Panama City & Bay County Emergency Guide

Primary Emergency Lifelines

These are the most important numbers to use during urgent or life‑impacting situations. Each one serves a different purpose, and understanding when to use them helps emergency responders act quickly and effectively.

 

9‑1‑1 — Life‑Threatening Emergencies

Call or text 9‑1‑1 for:

• Fires

• Serious medical emergencies

• Crimes in progress

• Car accidents with injuries

• Any situation requiring immediate police, fire, or EMS response

 

Why this matters:
9‑1‑1 routes your call directly to trained dispatchers who coordinate emergency units in real time. Texting is available when calling is unsafe or impossible.

 

9‑8‑8 — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 9‑8‑8 for:

• Mental health crises

• Emotional distress

• Thoughts of self‑harm

• Support for someone else in crisis

 

Why this matters:
This national lifeline connects callers to licensed counselors who provide immediate emotional support and guidance. It is confidential, free, and available 24/7.

 

2‑1‑1 — Community Resources

Dial 2‑1‑1 for:

• Food assistance

• Shelter

• Utility help

• Disaster recovery resources

• Local nonprofit support

 

Why this matters:
2‑1‑1 Northwest Florida helps residents find essential services during difficult times, especially after storms or economic hardship.
Website: https://211nwfl.org

 

See Panama City Spotlight 211 Northwest Florida Article.

 

Bay County Public Safety

These agencies coordinate countywide emergency response, disaster planning, and public safety operations.

 

Emergency Management

(850) 248‑6040
Website: https://www.baycountyfl.gov/149/Emergency-Services

 

What they do:

• Issue evacuation orders

• Coordinate hurricane response

• Manage shelters

• Operate the Emergency Operations Center (EOC)

• Provide preparedness education

 

Bay County Sheriff’s Office

(850) 747‑4700
Website: https://bayso.org

 

What they do:

• Law enforcement

• Search and rescue

• Traffic control during evacuations

• Community safety programs

 

Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

(850) 248‑6040
Website: https://www.baycountyfl.gov/149/Emergency-Services

 

What they do:

• Ambulance response

• Advanced life support

• Medical transport

• Disaster medical operations

 

Florida Department of Health – Bay County

(850) 872‑4455
Website: https://bay.floridahealth.gov

 

What they do:

• Public health emergencies

• Disease monitoring

• Water quality advisories

• Special‑needs sheltering

 

Municipal Emergency Services

These departments serve residents within city limits and work closely with county agencies during major events.

 

Panama City:

Police Department

(850) 872‑3100
Non‑Emergency: (850) 872‑3112
Website: https://www.panamacitypolice.gov

 

Fire Department

(850) 872‑3055

 

Why this matters:
City departments respond faster to incidents within their jurisdiction and provide localized support during storms, fires, and accidents.

 

Panama City Beach Police

(850) 233‑5000
Website: https://www.pcbgov.com

 

Lynn Haven Police

(850) 265‑4111
Website: https://www.cityoflynnhaven.com

 

Critical Online Tools & Information

These digital resources help residents stay informed before, during, and after emergencies.

 

AlertBay

Website: https://alertbay.org

 

What it is:
Bay County’s official emergency alert system.

 

Why it matters:
Residents receive real‑time notifications for:

• Severe weather

• Road closures

• Evacuations

• Public safety alerts

 

Evacuation Zones

Map: https://www.baycountyfl.gov/202/Evacuation-Zones

 

Why it matters:
Bay County uses zones A–F based on storm surge risk. Knowing your zone determines when you must evacuate during hurricanes.

 

Bay County Public Safety Hub

Website:
https://www.baycountyfl.gov/149/Emergency-Services

 

What it includes:

• Emergency Management

• Fire & EMS

• Sheriff’s Office

• Preparedness guides

• Hazard information

 

Utility Emergencies & Maintenance

Utility issues can quickly become safety hazards. These numbers connect you to the correct department depending on where you live.

 

Panama City Utilities

• Business Hours: (850) 691‑4553

• After‑Hours Water/Sewer Emergencies: (850) 872‑3112
  Website: https://www.panamacity.gov/297/Utilities

 

Why this matters:
Water leaks, sewer backups, and broken lines can cause flooding, contamination, and property damage.

 

Bay County (Unincorporated Areas)

• Business Hours: (850) 248‑5010

• After‑Hours Water/Sewer Emergencies: (850) 248‑5048
  Website: https://www.baycountyfl.gov/157/Utility-Services

 

Electric Providers

• FPL/Gulf Power: 1‑800‑4‑OUTAGE (1‑800‑468‑8243)
  Website: https://www.fpl.com

• Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative: https://www.gcec.com

 

Why this matters:
Reporting outages quickly helps crews isolate the problem and restore power faster.

 

Community & Environmental Health

Animal Control (Bay County)

(850) 767‑3333
Website: https://www.baycountyfl.gov/149/Animal-Control

 

Why this matters:

Animal Control handles dangerous animals, injured wildlife, and animal welfare issues that may pose safety risks.

 

Code Enforcement

• Bay County: (850) 248‑8290

• Panama City: (850) 872‑3019
  Website: https://www.baycountyfl.gov/155/Code-Enforcement

 

Why this matters:
Unsafe structures, abandoned vehicles, and overgrown lots can create hazards during storms and emergencies.

 

 

Public Health

(850) 872‑4455
Website: https://bay.floridahealth.gov

Why this matters:
The Health Department issues boil‑water notices, monitors disease outbreaks, and provides environmental health guidance after storms.

 

Poison Control

1‑800‑222‑1222
Website: https://floridapoisoncontrol.org

 

Why this matters:
Immediate expert guidance can prevent serious injury from chemical exposures or accidental ingestion.

 

Connect Bay County

Website: https://connectbaycounty.org

 

What it is:
A voluntary program where residents register their home security cameras to help law enforcement solve crimes.

 

Shelter Resources

The Salvation Army of Panama City

Address: 1824 W 15th St, Panama City, FL 32401
Phone: (850) 769‑5259
Website: https://panamacity.salvationarmyflorida.org

 

What they provide:

• Transitional housing

• Emergency shelter

• Food and social services

• Disaster relief support

 

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