MPIFCD reminds ‘Don’t wait until it’s too late’ for hurricane hangtags
Evacuation can often be a frightening event, especially during hurricane season and even more stressful can be attempting to return home after the storm has passed. Many of those who left the island to seek safety from Hurricane Charley in 2004 will recall how difficult it was to return to the island after the storm. Long lines stretched along Pine Island Road as officials stopped each vehicle to check the identification of people who were desperate to see how their property fared adding to the stress of the situation.
Last year however, the Matlacha-Pine Island Fire Control District, along with the Lee County Sheriff’s Department developed a system that would help to expedite the return of evacuees after any disaster that might occur on the island.
At this time the Fire Department and the Sheriff’s office are currently issuing 2011 Hurricane Hangtags to Matlacha and Pine Island residents, property owners and business owners for their essential personnel. The hangtags can be hung from the rear view mirror of any vehicle are color coded to allow officials to determine at a glance where the vehicle will be heading once entering the island.
“Let’s say a homeowner from Bokeelia is returning after a storm to check his property. By the color of the hangtag, those checking IDs can tell right away where the occupants of the vehicle are headed,” said Deputy Chief Joe Marzzela. “If by chance it would be dangerous for anyone to return to Bokeelia, they would be flagged over and told not to enter at that time, but if the same person was from St. James City and all was safe at the south end of the island, they would be allowed to pass without having to stop and present identification if their hangtag color indicates that they were going to the south end of the island. We feel that the hangtag system will expedite the safe return for islanders and will create a lot less delay time than the previous method of having to stop and check every vehicle that approaches the bridge.”
The following are some guidelines to the Hurricane Hangtag program:
n Applications for Hurricane Hangtags are available from the Matlacha-Pine Island Fire Control District, 5700 Pine Island Road, Bokeelia, Fl 33922, between the hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday or from the website at pineislandfire.org. Please return completed application to the above address. If mailing in applications, don’t forget to include a self-addressed stamped #10 legal size envelope.
n To make re-entry easier after an event, rear view mirror color coded hangtags are being issued according to a designated commercial and residential district zone. These hangtags have valuable information for both hurricane preparedness and island re-entry on the reverse side. It is suggested that people keep these in their vehicles glove box for easy access, when not in use.
n Driver’s License with Matlacha-Pine Island address may still be used; however a Hurricane Hangtag will expedite your return. Persons with a driver’s license with a Matlacha or Pine Island mailing address are strongly urged to also obtain a Hurricane Hangtag.
“Hurricane season begins on June 1, and we are urging residents, business owners and property owners to apply for the Hurricane Hangtags now and not wait until there is a threat of evacuation,” said Marzella. “Waiting until a evacuation is called can cause added stress and residents need to remember, that in some cases, it does take time to process applications.”
In addition to residents, MPIFCD also urges other property owners and those with commercial interests to obtain the Hurricane Hangtags prior to when a hurricane warning has been issued. Those with commercial interests must have a valid occupational license prior to applying for a Hurricane Hangtag and the new hangtag program will include a system of four zones to cover the possibility of phased re-entry.
Seasonal residents are also encouraged to obtain Hurricane Hangtags as well. For those who are away for the summer months or those who cannot get to the fire station during the regular business hours, can also apply by mail, but will also have to include proof of residency or ownership. Proof can be presented in the form of a copy of a driver’s license with a Matlacha or Pine Island address, a tax bill, deed, rental agreement or utility bill.
For more information regarding the Hurricane Hangtag program, emergency preparedness or evacuation procedures, call the Matlacha-Pine Island Fire Control District at 283-0030.