Flagler County outlines hurricane‑season preparedness, $10 million fairgrounds shelter and File of Life rollout

County officials used a public outreach meeting to press residents to prepare for hurricane season and described new tools officials say will make evacuations and first‑responder care faster and more targeted.

An emergency management official urged a four‑step approach — a disaster kit, a household plan, staying informed and volunteering — and gave practical guidance on supplies. "We kind of have a 4 step concept that we'd like our residents to think about," the official said, listing nonperishable food, a gallon of water per person per day and at least a week's supply of regularly taken medications.

The official outlined a $10,000,000 state grant the county received to build a standalone shelter at the fairgrounds. County staff said the shelter should reduce reliance on public schools as shelters and allow schools to reopen more quickly after storms; officials said construction is progressing and they are "fingers crossed in the next couple of months" that the facility will be usable for the peak of hurricane season.

Officials highlighted improved neighborhood‑level evacuation mapping and the county’s free Alert Flagler notification system. Residents can register up to several phone numbers and addresses on the county portal to receive targeted evacuation notices, the presenter said, adding that the county can now shrink evacuation orders from broad zones to specific neighborhoods when scientific forecasts indicate localized risk.

The meeting also included a Fire Rescue presentation on a reworked "File of Life" kit designed for 9‑1‑1 responders. Rob, a Flagler County Fire Rescue official, described a door sticker that signals responders to the kit, a magnetic refrigerator envelope holding essential medical history and a wallet‑sized card to carry when away from home. He said the county can also supply physician‑signed yellow DNR forms that first responders will recognize on scene: "This form is important ... it has to be on yellow piece of paper, and it has to be filled out by your physician," Rob said. He added that the county will deliver kits (rather than mail them) so staff can answer questions in person and that the kits are free: "They're free." County staff gave a contact phone number and a web page for requests.

Officials encouraged residents to participate in training and volunteer opportunities, including the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) course the county offers three times a year at no cost. Presenters said those volunteers help with call center registration, traffic direction and shelter operations during events.

There were no formal votes or policy actions during the presentation. County staff closed by inviting residents to the county website for details on shelters, Alert Flagler registration and how to request a File of Life kit. Contact and outreach information given at the meeting: phone (386) 313‑4260 and the county emergency pages (flaglercounty.gov/emergency and flaglercounty.gov/fcfr).