Emergency Management

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okeechobee EM logo 2014 edit
Mr. Tod Hardacre, Emergency Management Director
707 NW 6th Street
Okeechobee, FL 34972
Office: (863)763-3212
Fax: (863)763-4565
Email: THardacre@OkeechobeeCountyFL.gov

Okeechobee County Emergency Management has the responsibility for the planning, training and exercising of all government and non-government agencies integral to a coordinated response to all disasters.

The most talked about potential disaster in our area are hurricanes, and our Emergency Management provides awareness and information for such disasters as wildfires, severe weather and hazardous material incidents and educates residents by urging them to be prepared for any emergency.

As residents, it is easy to prepare for hurricane season. But are you READY for a 2AM knock on your door by law enforcement or fire rescue informing you have 5 minutes to evacuate your home?

We encourage and urge Okeechobee County residents to have a plan in place, and to be prepared in case of any sudden onset incidents.

Important Terms to Know

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The National Hurricane Center will issue Hurricane Watches and Warnings when these conditions are expected along a specific coastal area.

Tropical Storm Watch
An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are possible within the specified coastal area within 48 hours.
Tropical Storm Warning
An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected within the specified coastal area within 36 hours.
Hurricane Watch
An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible somewhere within the specified coastal area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.
Hurricane Warning
An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are expected somewhere within the specified coastal area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.

Fawn Weather Station (Instructions)

Emergency information will be broadcast on local radio and television stations. The radio stations are WOKC-FM 100.9, WOKC-AM 1570, and WWFR-FM 91.7 in Okeechobee, WQCS-FM 88.9 in Fort Pierce, and WAFC-FM 100.5 in Clewiston. The television stations are Channels 5, 12, and 25 from West Palm Beach, and the local cable station.

Any organization which would like to have a presentation by the Okeechobee County Emergency Management Office concerning hurricane, tornado, flooding, terrorism, hazardous materials or disaster preparedness in general should call Emergency Management at (863) 763-3212.

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