The City of Destin is preparing for heavy rains this week. Officials encourage residents in low-lying, flood-prone areas to prepare for possible flooding. City crews have already cleaned storm drains and will be on standby in case of an emergency.
“I encourage everyone to monitor trusted weather sources, make sure their property is cleaned up and stay off the roads in case we receive heavy rains,” says Destin Emergency Manager Tim Pietenpol.
Residents are asked to take any precautions available to alleviate possible flooding. This includes preparing sand bags, clearing debris from storm drains on their property and removing unnecessary items/debris from the side of the road. Sand can be obtained at the city’s public services maintenance building (3949 Commons Dr.) on the east side of the building. Bring your own sandbags or the city will supply a maximum of 20 sandbags per person upon request at the maintenance building Mon-Fri from 6 a.m.-3 p.m. Be sure to bring a shovel.
Motorists are reminded to avoid driving through standing water if possible. Along with being a hazard to the motorist, driving through standing water causes a wake that can push water onto private property and even into homes.
Report Flooding:
To report issues during daytime business hours (8 a.m.-5 p.m.), please call (850) 837-4242. To report issues after hours and during weekends, please call the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency dispatch at (850) 651-7400 and information will be relayed to the city’s on-call personnel.