Franklin County Emergency Management is calling for an immediate voluntary evacuation for Alligator Point and Bald Point. The decision comes as Tropical Storm Idalia is expected to cause life-threatening storm surge in the area.
Amanda Anthony is the coordinator for Franklin’s emergency team. She says now is the time to take action.
“We are asking all of our residents to take today to get prepared," said Anthony. "Secure your items in your yard, make sure you put away anything that could become storm debris ,and put your emergency plans in place in case you do have to evacuate.”
According to the county, only residents living in particularly vulnerable parts of the county are being urged to leave the area.
State emergency officials say evacuation doesn’t have to mean going hundreds of miles away. It can mean going tens of miles away to stay with family members who aren’t in an evacuation zone.