The Division of Emergency Management was established to provide a coordinated and rapid response to natural or technological emergencies and coordinate a rapid recovery. Our primary mission is to protect property and save lives. We do this through an 'all hazards' approach to disaster management that integrates the available resources of county, municipal, or other agencies. While the most obvious threat to Putnam County is from weather related events, we must be prepared to meet the challenges of other emergencies such as hazardous materials releases, wildfires, civil unrest, terrorism, and other emergencies as they arise.
Remember, the best way to make your family and home safer is to be prepared before a disaster happens!
Step 1: Get a Kit/ “To-Go bag”
Get a Kit, which includes items like non-perishable food, water, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries. You may want to prepare a portable kit and keep it in your car.
Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:
Water and non-perishable food
Battery operated radio and batteries so you can get important information from local officials
First aid kit
Flashlight
Maps
Copies of important documents
Comfortable clothing and blankets
Unique family needs such as prescription medications, pet supplies, infant supplies
Step 2: Make a Plan
Prepare your family. Make a Family Emergency Plan.
To create a plan click the link below and follow the simple instructions!
Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a hurricane.
Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a hurricane.
A hurricane watch means a hurricane is possible in your area. Be prepared to evacuate. Monitor local radio and television news outlets or listen to NOAA Weather Radio for the latest developments.
A hurricane warning is when a hurricane is expected in your area. If local authorities advise you to evacuate, leave immediately.
Hurricanes are classified into five categories based on their wind speed, central pressure, and damage potential. Category Three and higher hurricanes are considered major hurricanes, though Categories One and Two are still extremely dangerous and warrant your full attention.
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale
Scale Number (Category)
Sustained Winds (MPH)
Damage
1
74-95
Minimal: Unanchored mobile homes, vegetation and signs.
2
96-110
Moderate: All mobile homes, roofs, small crafts, flooding.
3
111-130
Extensive: Small buildings, low-lying roads cut off.
4
131-155
Extreme: Roofs destroyed, trees down, roads cut off, mobile homes destroyed. Beach homes flooded.
5
More than 155
Catastrophic: Most buildings destroyed. Vegetation destroyed. Major roads cut off. Homes flooded.
Hurricanes can produce widespread torrential rains. Floods are the deadly and destructive result. Slow moving storms and tropical storms moving into mountainous regions tend to produce especially heavy rain. Excessive rain can trigger landslides or mud slides, especially in mountainous regions. Flash flooding can occur due to intense rainfall. Flooding on rivers and streams may persist for several days or more after the storm. Learn more about preparing your home or business for a possible flood by reviewing the Floods page.
Prepare Your Business- Plan to stay in business, talk to your employees, and protect your investment.
State and local resources for disaster information:
Find additional information on how to plan and prepare for a hurricane by visiting the following resources:
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Management
