Columbia County Emergency Management

Emergency Management

Columbia County Emergency Management

Stay tuned to WNMY AM 530 for information in the event of an emergency affecting Columbia County, as well as other local radio and television stations.

Welcome to our Site!

Make sure to check back frequently for the latest updates to our site!

If you need to contact our office:

Shayne Morgan, F.P.E.M.

Director, Columbia County Emergency Management

P.O. Box 1787

Lake City, FL 32056-1787

Phone: (386) 758 - 1125

Fax: (386) 752 - 9644

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9-1-1 Address Application

Directions to the Columbia County Emergency Operations Center (EOC)

2012 Atlantic Basin Hurricane Names

• Alberto
• Beryl
• Chris
• Debby
• Ernesto
• Florence
• Gordon
• Helene
• Isaac
• Joyce
• Kirk
• Leslie
• Michael
• Nadine
• Oscar
• Patty
• Rafael
• Sandy
• Tony
• Valerie
• William

Portable Electric Generator Safety Tips

Want to know what needs to be in your Hurricane Survival Kit?

How do the weather forecasters determine the category of any specific hurricane?

How Hurricanes Form

Breeding Grounds:Hurricanes are products of a tropical ocean and a warm, moist atmosphere.Powered by heat from the sea, they are typically steered by high - level easterly winds while in the tropics, generally south of 25 degrees south latitude and by high-level easterly winds north of 25 degrees north latitude.When hurricanes become very strong, they can create their own steering winds.

The Atlantic Hurricane season starts on June 1.For the United States, the peak hurricane threat exists from mid - August to late October, although the official hurricane season extends through November.Over other parts of the world, such as the western North Pacific, typhoons can occur year-round.

Storm Structure:The process by which a disturbance forms and strengthens into a hurricane depends on at least three conditions.First, a disturbance gathers heat and energy through contact with warm ocean waters.Next, added moisture evaporated from the sea surface powers the infant hurricane like a giant heat engine.Third, the hurricane forms a wind pattern near the ocean surface that spirals air inward.Bands of thunderstorms form, allowing the air to warm further and rise higher into the atmosphere.If the winds at these higher levels are relatively light, this structure can remain in tact and further strengthen the hurricane.

The center, or eye, of the hurricane is relatively calm with sinking air, light winds and a few clouds.The most violent winds and rain take place in the eyewall, the ring of thunderstorms immediately surrounding the eye.At the top of the eyewall (about 50,000 feet), most of the air is propelled outward, increasing the air's upward motion.Some of the air, however, moves inward and sinks into the eye, creating a cloud-free area.

What are some of the potential impacts that hurricanes can produce?

Shelters that are available in an emergency in Columbia County!

How do I know what the latest weather warning means?

Hurricanes are classified by categories, are tornadoes?

Lightning Facts

"If you can hear it, clear it. If you can see it, flee it."National Lightning Safety Institute

Lightning kills nearly 100 people every year in the United States and injures hundreds of others.Knowing what steps to take in the event of an oncoming storm can save a life.

Lightning -- The underrated killer

In the United States, there are an estimated 25 million cloud-to-ground lightning flashes each year. While lightning can be fascinating to watch, it is also extremely dangerous.

Find out how to create a family disaster plan

Instructions and FAQ's for Special Needs Registration!

Find out if you meet the criteria to use a special needs shelter in times of emergency!

Special Needs Shelter Registration Form!