Highlands County Emergency Management

08/31/2026

Disasters can be stressful for pets, too. 🐾

Make sure your emergency plan includes your furry family members by preparing food, medications, records, carriers & a safe place to go ahead of time.

Having a pet plan in place can help keep your pets safe before, during & after an emergency >> FloridaDisaster.org/Pets

📱 Be sure to sign up for local alerts at http://bit.ly/hcbccalert

📋 Review our All-Hazards Guide: https://bit.ly/HCallhazards25

08/29/2026

NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center is monitoring two disturbances. No significant impacts for West Central and Southwest Florida are expected at this time ✅

These disturbances are a reminder that hurricane season continues until Nov 30th. Now's a great time to review your hurricane plan!

08/28/2026

Your disaster plan should include every member of the farm.

🐓 Stock at least 7 days of feed & water

🐐 Keep halters, leads & transport equipment ready for evacuation

🐴 Ensure animals have proper identification, including microchips when appropriate

Preparing today can make all the difference tomorrow.

FloridaDisaster.org/PlanPrepare

📱 Be sure to sign up for local alerts at http://bit.ly/hcbccalert

📋 Review our All-Hazards Guide: https://bit.ly/HCallhazards25

08/27/2026

Heavy rain fell across Highlands County overnight (8/26). 🌧

WeatherSTEM stations recorded:
📍 Venus: 3.51 inches
📍 Istokpoga: 3.16 inches
📍 Highlands Lakes: 2.53 inches
📍 Avon Park: 2.11 inches
📍 Sebring: 1 inch
📍 Lake Placid: 0.52 inches

The rainfall totals show how much conditions can vary across Highlands County during a severe weather event. Areas that receive several inches of rain in a short period can experience ponding, flooded roads and localized flooding.

Stay weather-aware: Monitor local forecasts and alerts, avoid driving through flooded roadways, and never assume conditions are the same throughout the county.

📱 Sign up for local alerts at http://bit.ly/hcbccalert

Knowing what is happening around you and being prepared to change your plans when conditions worsen can help keep you and your family safe.

08/27/2026

Congratulations Deputy Fitch!

Congratulations to Deputy Chief Dustin Fitch, named Firefighter of the Year at the Highlands News-Sun Highlander Awards banquet last week!

Dustin has served Highlands County for more than 24 years. He began his career with the County as a paramedic in April 2014 and went on to serve as a paramedic field training officer, captain, EMS manager, battalion chief and division chief before becoming deputy chief in August 2024.

Throughout his career, Dustin has cared for countless residents during some of their most difficult moments while also training and leading the firefighters and paramedics who serve our community.

The Firefighter of the Year award recognizes his dedication, leadership and commitment to providing high-quality emergency services to the residents of Highlands County.

We are proud to have Dustin serving as one of Highlands County Fire Rescue's leaders and congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition!

We also celebrate all the first responders recognized at the Highlander Awards, including Captain Carlos Rivera with Sebring Fire Department, who was awarded the Paramedic/EMT of the Year honor, and Senior Engineer/Paramedic Clayton Johnson and Lt./Paramedic Adam Benham as well as our own Firefighter/Paramedic Jenna Levine and volunteer firefighter Keegan Albritton, along with Lake Placid Police Department Officer Jose Becerra, and Highlands County Sheriff's Office - Sheriff Paul Blackman Deputy Gage Massey and Major Darin Hood.

A special thank you to for sponsoring the Firefighter of the Year category and for recognizing the sacrifices and dedication of our emergency services professionals.

08/27/2026

Before disaster strikes, take photos of your important property & documents.

Be sure to capture:
📄 Important documents
👤 Forms of identification
🏡 Your home & belongings
🚘 Vehicles
💍 Family heirlooms
📋 Insurance policies

Having a visual record can make the insurance & recovery process much easier after an emergency.

📱 Be sure to sign up for local alerts at http://bit.ly/hcbccalert

📋 Review our All-Hazards Guide: https://bit.ly/HCallhazards25

08/26/2026

If it rains, it can flood!

Regardless of where you live in our community, be sure to ALWAYS practice flood safety:

📱 Regularly monitor local weather conditions and sign up for local alerts at http://bit.ly/hcbccalert

🚗 Never drive through flooded roads – Turn Around, Don’t Drown!

⚠️ Have multiple ways to receive weather alerts

🏠 Avoid unnecessary travel in low-lying or flood-prone areas

Stay alert & be prepared for any hazards that may affect your community this hurricane season! FloridaDisaster.org/Hazards

📋 Review our All-Hazards Guide: https://bit.ly/HCallhazards25

08/25/2026

When storms cause power outages, generators can help restore a sense of normalcy, but improper generator use can be extremely dangerous. ⚡

Before the next storm impacts Florida, ensure your household knows how to use backup power correctly.

🏠 Take time NOW to review generator safety at FloridaDisaster.org/Generators.

📱 Be sure to sign up for local alerts at http://bit.ly/hcbccalert

📋 Review our All-Hazards Guide: https://bit.ly/HCallhazards25

08/24/2026

❓ ? Community members with special needs can receive extra assistance during disasters.

The Special Needs Registry connects residents with Highlands County Emergency Management & provides critical info for first responders during storms.

Register today ➡️ https://snr.flhealthresponse.com/

📱 Be sure to sign up for local alerts at http://bit.ly/hcbccalert

📋 Review our All-Hazards Guide: https://bit.ly/HCallhazards25

08/22/2026

Drier air aloft today will keep the rain coverage somewhat below normal for August. A few showers or storms will be possible during the morning, then isolated to scattered storms will develop during the afternoon. Moisture and rain chances will increase on Sunday for much of the area.