Newberry Community Emergency Response Team - CERT

10/10/2026

Prayers out to Destin and Fort Walton today. We have been very lucky, LOTS AND LOTS of rain, but we made it through. How can we assist as a community?

👍We are now offering training to become a member of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). This is a rare opportunity for everyday citizens to be trained and make a difference in the event of a disaster.🌪🌀🔦

To register, contact the following:
🟦North Okaloosa County: Mark Brown, [email protected].
🟦South Okaloosa County: Phil Tritschler, [email protected].

🟥When: (Attendees must complete two consecutive weekends)
• Jan. 24-25 and Jan. 31-Feb 1
• April 18-19 and April 25-26
• July 18-19 and July 25-26
• Nov. 7-8 and Nov. 14-15

For additional questions or concerns email Destiny Nunez at [email protected]

20/07/2026

It's definitely not too late to gather your hurricane supplies! Don't wait until the storm is coming!

As we move through the 2026 hurricane season, we want to remind everyone that select hurricane supply items are tax free year-round to make sure that Floridians can be prepared well before a storm hits.

For more tips and tricks on what you should be including in your disaster supply kit, be sure to check out https://bit.ly/4vIxLrj and follow our partners at Florida Division of Emergency Management for more hurricane preparedness resources!

13/07/2026

If you aren't already prepared....... What are you waiting for? Don't wait until you can't find stock on the needed items. Plan today!

🚨 Remember, the disaster sales tax exemption is in effect year-round!

Select disaster preparedness supplies remain tax-free for Florida residents!

Take advantage of the savings & prepare for hurricane season by stocking up on essentials like batteries, tarps, smoke detectors & more! 🔋

🔗 To see the full list of eligible items visit tinyurl.com/2s37amk9

01/07/2026

01/07/2026

Protect yourself.

The strongest natural mosquito repellent you can make at home is a lemon‑eucalyptus spray, followed by citronella blends, peppermint, and herbal teas. Below are the best evidence‑backed recipes you can mix today, using ingredients you likely already have.

The Florida Department of Health in Alachua County (DOH-Alachua) has issued a Mosquito-Borne Illness Advisory after confirming a local human case of West Nile Virus.

The department, Alachua County, and local municipalities are working together on surveillance and prevention efforts, including treating county-maintained retention basins and targeted mosquito control measures.

Help protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites:
✔️ Use insect repellent
✔️ Wear long sleeves and pants when possible
✔️ Drain standing water around your home
✔️ Keep screens on windows and doors in good repair

Residents are also encouraged to report dead birds to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at myfwc.com, as this helps track mosquito-borne illnesses.

For more information on mosquito prevention, visit the Florida Department of Health's mosquito prevention webpage: https://tinyurl.com/mvtd5vxz

01/07/2026

Know before flooding …..

⚠️ 6/18: Flood warnings don’t just impact flood zones!

Even if your home or business is outside a designated flood zone, heavy rainfall can still cause dangerous flooding that impacts roads, neighborhoods & low-lying areas.

That's why it is important to know your flood zone AND evacuation zone:
🌊 Flood zone: MSC.FEMA.gov/Floods
📍 Evacuation zone: FloridaDisaster.org/Know

Flash floods can develop quickly with little warning, so evacuate immediately if told to do so, regardless of your flood zone.

‼️ Know your risk now so you're prepared to take action when it matters most!

24/04/2026

https://nextdoor.com/p/bpGzWx4hWtqP?utm_source=share&extras=MTExMDU1NzQ1&utm_campaign=1777050487962&share_action_id=e9535fb6-4ada-430f-82da-9071369db194

Join Nextdoor, an app for neighborhoods where you can get local tips, buy and sell items, and more

10/08/2025

Check if the change pertains to you!

📢 Flood Map Updates – Public Meetings

FEMA is updating Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for the Waccasassa Basin, which may affect flood risk zones in the southwestern portion of the county, including Newberry and Archer.

ℹ Why it matters: Insurance agents and mortgage lenders use FIRMs to assess flood risk and set insurance rates. Changes could increase or decrease your premiums.

💬 Public comment is open through Oct. 1, 2025 — this is your chance to speak up before the new maps take effect in 2026.

🗓 Public Meetings:
🔹 Mon, Aug. 18 | 11 a.m.–2 p.m. | Alachua County Public Works
🔹 Mon, Aug. 25 | 9 a.m.–12 p.m. | Easton-Newberry Archery Center
🔹 Mon, Sept. 8 | 11 a.m.–2 p.m. | Alachua County Public Works

🗺 Check your property on the proposed maps: Suwannee River Water Management District Map Viewer: https://wspglobal.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=99fc08af532d4a2fa1245165985f9edf

Submit your comments here: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/49ad7a9e516647158b3610eeb2a930eb

If you are in the affected areas of the proposed maps and have questions about the maps or would like some help submitting comments, you are strongly encouraged to attend one of these upcoming meetings.

📞 For questions about your property, reach out to your homeowners' insurance.

15/10/2024

CERT is an invaluable tool in times of weather.

15/10/2024

On October 17, join FEMA and millions of people worldwide in the annual ShakeOut earthquake drill. Designed to promote earthquake preparedness and safety, this international event takes place at 10:17 a.m. local time, allowing participants to practice the "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" technique.

FEMA enters its 15th year supporting ShakeOut through its National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program partnership with the Statewide California Earthquake Center. Your participation in these drills increases earthquake resilience and reinforces a collective commitment to safeguarding our communities.

Because you don’t know where you will be when an earthquake happens, it’s important to practice earthquake safety in different locations when possible. The general guidance for most situations is three key steps:

Drop to your hands and knees to prevent being knocked over.
Cover your head and neck to protect yourself from falling debris, and if available, take shelter under a sturdy piece of furniture.
Hold On to your shelter until the shaking stops.
The ShakeOut drill is not only about practicing earthquake safety but also serves as a reminder to check and update emergency plans and emergency supply kits. Register at www.ShakeOut.org/register and be sure to include your family, friends, and colleagues! You can also find out who else is participating in your community at ShakeOut.org/whoisparticipating.

Send a message to learn more