What to keep in mind as hurricane season approaches

Hurricane season begins in less than a month. 

In preparation, Longboat Key’s Fire Chief and Emergency Manager Paul Dezzi held a webinar for community members. On May 8, Dezzi hosted an hour-long presentation to share the best ways to prepare and insights into the town’s operations with community members, businesses and complex managers.

Dezzi emphasized the importance of proper preparation and heeding the town’s procedures and evacuation notices. 

A recording of Dezzi’s presentation is on the town’s website at LongboatKey.org, but here are some of the key themes from the presentation.

Prepare a kit, move vehicles

Preparation is key with hurricanes, and Dezzi said one of the first things residents should do ahead of hurricane season is build a kit or “go bag.” 

Some important things to put in the kit include cash, important documents, medicine, hygiene supplies, first aid equipment, flashlights and non-perishable goods. 

Dezzi said residents should also be mindful of electric vehicles and equipment by moving electric cars off the island and putting things like electric wheelchairs, bikes and tools in places where saltwater will not reach. 

According to Dezzi, the fire rescue department responded to several fires after hurricanes Helene and Milton that were caused by electric vehicles, wheelchairs and tools mixing with saltwater. 

Marine vessels need to be prepared, too, and Dezzi advised while it’s best to move boats somewhere inland; tying them down is the next best option. 

Be ready to evacuate

One of Dezzi’s most stressed points was the impacts of a hurricane or any strong storm are not contained to the cone of uncertainty. As the town experienced with Hurricane Helene, a hurricane doesn’t need to make a direct landfall to cause major damage.

According to Dezzi, water is the leading cause of death in 90% of U.S. tropical cyclones.

That’s why it’s important to evacuate when the town directs you to do so, especially for those living in evacuation zones closest to the water, Dezzi said. 

When evacuation notices occur, Dezzi advises residents not to wait until the last minute. Part of that also requires residents to have a plan in place as to where they will evacuate. 

Dezzi said shelters should be a last-resort option as they can be uncomfortable and crowded. Staying with a friend or family member or at a hotel farther inland is the best option. Dezzi suggested looking for hotels with generators, too. 

The town also offers evacuation services for medically dependent individuals. Residents who could not evacuate on their own can sign up to be on the medically dependent list, and when the town orders an evacuation, personnel will receive notification of the individuals who need help. 

Photo by Dana Kampa

Overall, Dezzi said the town understands it can be a hassle to evacuate, but it’s in everyone’s best interest to do so with these kinds of storms. 

"As much as it's a pain to leave the island, you need to," Dezzi said. "Let us do our job and make sure it's safe for you to return. Our focus is on your safety." 

When a storm reaches sustained winds of 45 mph, town staff and first responders will evacuate the island and bring with them some important equipment. That means there won’t be anyone able to help those who don’t evacuate from those storms. 

Patience is key

Though the town follows Sarasota County’s evacuation protocols, town staff maintain communications with both counties since the town gets its water from Manatee County. 

Water and wastewater services are one of the key needs the town would need to reestablish before allowing residents back. 

After a storm passes, Dezzi said he knows many residents will be anxious to return to the island and check on their properties. But life safety is the town’s top priority, so Dezzi said residents need to remain patient while first responders clear the island. 

"Bear with us," Dezzi said. "I understand you want to see your property...but we don't need to have anybody hurt in the process." 

Last year, after hurricanes Helene and Milton, the town received aid to establish a neighborhood point of distribution at Publix. Dezzi said the town realized it would be better to have a second NPOD closer to the Village and the north-end community in future storms. 

Another improvement Dezzi hopes to make from last year is increasing community engagement through social media methods like Facebook Live to keep residents informed throughout the storm and when granting re-entry.