Nassau County Emergency Management
Press Release
Contact: Annaleasa Winter
(904) 548-0945 or (904) 468-0316
email: [email protected]
September 16, 2017 8:17 p.m.
Utility Restoration Update: Florida Public Utilities has restored power to all but 38 homes and are actively working to restore power to the last 1 percent of their customers. Okefenokee Rural Electric has restored power to all but 950 customers and are actively working to reconnect the last 13 percent of their customers. Florida Power and Light has restored power to 76 percent of their customers and is actively working to restore the remaining 7,000 customers in Nassau County. A special team is in place today to assist.
To report a power outage call: FPU 904-261-3663 FPL 1-800-468-8243 or visit www.FPL.com Okefenokee Rural Electric call 904-845-7477 PRESS 1 or www.oremc.com
Individual Assistance Designation: Nassau County has now received a disaster declaration for Individual Assistance resulting from Irma’s impacts. Residents who suffered damages can apply for Individual Assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. If you do not have access to the internet, you may register by calling 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA). Disaster Recovery Centers will be established to assist residents but you do not have to wait until then to apply.
Grant Funds Available: State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) funds are available to aid in disaster relief for low-income families. Executive Order 17-235, signed by Florida Governor Rick Scott on September 4, allows local governments to use available funds to carry out disaster relief activities. Nassau County residents in need of emergency assistance for damages related to Hurricane Irma may qualify for up to $5,000 in grant funds to protect their homes from further damage. Activities such as tree removal, cleaning services, water extraction, roof repairs, and the payment of insurance deductibles are eligible. Call the SHIP office staring Monday, September 18 at (904) 530-6020 to apply.
Boil Water Notice: Due to flooding and damage caused by Hurricane Irma, The Florida Department of Health in Nassau County (FDOH) is advising any residents with flooded water wells to take precautions against contaminated water. If your well has been covered with flood water, your water may contain disease causing organisms and may not be safe to drink. Water for bathing, washing dishes, or cooking should be brought to a rapid boil for at least one minute prior to use. For more information contact FDOH/Nassau or visit www.floridahealth.gov
What to do if a Lift Station Fails: Emergency responders are concerned about the possibility of lift station failures in Nassau County. When a lift station fails sewage may back up into you home. If a sewage back up occurs, stay out of the affected areas and keep children away. If your entire home has been saturated, abandon the home until all affected areas have been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. If sewage overflows into open areas or streets, avoid these areas and do not let children play nearby. For more information call the Florida Department of Health in Nassau County at (904) 875-6100.
Yard Debris Burning: is allowed in Nassau County, excluding the City of Fernandina Beach. Residents should burn only clean, dry wood (no household garbage, construction debris or treated lumber). Yard debris piles must be less than 8 feet in diameter and placed on bare dirt to prevent flames from spreading. The pile must be positioned 25 feet from your home, 25 feet from wildlands, and 150 feet from your neighbor’s home and 50 feet from any paved public road. Begin burning after 9 am and all flames must be completely extinguished one hour before sunset. Wet wood will produce more smoke and may cause a nuisance to neighbors, especially if their electricity has not been restored and their windows are open. Please be courteous when burning yard debris. Call the Florida Forest Service for more information at (904) 266-8351.