Just checking + post-tornado resources
Inside: info about power outages, property damage assessments, and relief stations.
05/11/24
Hi everyone,
Even though I’m up here in D.C., I’m still thinking about you all! I sincerely hope the damage from the tornado was mainly cosmetic and that you all are trying to maintain good spirits.
For so long, the mystical powers of the Tallahassee Magnet have spared us from some intense weather events, but this time, Tallahassee will have to dust itself off and find a way forward, together, to recover from this severe weather event.
At times like these, I can’t help but think about the important of emergency preparedness and resilient, adaptive infrastructure that can handle these kinds of weather events. They are only going to happen more frequently. But I’ll get off my soapbox. That’s a problem that public officials will have to tackle.
Below are some existing community resources to support restoration and recovery efforts. If I missed anything, please send it along and I’ll update the list:
Power Outage: As of this morning, there were an estimated 65,000 households without power. To report an outage or check the outage status, you can view the City’s Outage Map here. The City is posting regular updates regarding power restoration here.
Property Damage: Leon County is asking residents to report property damage via the Leon County Property Damage Form. If you have commercial property damage, FloridaCommerce and the State Emergency Response Team activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey to expedite recovery efforts by gathering data and assessing the needs of affected businesses. Businesses can complete the survey online by visiting www.FloridaDisaster.biz and selecting “May Severe Weather” from the dropdown menu. For further questions, call Leon County Emergency Management at 850-606-3700.
Road Closures: The City and County are maintaining lists of road closures/blockages here and here.
Relief Stations: the County has opened three points of distribution with bottled water and shelf-stable meals.
Fort Braden Branch Library, 16327 Blountstown Highway - opens 8 a.m.
Woodville Park and Recreation Complex, 1492 J. Lewis Hall Sr. - opens 9 a.m.
Apalachee Regional Park, 7550 Apalachee Parkway - opens 10 a.m.
Additionally, the American Red Cross Reception Center, 1115 Easterwood Dr, has opened its doors if you need a safe place to go. If you have you have sustained damage and need emergency assistance, please call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Take care of yourself and others!
Shelby