the beach to watch the storm as it approaches and passes.”

“Volusia County is prepared,” County Manager George Recktenwald said earlier in the day from the Emergency Operations Center. “We have more than 50 representatives from our cities and other agencies in the Emergency Operations Center and several hundred around the county working together to coordinate public safety measures.”

County Chair Ed Kelley added: “We urge residents to heed the warnings, pay attention to the weather, take shelter before the tropical storm winds begin to approach, and hunker down until the all-clear is given. We are asking people to not go to the beach to watch the storm as it approaches and passes.”

Safety Tips
• Don’t go outside after the tropical storm force winds begin.
• Don’t drive around after the storm. There may be downed trees and power lines, which can kill.• If you run a generator, make sure it’s away from windows and door openings. 
 
Evacuation Order
An evacuation order will most likely be issued on Friday, depending on the storm’s track and intensity. The order will be for residents who live on the beachside and in low-lying areas, recreational vehicles and mobile homes throughout Volusia County.
 
Shelters
Several shelters will open in Volusia County beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday. The shelter list will be posted at www.volusia.org/pin on Friday. 
 
Bridge Closures

As weather conditions deteriorate, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office will coordinate with municipalities to close bridges to eastbound traffic. Westbound traffic will not be affected. The bridges will reopen when the Florida Department of Transportation inspects them and determines that they are structurally safe. 

 
County Facility Closures
• All county offices will be closed on Monday and Tuesday. 
• County libraries will be closed on Sunday and Monday.
• All coastal parks and beach vehicle access ramps will close Friday night until further notice.
• Other county parks will be closed on a case-by-case basis.
 
Curfews
When the storm approaches, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office may institute a curfew to discourage loitering and prevent looting. Law enforcement officers will use discretion and common sense in enforcing the curfew. 
 
Sandbags 
Sandbags are available at several locations throughout the county. The complete list is posted at www.volusia.org/pin
 
Citizens Information Center
Residents can call the Citizens Information Center at 866-345-0345 with questions and concerns. The call center, which is staffed by county employees, will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday. Beginning at 7 a.m. Saturday, the call center will be open 24 hours until further notice.