This publication from Sun Newspapers features Hurricane Preparation
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1379876
Page 9 adno=3794347-1 Stay prepared, stay informed, stay safe I t is time to prepare for hur- ricane season, as it is upon us. It is important to not wait until the first storm is approaching. We must consider COVID-19-related precautions this year. Please add hand sanitizer and cloth masks to your emergency preparedness kits. We do not know what the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season will bring, so everyone should have a plan and prepare now. The ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic has presented many challenges for public safety and emergency management. One of the most important is looking toward ensuring measures are taken to operate hurricane shelters while COVID-19 is still a concern. DeSoto County has been working with the Florida Department of Health to ensure we can safely operate storm shelters by mod- ifying procedures using suggested safety guidelines. People who are medically dependent and will need assistance during a storm are encouraged to submit an application to the Special Needs Program. This can be done online at DeSoto County Emergency Management or by calling our office at 863-993-4831. In addition, all registered, medically dependent persons must make every effort to bring a caregiver to the designated medically dependent hurricane shelter. Pets are not allowed in the Special Needs Shelter facility. If necessary, prearrange pet care with your local veterinarian or indicate this need on your Special Needs program application. Whether to stay or evacuate for a weather event depends on which type of home you reside in. As a hurricane approaches, DeSoto County Emergency Management may issue evacuation orders depending on the intensity of the storm. Your home may not be safe during a major hurricane (Category 3 or higher) if it was not constructed to meet current Florida building codes. If you have not had a wind mitigation inspection on your home, or if you do not have storm shutters, it may not be safe to stay. If you do have to evacuate, you should first try to stay with friends or family who live in a safe, prepared home outside of the evacu- ation area. In the event of a storm, should you need to leave your home and cannot stay with family or friends, a hurricane shelter can be a safe place, but should be considered a final resort. Emergency Management will be coordinating with the DeSoto County Agri- Civic Center facilities for the opening of the hurricane shelter. The opening of this shelter will be announced through the media, county website, county social media platforms and via text alerts. Evacuees are expected to bring all their disaster supplies (food, water, and snacks), including bedding and comfort items. Pets are allowed at this shelter; however, owners are responsible to ensure that they have the appropriate crate, leash and food supplies. Pets must also be current on all vaccinations and have identifying tagged collars. DeSoto County Emergency Management will keep residents informed as storms approach, and residents can count on us for help after a storm has passed. It is important that residents are prepared and self-sufficient until we can respond. JEFFREY TAMBASCO DeSoto County Emergency Management Director