Disaster - Santa Rosa County
Disaster - Santa Rosa County
Disaster - Santa Rosa County
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Message for our Residents<br />
2<br />
Message<br />
Jim Williamson<br />
District 1<br />
Bob Cole<br />
District 2<br />
Don Salter<br />
District 3<br />
Jim Melvin<br />
District 4<br />
Lane Lynchard<br />
District 5<br />
Most of you have heard the saying: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This saying applies to many situations.<br />
Being prepared for a disaster starts by having a plan. <strong>Santa</strong> <strong>Rosa</strong> Emergency Management Division has the information you need<br />
in order to make sure you and your family are prepared for a disaster.<br />
This year’s disaster guide is a valuable source of information which can be shared with family and friends. Our county has been<br />
spared from the terrible tornadoes that have occurred in many parts of our nation this year. Tornadoes are hard to prepare for<br />
because they occur without much warning and cause horrific damage and loss of life.<br />
Even though we are not immune to tornadoes, living in Florida where we do, we are more apt to be affected by a hurricane.<br />
Normally there is plenty of time to prepare for a hurricane. Hurricane season starts soon. Be prepared, have a plan.<br />
Jim Williamson<br />
Chairman 2012<br />
During a<br />
disaster, you<br />
can reach<br />
the Citizen<br />
Information<br />
Center at<br />
(850) 983-4636<br />
Many disasters exist that can wreak havoc on<br />
entire communities. Floods can wash away the<br />
hopes and dreams of every household they touch.<br />
Tornadoes can tear across miles taking lives and<br />
leaving paths of destruction. Hurricanes can blow<br />
away the homes and belongings of many families.<br />
Terrorist attacks have caused destruction and<br />
heartache in the past. Being properly educated and<br />
preparing early can help more people to survive<br />
when disasters strike. The efforts of all members<br />
in a community can also fortify everyone’s<br />
strength and endurance. In December 2011 FEMA<br />
released the document, A Whole Community<br />
Approach to Emergency Management. As a<br />
concept, Whole community is a means by which<br />
residents, emergency management practitioners,<br />
organizational and community leaders, and<br />
government officials can collectively understand<br />
and assess the needs of our communities and<br />
determine the best ways to organize and strengthen<br />
assets, capabilities and interests. By doing so,<br />
our community can strengthen and become more<br />
resilient. Whole community attempts to engage<br />
the full capacity of the private and nonprofit<br />
sectors, including businesses, faith-based,<br />
disability organizations and the general public.<br />
Everyone needs to be part of the team and work as<br />
a team, not independently and not in competition.<br />
Everyone plays an important role in all phases<br />
of emergency management from preparedness to<br />
long term recovery. There will always be a more<br />
efficient outcome when we work together. For more<br />
information on a whole community approach visit<br />
www.fema.gov/about/wholecommunity.shtm.<br />
Six years have passed since we have been impacted<br />
with a major hurricane in our area. Historically,<br />
people don’t get serious about preparing for a<br />
disaster until it is staring us in the face. No matter<br />
where we live, we are susceptible to some type of<br />
disaster. Pre-disaster planning can have a dramatic<br />
impact on minimizing tragedy. <strong>Disaster</strong>s can<br />
happen anytime and anywhere… Be prepared and<br />
get involved!<br />
Sheryl Bracewell, Director<br />
Division of Emergency Management
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