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Apply For Oil Cleanup Jobs Wednesday In Century, Pensacola

Hundreds of people are expected Wednesday as Workforce Escarosa holds hiring events in Century and Pensacola for oil cleanup jobs that pay up to $18 per hour.

Advanced Employment Solutions (AES), a Texas based workforce development and talent acquisition company, is estimating the need for 500 people to fill positions such as general laborers, crew leaders, site supervisors, site safety representatives and lead safety representatives.

Century’s hiring event was scheduled for the Workforce Escarosa Century One-Stop at 8120 North Century Boulevard. However, Workforce Escarosa will be using the Century Ag Building on West Highway 4 (by the nursing home) for screening interviews due to the large number of people expected.

AES General Manager James Fries said the duration of the jobs will depend upon the amount of damage and the cleanup time, however he predicts the process will take between 3-18 months. Positions will range from $10 to $18 an hour and may involve extensive travel depending on the landfall of the spill.

Hiring events will be held as follows:

Century

Wednesday, May 5, 2010
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Workforce Escarosa
Century One-Stop
8120 North Century Boulevard
(850) 256-6259

Pensacola

Wednesday, May 5, 2010
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Workforce Escarosa
3670-A North L Street
(850) 607-8700
Job seekers attending the events must have a proof of U.S. citizenship, a valid driver’s license, proof of any relevant certifications (such as HAZWOPER and TWIC certifications).

Individuals interested in the employment opportunities can view a full job description by logging on to the Employ Florida Marketplace, the State of Florida’s online job search portal, at www.employflorida.com and search for job order numbers 9481666, 9481677, 9481703, 9481718, and 9481331.

Latest Oil Spill Update

Here is the latest update on the Gulf of Mexico oil spill:

Federal Actions

• Congressman Jeff Miller addressed staff and media at a news conference at the Emergency Operations Center on Monday.
• The congressman flew over the oil spill off Mobile on Monday.
• The President has been asked to put emergency supplemental resources in place.
• BP is the company of record responsible for the payment of this disaster.
• Congressman Miller will ask BP to put an escrow account in place, with a substantial amount of funds that can be drawn against.
• On May 2, NOAA restricted fishing for a minimum of ten days in federal waters most affected by the BP oil spill, largely between Louisiana state waters at the mouth of the Mississippi River to waters off Florida’s Pensacola Bay. Effective immediately. Details: http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov.

State of Florida

• Governor will be at the EOC tomorrow.
• CFO Alex Sink also addressed staff and media at a news conference at the Emergency Operations Center Monday.
• The state reserve is at $200 million.
• Businesses are asked to track all expenses for reimbursements later due to property damage.
• Ms. Sink will call upon the federal Small Business Administration to make grants and loans available, and the state emergency fund to make funds available for the marine and tourism businesses.
• County Commissioners and staff participated in a DEP briefing with Governor Charlie Crist on Saturday, May 1.
• A state of emergency was declared by Governor Crist on Friday, April 30.
• The state emergency operations center has activated to a level 2.

Actions by Escambia County Board of County Commissioners and Staff

• Escambia County, Florida beaches remain open at this time.
• In the Monday morning press conference, Commission Chairman Grover C. Robinson IV expressed to staff and media that Escambia County is doing everything possible to respond to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster.
• The volunteer pre-cleanups on Sunday had 600 at Pensacola Beach and 350 at Perdido Key.
• Escambia County ordered 20,000 linear feet of boom for staging as gaps are identified.
• Officials continue to monitor coastlines.
• VeruTEK Technologies demonstrated an environmentally friendly solution that helps break up the oil to PBS&J, one of Escambia County’s contractors. The next step is for the company to present this to Unified Command as an option for oil spill cleanup.
• SRIA lifeguards began a 24/7 watch for oil approaching the shoreline, Sunday, May 2.
• The EOC remains at level 2 activation. This is a minimal activation with only specifically involved agencies activating at this time.
• Meetings of all essential local emergency support agencies are being held daily.
• Pre-qualified contractors and consultants are coordinating with county staff on the disaster response.
• Environmental staff is continuing assessments of pre-oil spill conditions and performing aerial assessment.
• Public Works staff is conducting a pre-assessment of roadways and parking areas near water access points, in the event of damages during long term recovery.
• Environmental staff are confirming pre-assessments on air and water quality, and identifying any gaps.
• County officials continue working through state and federal channels to establish a process for resources and equipment.
• Proactive efforts continue as contractors work to place deflective boom, large floating barriers that help contain floating oil, around sensitive shorelines in Escambia County.
• Emergency Management officials continue to communicate with the State of Florida liaison at unified command.
• County staff is continuing to coordinate with the Santa Rosa Island Authority on equipment necessary for the response effort.
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) staff are mapping the locations to determine the amount of boom that is still needed.
• County staff is continuing to coordinate with the Escambia County Health Department on health and safety information.
• The Perdido Landfill coordinated with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and is prepared to accept oil contaminated sand and materials from commercial haulers.
• Emergency management has been in contact with the Visitor’s Information Center to encourage businesses to track losses.
• 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 activated to a level 2 on Saturday, May 1.

Santa Rosa Island Authority

• SRIA, Escambia County, DEP and BP officials held a meeting with concerned residents and business owners at Pensacola Beach Community Church.
• SRIA will hold an emergency board meeting Monday at 5 p.m. to discuss the disaster response.

City of Pensacola

• The City of Pensacola will hold a special city council meeting Tuesday night at 5:30 p.m.
• The City of Pensacola has not spent any monies yet.
• The city has pledged its port, staff and resources to handle issues as they arise.
• The city will do everything possible to protect Bayou Texar and Bayou Chico.

BP Actions

• The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research (Tri-State) who is contracted by British Petroleum to provide assistance to oiled wildlife. The service recognizes Tri-State’s expertise in wildlife oil spill response, and while many wildlife organizations and individuals have expressed interest in providing their assistance, all rehabilitation efforts must be coordinated through the service and Tri-State. Coordination is vitally important for recovery and research efforts, and specific safety and other requirements must be met before anyone will be allowed on-site for any participation. If you already have wildlife training, call BP with 1-866-557-1401.
• 19,000 ft. of boom was placed today in Escambia County.
• 30,000 ft. of boom are on order.

Volunteer Opportunities & Training

• Approximately 100 volunteers were trained at BP’s two 4-hour health and safety training classes held today.
• All BP health and safety training classes are currently full. New classes are being posted. If you are on a waiting list, you will be notified.
• This is for the health and safety training for handling petroleum contaminated materials. This is not training for handling oiled wildlife.

Safety Messages

• Wildlife
  • Do not attempt to rescue oiled or injured birds or wildlife. Doing so can cause additional injuries.
  • If oiled, injured or dead wildlife are found, call the Oiled Wildlife hotline at 866-557-1401, please provide location of where the wildlife was sighted.
  • May is the hatching season for many birds and reptiles. Please use the toll free number above.
• Boats
  • Boats should keep a safe distance from any of the booms. Do not drive boats over any booms.
  • Boat owners are urged to dry-dock boats.
• Beaches and Waterways
  • Residents should NOT to place any materials on the beach, such as pine straw.
  • Citizens should take precautions around waterways to avoid contact with oil substances.
  • Officials are closely monitoring potential public health and environmental concerns.
• Personal Safety (if areas are affected by oil)
  • Avoid entering areas where oil can be seen or smelled. If you see or smell oil, leave the area immediately.
  • Avoid direct skin contact with oil, oil-contaminated water and sediments.
  • Do not swim or ski in areas affected by the oil spill, and if you travel through the area by boat, take precautions when hoisting the boat anchor. If you get oil on your skin, wash it off immediately with soap and water.
  • Do not fish in the oil spill-affected waters.
  • Do not harvest and eat dead fish, fish with oily residue or fish that have a petroleum odor.
  • Do not drive your boat through slicks or sheens.
  • Young children, pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems, and individuals with underlying respiratory conditions should avoid the area.
  • Restrict pets from entering oil-contaminated areas.
  • Report oiled shorelines to 866-448-5816. Report oiled wildlife to 866-557-1401.

Businesses Information

• The Vessels of Opportunities Program is looking to contract shrimp boats, oyster boats and other vessels for hire to deploy boom in the Gulf of Mexico. Call 281-366-5511.
• BP has established a claim system and toll free number, 800-440-0858. This system will allow people to being to process to recover lost income or recoup damage related expenses.
• If you are not satisfied with BP’s resolution, there is an additional avenue for assistance available through the Coast Guard once BP has finalized your claim. Those who have already pursued the BP claims process can call the Coast Guard at 1-800-280-7118.
• More information about what types of damages are eligible for compensation under the Oil Pollution Act as well as guidance on procedures to seek that compensation can be found at www.uscg.mil/npfc.
• To register as a consultant, contractor, vendor or submit information on alternative response technology, services products or suggestions, call BP at 281-366-5511.
• Businesses, including hoteliers, sport fishing charters, watersports rental companies, etc., that may be negatively impacted are asked to keep detailed profit and loss records and track any cancellations, should a claim need to be presented.

Citizen Information

• The Citizen Information Center phone is open for questions from residents, 850-471-6600.

Contact Numbers

• Volunteer Hotline: 1-866-448-5816
• Transocean hotline: 832-587-8554
• MI Swaco hotline: 888-318-6765
• BP Investor Relations: 381-366-3123
• BP family hotline: 281-366-5578
• BP third party contractor hotline: 281-366-5578

Orientation Tonight At Ernest Ward Middle

Sixth grade and new student orientation will be held tonight at Ernest Ward Middle School.

The orientation event is for all new students that will be attending Ernest Ward for the first time next school year. Students and parents will have the opportunity to learn about middle school classes and activities, and meet faculty members.

The orientation will begin at 6 p.m. in the Ernest Ward Middle School gym in Walnut Hill.

Urban Flood Advisory Issued

The National Weather Service has issued an urban and small stream flood advisory for the North Escambia area until 11:30 a.m.

From the National Weather Service:

Radar showed an area of rain and thunderstorms… some producing very heavy rain at times moving slowly northeast across the region. Total rainfall around two inches possible with some isolated amounts near three inches possible this morning. Isolated showers and thunderstorms are occurring in advance of the main area of rain.

Precautionary/preparedness actions…

Most flood deaths occur in automobiles. Never drive your vehicle into
areas where the water covers the roadway. Just one foot of flowing
water is powerful enough to sweep vehicles off the Road.

Excessive runoff from heavy rainfall will cause elevated levels on
small creeks and streams…and ponding of water in urban areas.E
areas and low lying spots.

A Flood Advisory means river or stream flows are elevated or ponding
of water in urban or other areas is occurring or is imminent.

Atmore: Flash Flood Warning; Some Streets Impassable

A flash flood warning is in effect until 9:45 this morning for western Escambia County, Ala., including the city of Atmore.

Radar indicates very heavy rainfall over the area that is moving very slowly. Several inches of rain are possible.

Authorities in Atmore report street flooding in the downtown area and several streets that normally flood. Several of those streets are closed, including Main Street (Highway 21).

Multiple vehicles are reported stalled around the town. All available firemen have been called on duty to assist with the situation.

A Little Rain Tonight, Tuesday; Hot And Sunny Wednesday

 

There is still a chance of a few showers and thunderstorm tonight and a slight chance of rain continuing for Tuesday. By Wednesday, we’ll be sunny and much warmer, with a high around 90.

• Tonight: Cloudy, with a low around 67. South southeast wind between 5 and 10 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
• Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming south southeast between 5 and 10 mph.
• Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 62. Calm wind becoming east southeast around 5 mph.
• Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. South wind between 5 and 10 mph.
• Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 65. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
• Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Calm wind becoming south between 10 and 15 mph.
• Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. South wind between 5 and 10 mph.
• Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. South wind between 5 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
• Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. Southwest wind between 5 and 15 mph.
• Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83.
• Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60.
• Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84.
• Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62.
• Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85

Oil Spill: Latest Escambia County Information

Here is the latest emergency operations center information for Escambia County:

Actions by Escambia County Board of County Commissioners and Staff

• Escambia County has ordered an 20,000 additional linear feet of boom for staging as gaps are identified.
• Officials continue to monitor coastlines.
• The volunteer pre-cleanups on Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key went well today.
• VeruTEK Technologies demonstrated an environmentally friendly solution that helps break up the oil to PBS&J, one of Escambia County’s contractors. The next step is for the company to present this to Unified Command as an option for oil spill cleanup.
• A community meeting of Escambia and Santa Rosa County staff, Santa Rosa Island Authority members and officials from DEP and BP will meet at the Pensacola Beach Community Church (916 Panferio Drive) on Monday at 2 p.m.
• SRIA lifeguards began a 24/7 watch for oil approaching the shoreline this afternoon, Sunday, May 2.
• The EOC will remain at level 2 activation for Monday, May 4. This is a minimal activation with only specifically involved agencies activating at this time.
• Meetings of all essential local emergency support agencies are being held daily.
• Pre-qualified contractors and consultants have begun coordinating with county staff on the disaster response
• Environmental staff is continuing assessments of pre-oil spill conditions and performing aerial assessment.
• Public Works staff is conducting a pre-assessment of roadways and parking areas near water access points, in the event of damages during long term recovery.
• Environmental staff are confirming pre-assesments on air and water quality, and identifying any gaps.
• County officials continue working through state and federal channels to establish a process for resources and equipment.
• Proactive efforts continue as contractors work to place deflective boom, large floating barriers that help contain floating oil, around sensitive shorelines in Escambia County.
• Emergency Management officials continue to communicate with the State of Florida liaison at unified command.
• County staff is continuing to coordinate with the Santa Rosa Island Authority on equipment necessary for the response effort.
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) staff are mapping the locations to determine the amount of boom that is still needed.
• County staff is continuing to coordinate with the Escambia County Health Department on health and safety information.
• The Perdido Landfill coordinated with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and is prepared to accept oil contaminated sand and materials from commercial haulers.
• Emergency management has been in contact with the Visitor’s Information Center to encourage businesses to track losses.
• 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 activated to a level 2 on Saturday, May 1.

Volunteer Opportunities & Training

• BRACE, United Way and First Call for Help are organizing volunteers for cleanup after the oil reaches the shores. To register to volunteer, please call 595-5905 betten 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through 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.
• BP will hold two training classes on Monday and two on Tuesday. Due to the response, a waiting list has been established. Registrants will be notified about how to sign up for classes.

Safety Messages

• Boats
  • Boats should keep a safe distance from any of the booms – large floating barriers that help contain floating oil – seen in the water.
  • Boaters should not drive boats over any booms.
  • Boat owners are urged to dry-dock boats.
• Wildlife
  • The public is advised not to attempt to rescue oiled or injured birds or wildlife. Doing so can cause additional injuries.
  • If oiled wildlife are found, call the Oiled Wildlife hotline at 866-557-1401, please provide location of where the oiled wildlife was sighted.
  • An additional concern, May is the hatching season for many birds, reptiles, and shellfish. Please use the toll free number above.
• Beaches and Waterways
  • Citizens should take precautions to avoid contact with oil substances.
  • Citizens are urged to take caution around the waterways.
  • Officials are closely monitoring potential public health and environmental concerns.
• Personal Safety (If areas are affected by oil)
  • Avoid entering areas where oil can be seen or smelled. If you see or smell oil, leave the area right away.
  • Avoid direct skin contact with oil, oil-contaminated water and sediments.
  • Do not swim or ski in areas affected by the oil spill, and if you travel through the area by boat, take precautions when hoisting the boat anchor. If you get oil on your skin, wash it off immediately with soap and water.
  • Do not fish in the oil spill-affected waters.
  • Do not harvest and eat dead fish, fish with oily residue or fish that have a petroleum odor.
  • Do not drive your boat through slicks or sheens.
  • Young children, pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems, and individuals with underlying respiratory conditions should avoid the area.
  • Restrict pets from entering oil-contaminated areas.
  • Additional information and frequently asked questions from the Escambia County Health Department can be found at www.escambiadisasterresponse.com.

Businesses Information

• BP has established a claim system and toll free number, 800-440-0858. This system will allow people to being to process to recover lost income or recoup damage related expenses.
• If you are not satisfied with BP’s resolution, there is an additional avenue for assistance available through the Coast Guard once BP has finalized your claim. Those who have already pursued the BP claims process can call the Coast Guard at 1-800-280-7118.
• More information about what types of damages are eligible for compensation under the Oil Pollution Act as well as guidance on procedures to seek that compensation can be found below and at www.uscg.mil/npfc.
• To register as a consultant, contractor, vendor or submit information on alternative response technology, services products or suggestions, call BP at 281-366-5511.
• The Vessels of Opportunities Program is looking to contract shrimp boats, oyster boats and other vessels for hire to deploy boom in the Gulf of Mexico. Call 425-745-8017.
• Businesses, including hoteliers, sport fishing charters, watersports rental companies, etc., that may be negatively impacted are asked to keep detailed profit and loss records and track any cancellations, should a claim need to be presented.

Citizen Information

• The Citizen Information Center phone is open for questions from residents, (850) 471-6600.

BP Actions

• 18,000 feet were placed in Escambia County today
• Per BP, 80 percent of booming material has been placed, mostly in long sections. The remaining 20 percent will be placed in smaller areas.

Federal Actions

• NOAA is restricting fishing for a minimum of ten days in federal waters most affected by the BP oil spill, largely between Louisiana state waters at the mouth of the Mississippi River to waters off Florida’s Pensacola Bay. Effective immediately. Details: http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov.

Contact Numbers

• Transocean hotline: 832-587-8554
• MI Swaco hotline: 888-318-6765
• BP Investor Relations: 381-366-3123
• BP family hotline: 281-36-578
• BP third party contractor hotline: 281-366-5578

Actions by the State of Florida

• County Commissioners and staff participated in a DEP briefing with Governor Charlie Crist on Saturday, May 1.
• A state of emergency was declared by Governor Crist on Friday, April 30.
• The state emergency operations center has activated to a level 2.

Tonight’s Stormy Forecast: Flash Flood Watch

Storms Sunday night and Monday could be severe, with heavy rain, damaging winds and hail.

There is a Flash Flood Watch in effect from this evening through Monday afternoon. According to the National Weather Service, rainfall amounts will general range from three to five inches with some areas receiving up to seven inches.

After the front, we could have some of the warmest temperatures so far this year by Wednesday and Thursday, with highs reading around 90.

Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:

• Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could be severe and produce heavy rainfall. Low around 70. Breezy, with a south wind between 10 and 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
• Monday: Periods of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1pm. Some of the storms could be severe. High near 82. South wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
• Monday Night: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 65. South southeast wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
• Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. East wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
• Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. East southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
• Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south.
• Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 66. South wind between 5 and 10 mph becoming calm.
• Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 89. South southwest wind between 5 and 15 mph.
• Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 66.
• Friday: Sunny, with a high near 87.
• Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66.
• Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 85.
• Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59.
• Sunday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 81.

Oil Spill: Latest Escambia County Information

Here is the latest emergency operations center information for Escambia County:

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

Actions by Escambia County Board of County Commissioners and Staff

• County Commissioners and staff participated in a DEP briefing with the Governor.
• Emergency Management officials continue to communicate with the State of Florida liaison at unified command.
• A meeting of all essential local emergency support agencies was held on Saturday, May 1 and another will be held on Sunday, May 2.
• County staff is coordinating with the Santa Rosa Island Authority on equipment necessary for the response effort.
• County staff is coordinating with the Escambia County Health Department on health and safety information.
• The Perdido Landfill has coordinated with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and is prepared to accept oil contaminated sand and materials from commercial haulers.
• Emergency management has been in contact with the Visitor’s Information Center to encourage businesses to track losses.
• Pre-qualified debris contractors and consultants have been contacted and are ready to respond.
• Environmental staff finished the initial assessments of pre-oil spill conditions and will perform aerial assessment on Sunday, May 2.
• Environmental staff are reviewing waterways and conducting a comprehensive inventory of waterways that have been boomed, waterways that have not been boomed, and prioritizing the remaining areas.
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) staff are taking information for the priority areas and mapping the locations to determine the amount of boom that is still needed.
• County officials are working through state and federal channels to request equipment, manpower, training and other resources that may be needed for long-term recovery.
• 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 activated to a level 2 on Saturday, May 1. This is a minimal activation with only specifically involved agencies activating at this time.

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. The focus will be on local beaches.
• Items to be picked up include: paper, plastic, glass, any other man-made debris.
• Anyone may participate in this pre-cleanup event. Your safety is the number one priority.
• Wear rubber soled, closed toed shoes, hats, and preferably, long pants. Bug spray, sunscreen and water is also highly recommended.
• This information is provided to help minimize safety risks, such as slips, trips and falls, use of improper lifting techniques, use of improper shoes, dehydration, heat stroke, sun burns and others.
• Volunteers will be briefed at the cleanup locations for deployment.
• Please bring your own garbage bags and gloves; goggles will be provided, if desired.
• Driftwood and seaweed can be moved above the high tide water line; shells can be left.
• Once your bag is full, leave it on the beach for pick up. Escambia County Public Works staff will be picking up bagged litter from the beaches from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• 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, 15500 Perdido Key Drive.
• Volunteer response activity will be from noon to 3 p.m. We thank you for volunteering.

Safety Messages

• Boats
  • Boats should keep a safe distance from any of the booms – large floating barriers that help contain floating oil – seen in the water.
  • Boaters should not drive boats over any booms.
  • Boat owners are urged to dry-dock boats.
• Wildlife
  • The public is advised not to attempt to rescue oiled or injured birds or wildlife. Doing so can cause additional injuries.
  • If oiled wildlife are found, call the Oiled Wildlife hotline at 866-557-1401, please provide location of where the oiled wildlife was sighted.
  • An additional concern, May is the hatching season for many birds, reptiles, and shellfish. Please use the toll free number above.
• Beaches and Waterways
  • Citizens should take precautions to avoid contact with oil substances.
  • Citizens are urged to take caution around the waterways.
  • Officials are closely monitoring potential public health and environmental concerns.
• Personal Safety (If areas are affected by oil)
  • Avoid entering areas where oil can be seen or smelled. If you see or smell oil, leave the area right away.
  • Avoid direct skin contact with oil, oil-contaminated water and sediments.
  • Do not swim or ski in areas affected by the oil spill, and if you travel through the area by boat, take precautions when hoisting the boat anchor. If you get oil on your skin, wash it off immediately with soap and water.
  • Do not fish in the oil spill-affected waters.
  • Do not harvest and eat dead fish, fish with oily residue or fish that have a petroleum odor.
  • Do not drive your boat through slicks or sheens.
  • Young children, pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems, and individuals with underlying respiratory conditions should avoid the area.
  • Restrict pets from entering oil-contaminated areas.
  • Additional information and frequently asked questions from the Escambia County Health Department can be found at www.escambiadisasterresponse.com.
  • Report oiled shorelines to 866-448-5816. Report oiled wildlife to 866-557-1401.

Businesses Information

• Businesses, including hotels, sport fishing charters, watersports rental companies, etc., that may be negatively impacted are asked to keep detailed profit and loss records and track any cancellations, should a claim need to be presented.
• BP has established a claim system and toll free number for people to call. This system will allow people to being to process to recover lost income or recoup damage related expenses.
• Claim line toll free number – 800-440-0858.
• BP is asking fishermen for their assistance in cleaning up the oil spill.
• The Vessels of Opportunities Program is looking to contract shrimp boats, oyster boats and other vessels for hire to deploy boom in the Gulf of Mexico.
• Fishermen should call 425-745-8017 about this program.

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 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, 595-5905. Phones open at 8 a.m.
• Registration is required for a four-hour health and safety training classes for handling petroleum-contaminated materials.
• Registration is required for the class. Classes will be held beginning Sunday at 1 p.m. at the Pensacola Civic Center. Once the class is full, additional classes will be scheduled.

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.

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.

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.

Coming Sunday: Mayfest, A Very Special Fishing Trip And More

Make sure you join NorthEscambia.com Sunday morning for a look back at Saturday’s events.

We’ll take you to a very special fishing rodeo where it’s not about the catch. It’s a heartwarming story and photos you won’t want to miss.

We’ll also take you to Mayfest in Atmore. Beautiful babies, cute pooches, food and fun — take a look at our photo gallery Sunday morning and see who you know.

Plus, we’ll take a look at the very latest on the massive oil spill in the Gulf, you weekday forecast and more. It’s all Sunday morning here on NorthEscambia.com.

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