To view the most up-to-date information regarding Hurricane Isaias and alerts for Okaloosa County, please visit Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners Facebook Page.
Hurricane Preparedness
Important Phone Numbers/Websites
Phone Numbers
- Citizens Information Line: 850-609-7000 OR 311
- Board of County Commissioners: 850-651-7515
- Building Inspection/Code: 850-651-7180
- Dept. of Children/Families: 850-595-8200
- Law Enforcement (Non-Emergency): 850-651-7400
- Dept. of Environmental Protection: 850-245-2118
- FL Dept. of Transportation: 850-981-3000
- FL Dept. of Health: 850-833-9240
- Animal Control: 850-243-1525
- ATTY General for Fraud/Gouging: 866-966-7226
- Okaloosa Public Safety: 850-651-7150
Websites
Okaloosa County Emergency Broadcast System Stations
- AM 1260
- AM 1050
- FM 105.5
- FM 104.7
- FM 99.5
Pool Closure
In preparation for Hurricane Isaias, the Silver Oaks Phase II Pool will be closed beginning on Wednesday, October 7 until further notice.
We will let you know when the pool reopens.
Sandbag Locations
In preparation for Hurricane Isaias, sandbags are available to the public on a self-serve basis beginning at 4 pm CST on Wednesday, Oct. 7 at the following locations in Okaloosa County:
- 714 Essex RD in Ft. Walton Beach
- 1759 South Ferdon BLVD in Crestview
Shelter Locations During Evacuations
- Antioch Elementary School, 4700 Whitehurst LN, Crestview, FL 32536
- Baker School, 1369 14th ST, Baker, FL 32531
- Davidson Middle School, 6261 Old Bethel RD, Crestview, FL 32536
- Kenwood Elementary School, 15 Eagle ST NE, Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32547
- Raider Arena (Northwest Florida State College), 100 E College BLVD, Niceville, FL 32578
- Riverside Elementary School, 3400 E Redstone AVE, Crestview, FL 32539
- Shoal River Middle School, 3200 E Redstone AVE, Crestview, FL 32539
Please note: Shelter openings vary. Check local information sources to determine which ones are open or call the Citizens Information Line at 850-609-7000.
Living in Florida means hurricanes are a reality for us.
Preparation is essential to protect property, maintain safety, minimize damage, and accelerate recovery.
Before a Hurricane
You should
- take dated/time-stamped photos/videos of your property and valuables,
- make sure you have up-to-date important documents, such as IDs and insurance information, readily available in case of mandatory evacuation,
- have a plan in place and communicate that plan to your family members (don't forget to make plans for pets!),
- store or secure any patio furniture, pool furniture, trash cans, recycling bins, grills, umbrellas, etc.,
- trim trees, remove loose branches, and clear gutters if needed,
- charge all cell phones and mobile devices,
- prepare a disaster kit and/or go bag with water, food, flashlights, batteries, medications, clothing, etc. for at least a few days, as you may not have access to your home for several days to weeks after the storm if mandatory evacuation occurs,
- fill up your vehicles with gas, or, for electric vehicles, ensure they are fully charged,
- monitor weather reports and updates,
- make sure you have multiple ways of receiving information, such as social media, websites, weather radios, television, etc.
To download/view the Okaloosa County Hurricane Guide, click here.
To view a disaster supply kit checklist, click here.
To sign up for emergency notifications from Okaloosa County, text OKALOOSAFL to 888777.
During a Hurricane
You should
- stay informed of weather updates and evacuation notifications,
- follow local officials and emergency personnel guidance,
- determine how to best protect yourself from high winds and potential flooding; take shelter in an interior room at the highest level of your home or designated shelter location,
- do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Turn around, don't drown!
After a Hurricane
You should
- pay attention to local updates and information from local officials/emergency personnel,
- if evacuated, do not return home until instructed to do so,
- survey your property for any damage; take dated/time-stamped photos/videos of property damage; contact your insurance company for assistance,
- be careful during cleanup; wear protective clothing and facial coverings as needed, especially when dealing with mold and mildew,
- be careful around electrical equipment,
- do not wade in flood water as it may contain dangerous pathogens, bacteria, debris, chemicals, waste, wildlife, etc.,
- communicate through text messages instead of phone calls as phone lines may be down.