Play it safe, be prepared
With several storms looming to the east, it is evident that the peak of the 2010 hurricane season is approaching. Having learned a lot from the unpredictability of Hurricane Charley, island residents are cautioned about becoming complacent during any hurricane season.
“Since Hurricane Charley took us by surprise in 2004, we have learned a lot about the importance of preparing for emergencies,” said Chief David Bradley of the Matlacha-Pine Island Fire Control District. “We are continuing to train our personnel as well as the members of our volunteer CERT team in the event of any emergency, and I strongly suggest that all of the people of Pine Island and Matlacha do the same. We learned from Charley that it is critical to be prepared and take no storm for granted.”
Chief Bradley also reminds residents to apply for re-entry hurricane hangtags, prior to the threat of a hurricane. Hangtags can be acquired at Station #1 and all that is needed is a photo ID and proof of residency.
According to officials, early hurricane preparedness is easy. Of the most important ways to prepare is to put together a hurricane kit. The following is a list of items as compiled by the Beacon of HOPE.
— Water, one gallon per person or pet per day
— Ready-to-eat meats, fruits and vegetables
— Canned or boxed juices, milk and soup
— High-energy foods like peanut butter, jelly, low-sodium crackers, granola bars and trail mix
— Vitamins
— Special foods for infants or persons on special diets
— Cookies, hard candy
— Instant coffee
— Cereals
— Powdered milk
Each of these should be enough to sustain each person in the household for a minimum of three days. In addition to having these supplies at home, the Beacon also recommends that duplicates of these kits should also be placed at workplaces and in cars. Emergency kits should be placed in a designated spot in the home and all family members should know where the kit is kept.
In most situations that are threatening, the island fire department will issue an evacuation notice. Here too, emergency kits should accompany evacuees as well as important documents, changes of clothing, personal hygiene supplies and a list of contact phone numbers.
Should the fire department issue an evacuation notice, Chief Bradley strongly recommends that everyone seek shelter off-island.
If going to a public shelter, several are located in close proximity of the island. Things to keep in mind if planning to go to a public shelter is none provide conveniences or luxuries. Food and water may not be immediately available at the shelter and those who want or need special food items should bring them along with bedding and other personal items. Also shelters will not permit weapons, alcoholic beverages or pets other than documented service animals.
Another thing to consider when preparing for potential disaster is pets. It is important to plan ahead for the safety of pets as only one shelter in Lee County will allow them. The Beacon recommends pet owners locate a friend, family member, veterinarian or a pet-friendly hotel prior to the threat of any disaster where pets can be kept safe until the danger has passed. Emergency kits will also be needed for family pets as well. In addition to ample food and water, each pet should have identification and medical issues clearly labeled on a collar. Also of importance, the pet owner should have a copy of the pet’s medical records, feeding and medical requirements and a recent photo for identification purposes. Items in the pet emergency evacuation kits should include an extra leash and labeled harness; a crate, cage or carrier for each pet also labeled; three to seven days of food kept in airtight containers as well as any canned food with a pop top; seven days of water per pet; and leaning supplies such as paper towels, dish soap, household bleach, plastic garbage bags and newspapers or potty pads. These will be needed if planning to go to a pet-friendly shelter or hotel.
If evacuating to a pet friendly shelter, these facilities are limited to dogs, cats and caged birds, the owners must stay with the pet at all times, all pets must be in a crate or carrier and have up-to-date vaccinations and the owner must supply all food and water for their pets.
For more information about hurricane preparedness, visit the Beacon of HOPE on the corner of Pine Island Road and Nikki’s Lane, just east of the four-way-stop or Matlacha-Pine Island Fire Control District Fire Station #1 at the island center.