Tropical Storm Karen Alert #2: Escambia Co. Remains Under Hurricane Watch

Escambia County, FL remains under a hurricane watch this afternoon. No evacuations or emergency actions are being taken at this time.

A hurricane watch means that Hurricane Conditions are possible within the watch area. A watch is typically issued 48 hours before the anticipated first occurence of tropical storm force winds. Escambia County residents should review their watch plans and be ready to implement them should a warning be issued in our area. Escambia County Emergency Management staff are continuing to closely monitor the system and will alert residents should conditions begin to deteriorate.

According to the National Hurricane Center, hurricane conditions are possible within portions of the watch area by Saturday morning, with tropical storm conditions possible by late Friday. Residents should begin to make preparations in the event the storm approaches our area.

Escambia County residents can refer to BeReadyEscambia.com for a complete online disaster guide pertaining to various emergency situations and find information such as:

• Important telephone numbers
• Shelter information and locations
• Disaster preparation shopping lists
• Animal preparedness for pets, livestock and equine

Also, available online for download is FEMAs National Preparedness Community, where more than 32,000 people connect to collaborate on emergency preparedness. By utilizing the tool kit you can connect with emergency management personnel, share preparedness plans and gain access to additional resources.

When disaster strikes, BeReadyEscambia.com will provide updated emergency information as it happens. On Twitter, stay in the know by following @BeReadyEscambia or @myescambia.com.