In case of a disaster, the town helps residents to be prepared

Hurricane season runs June through November. But, the time to act is when it is still sunny, according to speakers at the Public Outreach meeting held Friday, June 15, at Longboat Key Town Hall. Police Department, Fire Department and Public Works employees talked about the important issue and how to be prepared.

Fire Department
Fire Chief Paul Dezzi had a few simple suggestions on how to get through another hurricane season: “Be prepared,” “stay informed” and “leave in an evacuation.”

He also discussed people with special needs (PSN): This person has a physical or mental condition or limitation; might need help with daily living activities; might be dependent on medications or medical treatment; is bedridden; or may need transportation because they may live alone. Those registered will receive assistance in getting off the island. To register a PSN in Manatee County, call 749-3500; for Sarasota County, call 861-5000.

Dezzi suggests arranging ahead of time a place to stay: with friends, at a hotel or a shelter, as a last resort. Be prepared that in case of an evacuation, hotels can fill up quickly.

Dezzi stresses the importance of leaving early.

“We want you to get off of the Key — if (first responders) are leaving the Key, it’s too late,” he said.

Police Department
Acting Police Chief Pete A. Cumming discussed what residents of Longboat Key can expect from their police department in the case of a major storm. The Police Department is in charge of evacuation, security and re-entry. The officers work in 12-hour shifts patrolling the Key and will decide when it is safe to re-enter.

Cumming discussed the re-entry policy. Re-entry and location points will be announced and found on the town’s website, longboatkey.org, in case of an emergency. In order to re-enter the island, one must have proper identification that will confirm you are an island resident. This could be a driver’s license, voter ID or bill statement.

Public Works
Public Works Director Juan J. Florensa stressed patience. Public Works will be hard at work after a hurricane hits, but it might take anywhere from days to weeks before the island is inhabitable following an emergency.
Florensa suggests that single-family home owners turn off their water before evacuation. He also suggests placing any important documents left behind due to an evacuation in the dishwasher, to keep them safe.

The town of Longboat Key
Assistant to the town manager, Susan Phillips, spoke about the town’s website.

The site features information on what to do before the storm, during the storm and after the storm; includes a disaster supplies kit and checklist; and information on what to do about pets. She suggests printing them out now. Hard copies and pamphlets on hurricane guides are also available at Town Hall.

Important information during tropical storms and hurricane event updates will be posted on the website to provide information about storm conditions and evacuations.

“Every storm is different,” she says. “It was just last year when Hurricane Irene was projected to hit us.”