PALATKA, Fla. – As Hurricane Irma made its way up the Florida peninsula, it wreaked havoc on businesses and residents statewide. All told, over 4 million people and businesses are without power and countless structures were damaged.
Flooding is extensive for the St. Johns and its tributaries. Officials say it may be several days before river flood waters recede.
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Officials said the internet is down in many areas so they are using local radio and social media to disseminate info.
Putnam County announced late Tuesday that all district schools will be closed through Friday.
If you have a life-safety emergency, call 911. Non-life safety situations such as downed power lines, tree on house with no injuries report to 386-329-0800 or citizen’s information line. Follow Putnam County Emergency Management on Facebook and Twitter for up to date information.
Seven of those schools were used for emergency shelters. While three have now closed, four others are currently being used to house people who evacuated the storm:
Browning Pearce Elementary,100 Bear Blvd., San Mateo
Interlachen Elementary, 126 N. State Road 315, Interlachen
Putnam Busness Complex, 7220 PRC Way, Palatka (pet friendly)
Kelley Smith Elementary, 141 Kelley Smith School Road, Palatka (special needs only)
The focus on Irma’s impacts has quickly shifted to river flooding. Most river gages along the St. Johns River and its tributaries are in major flood stage, and some have risen above record levels. A coastal flood warning is in effect for the St. Johns and its tributaries until noon Thursday.
The county issued the following messages to residents:
- If you are in a safe place, stay there. There are many hazards out there and crews are working to assess flooding, downed power lines and poles, trees blocking roadways, and other critical situations.
- When the power is out, refrigerators keep foods cool for approximately 4 hrs. Thawed & refrigerated foods should be thrown out after 4 hrs.
- Boil Water if you are unsure about water contamination. Contaminated water can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea along with other sicknesses.
- Flood water is unclean and can carry bacteria. Wash open wounds with antibacterial soap and keep wound covered – change often. Wash clothes with a Lysol type disinfectant. If you must be in the water and it requires you to be submerged, pinch your nose to prevent water intake.
- Watch out for snakes, alligators, bees, raccoons and other animals that are upset about the hurricane impact within their environment. They will be seen in higher numbers.
- Practice generator safety. Use in well-ventilated area at least 20’ away from doors and windows. Let the engine cool before refueling. Do not plug the generator into the wall and back feed your house. This can cause electric professionals to be injured or killed.
- Do not attempt to cross an area where water is flowing across the road or when the road seems like it is covered with too much water. “Turn around - Don’t Drown”
Many repairs will be necessary to various structures across the county.
Officials want residents to understand that many repairs will require permits from the city or county government that has jurisdiction over your property.
Officials told News4Jax they understand that there will be emergency repairs that need to be made immediately to prevent further damage to structures, however, please consult with them (Crescent City, the city of Palatka or the town of Welaka, as applicable) regarding the scope of the work to be done, and what does or does not require permits and inspections.
Officials said they don’t want citizens to incur unnecessary expenses that have to be redone because they were done in error or require additional expenses to obtain a permit after the fact. The County expects a large volume of permits following Irma and asks for everyone’s patients.
Residents should be advised that county fees associated with permits to make emergency repairs of hurricane damage will be waived by the Putnam County Board of County Commissioners. Only the $4 fee to the state will be charged.
Please beware of people offering to make repairs. When a contractor is required, use only licensed contractors. If you have questions regarding what work requires a contractor and to determine if someone is properly licensed, please call 386-329-1904.
Putnam County BOCC offices will be open Wednesday. Some services may be reduced due to loss of power and internet requirements. Please check with the local office where you need service to see if they are able to meet your request.
East Palatka residents in Point Buena Vista served by the water and sewer system: The water and sewer system is currently down. The backup power system is out of service. The power company has been notified and does not currently have an ETA. The shelters remain open at the time of this post if needed. Please contacts the EOC citizens information line with questions at 386-329-1904.