FLORENCE-We are now under an urgent call to prepare for a life-threatening weather event that is forecast to
bring significant ice accumulation, dangerously low temperatures, and the likelihood of
widespread power outages across Florence. This storm has the potential to severely impact our
city’s infrastructure, utilities, and resident safety. Effective immediately, all departments must
begin implementing emergency preparations.
The foundation of our response must be one coordinated message from one source, repeated
consistently through every communication channel. Misinformation or delayed communication
can cost precious time—our residents must hear unified, clear instructions from the City of
Florence. Brad Holmes and EMA will be that originating source of all of our information. If you
have messaging relevant to the public, forward all of those messages to Brad. All departments
need to plan to reshare information originating from the EMA office and social media pages.
There will be occasion when each department may need to post specific messages. That is
understandable; however, let it be the exception, not the norm during this event.
Key Community Safety Messaging
Residents and non-essential employees should be reminded to prepare immediately and stay off
the roads once conditions deteriorate. Public information should stress:
• Make every preparation now: food, water, medicines, flashlights, fuel, and heat sources.
• Expect rolling or extended power outages as trees and lines fail under ice. This is not
going to be a single event where trees and power lines fail at once, power gets restored
and life returns to normal. Trees and power lines will fail over time as they give way to
the weight of the forecasted ice event.
• Avoid unnecessary travel—expect limited roadway capacity, downed trees, and blocked
routes.
• Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning: never use grills or generators indoors.
• Watch for fire hazards in homes using alternative heating.
• Check on neighbors, the elderly, and pets.
• Our messaging to church leaders should urge them to consider suspending in-person
gatherings in favor of congregation-wide welfare checks on one another and their
neighbors.
• Medical transports may be delayed—coordinate with EMA for any critical mobility
needs.
• The local Jeep Club is on standby to assist with transporting medical personnel and
emergency responders as needed.
• Encourage people to refrain from calling 911 unless there are emergencies. Please ensure
your non-emergency numbers are widely available.
This is a time for decisive action. The next few days are critical to protect our residents, maintain
public safety, and ensure continuity of city operations. Please update and confirm readiness
status with me throughout the event. Also begin addressing immediate needs today.
Thank you for your leadership and commitment to serving our community under extreme
conditions. Stay alert and stay coordinated. This is what we train for and it is why each of you
are in the positions you are currently serving.
Media Release/CITY OF FLORENCE, ALABAMA/Office of the Mayor
