EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
The time to start preparing for a hurricane is now
By WILLIAM MOTHERWAY , Esq . Risk Manager , Sarasota County and EDWARD McCRANE Jr ., FPEM Emergency Management Chief , Sarasota County
Much has changed over the last year with the COVID-19 pandemic ; but as we enter another hurricane season , one thing has not – now is the time to prepare for a storm .
This and every year , Sarasota County Emergency Management encourages everyone to plan and be storm-ready well before a system is approaching . We do not know what the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season will be like .
If you ’ re not sure what you need to do to get ready for hurricane season , visit the hurricane preparedness page on Sarasota County ’ s website , scgov . net . There , you can find information on preparations for your family , home , neighborhood and business , public service announcement videos and a digital version of the Disaster Planning Guide .
Remember and keep any precautions or changes you made to your preparedness plans last year due to COVID-19 . Have a supply of masks ,
William Motherway , Esq . Risk Manager , Sarasota County
Ed McCrane Sarasota County Emergency Management Chief sanitizer and an evacuation plan that makes evacuation centers a last resort .
Emergency Management coordinates with the Sarasota County School District for the opening of hurricane evacuation centers . These evacuation centers will be located within schools and will be announced through the media , county website , county social media platforms , and via text alerts . Sign up for emergency alerts at AlertSarasotaCounty . com .
Due to COVID-19 , Sarasota County continues to work with the Sarasota County Schools , and the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County to ensure evacuation centers are safe by continuing to use procedures implemented last year , based on guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control . This includes social distancing guidelines , increased disinfecting and cleaning procedures , additional personal protective equipment for evacuation center staff , and procedures for a health screening as evacuees arrive .
Vaccination for COVID-19 is a personal decision , however being fully vaccinated provides an additional layer of protection for evacuees who seek shelter in hurricane evacuation centers .
Take steps to protect those you love and your home . Know what evacuation level your home is in and where you will go should you need to leave in the event of a storm . If possible , stay with family or friends who live outside the evacuation level .
Homeowners should evaluate their own home ’ s safety even if outside of evacuation levels / areas . Residents may be able to shelter at home if it was built after 2002 , is outside of the evacuation level being called and has window and door coverings .
Should you need to leave your home and cannot stay with family or friends , a hurricane evacuation center can be a safe place , but again , should be considered a final resort .
Being prepared also means having a well-stocked emergency supply kit before the start of hurricane season . Include any supplies you need for at least seven days , potentially without power . Once you have the basic items medications , water and non-perishable food , consider any unique needs your family might have . Do you need supplies for infants , pets or seniors ?
It is still important to continue to include disinfectant , sanitizer and masks in emergency supply kits ,
See HURRICANE , Page 17
The Docket · June 2021 3