City staff train for natural disasters

This week in preparation of hurricane season, senior staff participated in a training exercise to identify critical issues and better define personnel roles in the event of a natural disaster. The refresher course simulated a large-scale fire throughout Daytona Beach’s rural and residential areas, damaging 30% of the city. In the scenario, the water plant, major arterial roadways and interstates, the airport and electric service were affected and evacuations of residents were mandatory. The tabletop drill was coordinated by Daytona Beach Police Captain Byron Williams, the city’s Emergency Operations Center manager and allowed staff to talk through the city’s response, recovery, communication and coordination of resources.

Tips on being prepared for hurricane season

Now is the time to take preparedness steps for this year’s hurricane season. Steps to being prepared include: 

• Step 1: Assemble disaster supplies. Make sure you have a week’s supply of nonperishable food, water and medical items for your family, including your pets and for persons with special needs (infants, elderly).
• Step 2: Make evacuation plans. If you live in a storm surge area, determine where you would go if you needed to evacuate. It is best to seek shelter at a family member’s or friend’s house or hotel outside the evacuation area. If leaving town, leave well in advance of an approaching storm. Shelters should be used as a last resort. 
• Step 3: Inventory your valuables. Make a list and also videotape/photograph items of value. Insurance policies should be reviewed well in advance of a storm and, if applicable, purchase flood insurance. 
• Step 4: Safeguard your home. Walk around your home and evaluate the roof, windows, garage doors, patio doors, screen enclosed rooms, landscaping, etc., to see what protective measures you need to take if a storm is approaching. 

Sign up city emergency alerts

When an emergency strikes, will you know what to do, where to go or where to get more information? You may, if you sign up for free emergency alerts from the City of Daytona Beach. In a few minutes, you can register to receive emergency alerts which may be sent as a text to your cell phone or email, so you have instant access to information to help you protect yourself and loved ones. 

• Get automatic notifications
  The alert notification allows the City of Daytona Beach to provide you with alerts before, during and/or following an emergency/disaster by sending you a text or email.  
• When An Emergency Strikes
  When an emergency/disaster threatens, occurs and/or may be imminent, the city may notify you with updates, instructions on where to go, what to do, or what not to do, who to contact and/or other important information. 
• Registration is offered at no charge; however, your carrier may charge you a fee to receive messages on wireless device(s). This service does not replace existing public safety warning methods also used by Volusia County or other federal, state and local agencies.