Escambia Disaster Response - Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

Escambia County Disaster Response - Update #2

Proactive efforts continue as contractors work to place deflective boom – large floating barriers that help contain floating oil – around sensitive shorelines in Escambia County.

State of Florida

• A state of emergency was declared by Governor Crist today, Friday, April 30. 
• The state emergency operations center activated to a level 2 today.

Escambia County Board of County Commissioners

• A local state of emergency was declared by the Board of County Commissioners at an emergency meeting at 2 p.m. Friday, April 30. 
• The emergency operation center will activate to a level 2 on Saturday, May 1 at 9 a.m. CST. This is a minimal activation with only specifically involved agencies activating at that time.

Citizen Information

• Citizen information phone lines will open at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 1 for questions from residents may have. The number will be (850) 471-6600.

Operation “Clean Sweep”

• An “Operation Clean Sweep” will be held on the beaches to clean them of any debris before the oil spill reaches the shores to prevent additional contamination. This is a preventative measure that everyone can participate in.
• On Pensacola Beach, the cleanup will be held Sunday at noon, please meet at the Gulfside Pavilion at Casino Beach.
• On Perdido Key Beach, the cleanup will also be held Sunday at noon, please meet at the Perdido Key Chamber.
• Anyone may participate in this pre-cleanup event; please bring your own garbage bags and gloves.

Volunteer Opportunities

• BRACE, United Way and First Call for Help are organizing volunteers for cleanup after the oil reaches the shores. Please call 595-5905 to register to volunteer. Please call 595-5905 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday to register to volunteer.

Volunteer Training

• Sign-up to be trained for post-beach clean-up, call 595-5905 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. 
• Registration is required for a four-hour health and safety training classes for handling petroleum-contaminated materials.
• Classes will be held beginning Sunday at 1 p.m. at the Pensacola Civic Center.

Important information

• Although oil has not yet touched Escambia County shorelines, citizens are asked to stay away from oiled areas and keep a safe distance away from oil containment booms.
• Report oiled shorelines to 866-448-5816. Report oiled wildlife to 866-557-1401.
• For more information, see the official Escambia County disaster response site, www.EscambiaDisasterResponse.com.