Hillsborough County News
Aug. 23, 2012
For more information, contact Hillsborough County Communications Department at 813-272-5314
Statement from the Hillsborough County Emergency Operations Center on Tropical Storm Isaac
Hillsborough County has been planning and preparing with our partner agencies for well over a year for the possibility of a storm that coincides with the RNC. In June, the statewide hurricane exercise focused on just this scenario so that we could refine our emergency decision making and response. Residents and visitors can rest assured that we are even more prepared than usual with many public safety resources available.
Hillsborough County is actively monitoring all aspects of Tropical Storm Isaac in coordination with the State of Florida Division of Emergency Management, the National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center, as we would with any other storm. Coordination efforts include many partners: the City of Tampa, State and Federal agencies, along with the RNC Host Committee and the Committee on Arrangements.
Tropical Storm Isaac is still a great distance from the United States and remains a moderate tropical storm with a track that is anything but certain. With the significant distance from Florida, there are many variables that can and will impact a developing storm and cause a change in its path. As with any storm, our citizens need to be prepared to take emergency actions if needed, and we want to remind citizens that they should also be prepared with their own emergency plans. You can check your evacuation zone by address, in the event an evacuation is ordered. Sandbags are currently available at these locations. Make sure you have your disaster kit at the ready with these recommended items.
Conference calls are being conducted among all emergency operations on a regular basis. Information will be provided timely as it is made available. Decisions concerning the RNC will be made through collaborative efforts. The Emergency Policy Group – which includes mayors of all three cities, two county commissioners and the sheriff – will be convened if necessary for emergency action that would have countywide implications. All steps will be taken to keep our citizens and visitors informed and safe.
