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Important Phone Numbers For Pensacola Florida


Written By Kathlene Rushing
Posted on
Categories: Community, Guides, Pensacola

Emergency Phone Numbers

All Emergencies – Call 911

 

Report Price Gouging 866-966-7226

Insurance Consumer Helpline 1-877-693-5236

For evacuation and shelter information, please refer to:

Escambia County EMA: 850-471-6400 or bereadyescambia.com

STATE GOVERNMENT

FEMA: 800-621-3362

For storm surge threat graphics and other storm impacts:
NWS Mobile: www.weather.gov/mob

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

District 1: 850-595-4910
District 2:.850-595-4920
District 3: 850-595-4930
District 4: 850-595-4940
District 5: 850-595-4950

___________________________________________

County Administrator: 850-595-4947

Animal Control: 850-595-0097

Animal Shelter: 850-595-3075

Code Compliance: 850-595-1820

Extension Service: 850-475-5230

Emergency Management: 850-471-6400

Environmental: 850-595-3623

Fraud, Waste & Abuse Hotline: 844-640-0008

Housing Information: 850-458-0466

Parks and Recreation: 850-475-5220

Planning and Zoning: 850-595-3475

Purchasing: 850-595-4980

Public Works: 850-595-3451

Recycling: 850-937-2160

Road & Bridge Division: 850-937-2120

Waste Services: 850-937-2160

Clerk of Court: 850-595-4310

Property Appraiser: 850-434-2735

City of Pensacola: 850-435-1603

Town of Century: 850-256-3208

Tax Collector: 850-438-6500

Supervisor of Elections: 850-595-3900

Information Referral: 211

Hurricanes And Storms


Written By Kathlene Rushing
Posted on
Categories: Blog Posts, Guides, Pensacola

Hurricane And Storm Preparedness

Emergency Preparations

No one is ever truly ready when a disaster strikes. Most people are only concerned about their safety and the safety of their loved ones. However, there are things that can be done to be prepared for what could be one of the most potential disasters in your life. For example, it’s really important that you have some things that are truly important in order.

One of the most important things to do in your preparation steps before a hurricane hits is to know if you’re in an evacuation zone. There are five areas in Escambia county and on the beach where evacuation take place when hurricanes are heading our way. In these zones, surges can go from up to seven ft. of water all the way up to over 20 ft. of water. You want to make sure that you pay attention to the news and follow instructions to avoid catastrophes.

In addition, NO ONE thinks about their priceless personal possessions until they are gone. Now is the time to think about what you want to preserve and what you want to let go of if confronted by a storm. However, there are certain things you would absolutely need if you were going to need to move quickly to protect in case of a sudden evacuation or emergency situation.

We have a list that would help you get your plan in order. Take an inventory of your household documents, contacts and valuables. We have a pdf file that you can download or you can go to www.ready.gov/financialprepardness and tones more information.

In addition, there are items you should also always have readily available in case of an emergency, hurricane, storm, or evacuation.

Hurricane Supplies

  • Water – You should have at least one gallon per person per day for at least 3 days for drinking and sanitation.
  • Food – You should have at least three days of a food supply that is non-perishable foods.
  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and an NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both.
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • First Aid Kit
  • Whistle to signal for help
  • Dusk mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheets and duct tape to shelter-in-place
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
  • Wrench and pliers to turn off utilities
  • Can opener for food (if kit contacts canned foods)
  • Local Maps
  • Prescriptions medications and glasses
  • Infant formula, baby food, and diapers
  • Pet food and extra water for your pets (least one gallon per pet per day for at least 3 days for drinking and sanitation.
  • Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification, bank account records, and should be stored in a waterproof portable container
  • Cash or Travelers Checks
  • Emergency reference materials
  • Sleeping bag or warm blanket or each person.
  • Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants, and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing in colder climates.
  • Household Chlorine bleach and medicine dropper

When diluted nine-part water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleach with cleanser added.

  • Fire Extinguisher
  • Matches in a waterproof container
  • Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
  • Mess kits, paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils, paper towels
  • Paper and pencil or pen
  • Books, games, puzzles, or other activities for children

Here is a shopping list for that shows supplies during a disaster that you may need.  The ideal thing to do is to prepare for at least 11 weeks.

Most people will try to run out and do all the shopping right before the storm, however, if you want to keep yourself the aggravation of long lines and having to deal with gas stations and people in general before a storm.  It’s good to start your preparation before the storm season begins.  While grocery shopping you can pick up extra items and store them away in your pantry.

In addition, if you can put away at least $25 – $50 in a cash jar hidden in a place you will remember. That way you will not have to worry about going to an ATM machine and dealing with it being out of cash, and if a storm hits, you will be able to be set for a few days until the banks can reopen.

Now is also the time to keep your car gassed up and if possible have a 5 or 10 gallon take available for you to store gas.  During storms, gas is the one thing people need on a regular basis to keep their cars, and generators going. However, make sure that you store your gas in a well-ventilated place because the fumes can be harmful, make you sick and cause death.

Remember during a hurricane or a storm, you want to board up your home.  By boarding up your home you are protecting yourself and family from nature debris that could enter through vulnerable areas of your homes and harm you or your family.  You also want to put away any loose furniture or debris before the storm occurs, that way the will not act as missiles which can be dangerous or even deadly to you and your family.

Another important thing to know and remember is where the local shelters are before a storm.  Many times, people don’t think that they will ever need shelter because they feel their home is secure and capable of weathering a storm.  However, when you’re prepared knowing where the local shelters could end up being a lifesaver.

To be completely prepared go to www.ready.gov it gives you a detailed list and vital information about any type of disaster and gives you a thorough list of any and everything you need in order to be safe and ready for anything.

For local information please go to https://www.bereadyalliance.org/ it will give you more information about how to protect yourself during a hurricane, flood, fire, earthquake, and anything else Florida may need and be prepared for.

Other Hurricane Preparedness Resources

Auto Research Guide


Written By Kathlene Rushing
Posted on
Categories: Blog Posts, Guides, Pensacola

See your cars’ value to decide if you should keep it or swap for a new ride. Depreciation of a new car happens very fast in a very dramatic way. We’ve lined up a panel of experts – Jim Dykstra, Philip Reed, and Jaclyn Trop – to discuss what information you need to hit that sweet spot of when a used car is most valuable.

When it comes to buying used cars, we’ve got you covered. Our list of the Best Used Cars includes models with key safety features to help you make the best choice that fits your budget.

Review of the top 10 picks for the best and most reliable used car you can buy for less than $5000. I will also tell you known issues or whether or not these cars have any minor mechanical issues. Some of these cars you can buy for under $3000 but mostly will fall between under $4000 and the $5000 range.

Find out which used mid-sized SUVs owners love and
would buy again. Also, learn which SUVs owners regret
buying.

The 10 Underrated & Underappreciated Used Cars

Top 10 Best Used Cars for Under $5000 That You Can Buy Today

Top 10 Best Luxury Cars For Under $35,000

Best Affordable Luxury Cars

Learn how to call the owner of a used car, figure out what the car is worth, run a free VIN number check, and many other tips and tricks. If you see a used car for sale on the side of the road and want to know if it is worth going for a test drive, I go through all of the things you want to do before you go on the test drive. This way you won’t waste your time and so you don’t get ripped off!

Engine Bay Detailing

Learn how to Super Clean your engine bay. I show you how to clean and detail the engine bay in a simple 5 step process that will NOT damage your engine or electrics!

Learn How to wash your car properly. Learn
everything you need to know to Super Clean
your car and make the paint go from old, dirty,
and dull, to clean, glossy and bright!

In this part one, MotoMan answers the question of how to buy a used car on a $5000 budget.

If you’re shopping for a new car and aren’t
sure where to start, this list is a great place.
Consumer Reports has released its annual list
of the 10 Top Picks, and this year there are seven
new vehicles taking top honors in their segments.
Leading the way this year is Toyota, with four models
in the Top Picks list, while Chevrolet has two.

Even though our estimates say that the breaking point will happen in 2023,  when EVs will pass the moment of no return and start their dominance, but the 2018 that is just around the corner and the upcoming 2019 have already stored a great line up of electric cars and we are not only talking about Model 3.

NISSAN LEAF REVIEW

BEST USED CAR VALUE EVER!

Your Car Angel reviews a first generation Hyundai Genesis that ran between 2009-2014. It is another 100k long term review on a car that is considered one of the Best Used Cars to Buy especially in the luxury used cars.

Consumer Reports recently compiled a list of the 10 car models that it believes are the most likely to reach 200,000 miles without needing major repairs. The vehicles are all cars that have reached more than 200,000 miles in recent years, according to CR reader survey data, and are ranked in descending order based on the percentage of the vehicles with zero recorded problems in the past 12 months.

Emergency Preparation


Written By Kathlene Rushing
Posted on
Categories: Community, Guides, Pensacola

What Is A Hurricane Watch?

A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible within the specified area. A hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds in an area.

What Is A Hurricane Warning?

An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are expected somewhere within the specified 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.

How To Prepare And Stay Safe During A Hurricane

During A Hurricane

  • Avoid walking or driving through flood waters.
    • Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and fast-moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
  • Be extra careful when walking outside.
    • Storm damage such as downed power lines and fallen debris could injure you.

6 Hours Before The Arrival Of A Hurricane

  • Close storm shutters if possible and stay away from windows.
    • Flying glass from broken windows could injure you.
  • Turn your refrigerator or freezer to the coldest setting and open only when necessary.
    • If you lose power, food will last longer.

6 To 12 Hours Before The Arrival Of A Hurricane

  • Turn on your TV/radio, or check your local government’s website frequently.
    • You’ll get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
  • Charge your phone.
    • You’ll have a full battery if you lose power.

12 To 36 Hours Before The Arrival Of A Hurricane

  • Bring in outdoor furniture and other items that could blow away.
    • These may become a safety hazard.
  • Bookmark your local government’s website.
    • This gives you quick access to storm updates and emergency instructions.

36 To 48 Hours Before The Arrival Of A Hurricane

  • Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit.
    • Include a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.
  • Plan how to communicate with family members if you lose power.
    • For example, you can use phone, text, social media, or email.
  • Create an evacuation plan with your family.
    • You may have to leave quickly.

A Picture Guide To Shelf Invertebrates From The Northern Gulf Of Mexico


Written By Kathlene Rushing
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Categories: Blog Posts, Guides, Pensacola

Beachcombers Field Guide


Written By Kathlene Rushing
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Categories: Blog Posts, Guides, Pensacola

Seashell Arts And Crafts


Written By Kathlene Rushing
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Categories: Guides

The Book Of Shells


Written By Kathlene Rushing
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Categories: Guides

Sandcastles And Ocean Dreams


Written By Kathlene Rushing
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Categories: Guides

Make your next trip to the beach true memory, not just an event, with the most epic sandcastle you can think of. Everything you need to know about building a sandcastle, right here, all in one place. There are videos featuring tutorials, all the tools you might need, and even sand art! Check it out, and try it out with your family and friends.

Mermaid And Mermen Videos


Written By Kathlene Rushing
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Categories: Guides

Did you know that there are actually mermaids and mermen? No, really! There are actually places out there, mostly springs in Florida, that have professional mermaids and mermen swimming through their waters. Luckily, you don’t always have to travel to see them. Check out some of the videos below to see these mermaids, and mermen, in action!