As Tropical Storm Debby affects St. Petersburg, the city has announced several closures and provided safety tips for residents. The City golf courses, including Mangrove Bay, Cypress Links, and Twin Brooks, along with pools, brush sites, and Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, are closed for the day. Sunken Gardens also remains closed.
Residents are advised to exercise caution while driving due to expected minor street flooding in low-lying areas. Drivers should turn on headlights without using flashers, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, and allow extra time for travel. They should avoid driving through flooded streets to prevent pushing water onto neighboring properties or risking vehicle immobilization.
For power outages, residents should report them to Duke Energy via their website: https://www.duke-energy.com/outages. Electric vehicle drivers are advised not to drive through floodwaters and to keep their battery fully charged but not plugged into a charger during the storm. Vehicles should be parked away from flood-prone areas and at least 50 feet from structures or other vehicles.
Residents whose properties may flood are urged to turn off the main power supply and unplug all electrical devices as water approaches. Wet electrical equipment should not be touched. After the storm subsides, professional assistance is recommended.
Generator safety tips include keeping generators covered in wet conditions and never using them indoors or in attached garages due to carbon monoxide risks. Fuel should not be stored indoors or added while a generator is running; a fire extinguisher should be nearby when using one.
Further information can be found at www.stpete.org/hurricane or www.stpete.org/flooding.
