Gulf County Gearing Up For Isaac: Important County Information - WMBB News 13 - The Panhandle's News Leader

Gulf County Gearing Up For Isaac...Evacuations, School Schedule Included

"I think it's better to be safe than sorry," says Renee Smith. She has lived in Gulf County all her life and has been through many storms but says you can never be too careful. "I'm picking up sandbags, just trying to stay one step ahead of the storm."

She is thankful for the opportunity to come pick up the free sandbags available at the Public Works Department in Port St. Joe. They will give them out again Monday morning beginning at 7 a-A.M..  For residents residing in the Cape San Blas or Indian Pass area, you can pick some up anytime at the South Gulf County Volunteer Fire Department.

Now officials want to remind residents how to use sandbags effectively. Public Works Director for Gulf County Joe Danforth says many forget to lay down visqueen, a type of plastic, before you place the sandbags. You can find it any hardware or home improvement store. Danford says it's also important to remember placing sandbags around your home can only protect it so much. "This only protects the door and the inside from blowing rain and blowing water. It will not protect the inside from creeping up. Water will go underneath and go inside," as he points to a door that he's putting sandbags on.

**Gulf County Information**

There is a mandatory evacuation for St. Joseph Peninsula State Park and a voluntary evacuation for Cape San Blas and the Indian Pass area.

Gulf County Schools will open at their regular time with an early dismissal at noon EST. 

The Red Cross will open a shelter at the Honeyville Community Center in Wewahitchka at 9 a-A.M. Monday EST. Note: County commissioners are expected to determine whether or not this shelter will be able to accommodate residents with special needs or if it will allow pets. The public is invited to attend.