The 2009 hurricane season has officially begun. While storms have forsaken us recently all one has to do is hear the words Wilma, Jeanne or Frances and the importance of making preparations comes rushing back. In the past I have worked diligently with county staff to provide information vital to attaining that goal. I want to take this opportunity to continue that practice now.
One tool I utilized in the past was the county’s Hurricane Survival Guide. While a 2009 guide will not be published, the 2008 guide remains online for those who may not have one and the information in them still pertinent. According to Assistant County Administrator Vince Bonvento, Emergency Management has the goal of developing a more comprehensive survival guide. This future guide will touch on all potential disasters, will not be limited to any given year, can be used over and over and applied to many circumstances. I will keep you informed.
When and if a storm approaches, the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will release a list of Publix supermarkets and gas stations that, to the best of their knowledge, have generators and will be operational. This list will be included on their website: www.pbcgov.com/publicsafety/emergencymanagement and delivered through public service announcements (PSA’s), news media and on Channel 20.
Another concern recently brought to my attention by a constituent is the proper storage of generators and fuels before, during and after a storm. While generators can feel like a lifesaver on one hand, they can also be very dangerous through improper usage and storage. Deputy Fire Marshall Jeff Collins highly encourages having a carbon monoxide detector not only for hurricane preparation but for everyday protection. Also, the storage of gasoline should only be done during a storm and not beyond as it creates additional safety hazards. Prepping and testing your generator before a storm is a must and remember to never use a generator during a storm or in an enclosed area, like a porch or garage.
Cable TV Coordinator David Frye reminds those relying on battery operated televisions to receive county briefings from the EOC during and after a storm that they will need to revise their plan. Just as the digital switch may have affected the televisions in your home, portable battery powered televisions that receive over the air signals will cease to function after June 12th. Radio’s AM/FM channels will still work and portable battery powered digitaltelevisions have been developed and are available at various electronic stores.
Finally, to reiterate past messages: stock up on food and water, make sure you have enough of your prescription medicines on hand, get flashlights and batteries in lieu of candles as they can be hazardous, charge your cell phone or have a corded telephone on hand since cordless phones will not function and cell service may get knocked out, stay in your home during the storm and remain there. If you must travel after, remember – ROAD SAFETY IS OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE.
Just as the kids at school groan at the practice of another fire drill so do many of us grow tired of preparing for situations we don’t even like to think about. However, I have said it before and I will say it again, despite all of the good intentions of government, it takes time to get help to you – at least 24 hours. That is why I cannot emphasize enough the importance of getting ready for the upcoming season.
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Government
