Community Tropical Storm Isaac Update

MANATEE COUNTY – According to the National Weather Service briefing at 11a.m., Manatee County should anticipate the effects of Tropical Storm Issac as early as 3 p.m. today through Monday at 2 p.m. Winds are expected to be intermittent with bands of heavy rain with surge impact estimates at 3-5 feet.

Current weather information indicates water levels in the Myakka Head are nearing flood conditions. Although skin contact with flood waters does not, by itself, pose a serious health risk, health hazards are a concern when waters become contaminated.

Flood waters may contain fecal material, associated bacteria and viruses. It is important that individuals affected by flood water avoid eating or drinking anything that has been contaminated by flood water, do not wade through standing water, and practice basic hygiene including frequent hand washing using soap and clean water.

If you are a private well owner and your well has been flooded or affected by flood waters, the Florida Department of Health advises you to take the following precautions against disease-causing organisms that may make your water unsafe to drink:

á         Boil water before use, holding it at rolling boil for at least one minute before using it for drinking, washing, cooking, etc.; or

á         Disinfect water by adding 8 drops (about 1/8 tsp – this would form a puddle about the size of a dime) of plain unscented household bleach (4 to 6%) per gallon of water, and then let it stand for 30 minutes. If the water is cloudy after 30 minutes, repeat the procedure. Use a container that has a cap or cover for disinfecting and storing water to be used for drinking. This will prevent contamination; or

á         Use bottled water, especially for mixing baby formula.

After the flooding subsides:

á         Disinfect your well using the procedures available at http://www.doh.state.fl.us/chdmanatee/Pdf/Pdf/WellFlooded2.pdf; and

á         Have your water tested by your local health department or by a laboratory certified by the State to perform a drinking water analysis for coliform bacteria.

For further information, please contact your local county health department at (941) 708-8497 or the Florida Emergency Information Line at (800) 342-3557.

Tropical storm winds are characterized as 39 – 58 miles per hour (mph). During periods of sustained winds in excess of 40mph, high-profile vehicles are discouraged from traveling on the roadways.  Such vehicles include those used by emergency services. Residents are encouraged to stay indoors and off the road.

Manatee County continues to recommend voluntarily evacuation for people with special needs and those living in mobile home parks and other low-lying areas.

Two shelters remain open:

Manatee High School: 902 33rd Street Court West, Bradenton - Pet-Friendly

Braden River High School: 6545 53rd Avenue East, Bradenton

 ** If you have a special need such as a medical condition requiring electricity or oxygen, do not delay, register now by calling 941-749-3500.

Sandbags remain available for Manatee County residents at the following locations until 4pm today:

Buffalo Creek Golf Course, 8100 69th St. E., Palmetto
G.T. Bray Recreation Center, 5502 33rd Ave. Dr. W. Bradenton
Lakewood Ranch Park, near Lakewood Ranch High School
39th St. Stormwater Facility, 5511 39th St. E., Bradenton
Rubonia Community Center, 1309 72nd st. E., Palmetto

City of Bradenton residents may also pick up sandbags, available on 7th Street and 13th Avenue West.

 Additional updates include:

-         The following government offices will be closed on Monday including Manatee County Government, City of Palmetto, City of Bradenton, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, Manatee County Clerk of Court and the Manatee County Court System

-         Port Manatee is operating under ”Condition Zulu“ which means it will remain open but is closed to boat traffic.  Port administration offices will also be closed on Monday.

-         All MCAT buses including regular routes, the Island Trolley and handy-bus (Paratransit) will cease operations at 6pm today.

A list of preparedness tips is available at www.mymanatee.org/hurricane

Regular updates will be posted to Manatee’s Facebook page and Twitter account, @ManateeGov. For more information, people may call (941) 748-4501 or (941) 749-3500.