When storms approach we all want information and there are people up the line that have to make some decisions. Those include school superintendents who have to make a decision on whether or not to hold school to emergency management directors trying to give accurate and good information, but who are also asked to give their opinions.
Escambia County (Ala.) School Superintendent John Knott made the call Tuesday to cancel school Wednesday. It was a precautionary decision based on information at the time. At the time Knott made the decision there were still a lot of uncertainties in the Gulf of Mexico. Would the storm continue on its estimated path or would it hook a little to the left. By Tuesday, Covington County was scheduled to get hit hard and we have school buses that drive near the Covington County line. Knott made the right decision by being cautious and closing schools Wednesday. They will reopen today.
Escambia County Emergency Management Agency Director David Adams also had to make some very educated decisions as Hurricane Michael came toward the gulf coast. People like Knott were looking to him for advice. We were in constant contact with Adams to help update people in the area about what this storm would or would not do.
Adams told the county commission Monday that we should be OK, but he prefaced that statement that things could change quickly. As of Monday Michael was expected to head east, but much of a wobble in the gulf could have easily sent that storm on a direct hit at Pensacola Beach. Early Wednesday morning the storm hadn't taken that right turn as expected. If finally did.
Adams didn't want to panic anybody, but he also didn't want to lull them into thinking nothing bad could happen. Since we first talked to him Monday, his message has been the same – I think we will be OK but you need to keep a close eye on the news to see what the storm will really do.
Knott and Adams made the right call based on the facts presented to them. Good work.
