2022 Hurricane Preparation Guide

2022-05-18 Hurricane Guide

Hurricane Preparation

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Page 41 BE PREPARED FOR ANYTHING Residents need to stay informed about notifications, evacuations, re-entry, and power shortages. • Notification: Residents are encouraged to have a weather radio and stay abreast of a storm's ap- proach because evacuation alerts will be issued via radio and televi- sion. Public service officials also will notify residents either by public address system, phone or by going door-to-door. • Evacuation: An evacuation order is issued for the barrier islands for an anticipated Category 1 or stron- ger storm, usually approximately 24 hours before the expected landfall. That order can be issued 48 hours ahead of time, in some cases. On Thornton Key, it's a good idea to leave when Charlotte County Fire and EMS officials at Station 10 start moving equipment off the island. • Routes: During an evacuation, all bridges — Tom Adams, Kosinski, Anne Merry, Boca Grande Cause- way — become one way for east- bound traffic only. No one will be allowed to come onto the islands. Once off the islands, sheriff's deputies will be stationed at pivotal intersections to direct traffic out of the area. Once evacuation is ordered, draw- bridges will be locked in place to accommodate vehicular traffic. DON'T MISS THE BOAT • Palm Island: Private boats and Palm Island Transit's ferry are the only ways on and off the island. So, be prepared to wait since it takes more than 30 minutes for the small ferry to make a roundtrip. Also, deteriorating wind and water conditions will, at some point, shut the ferry down. If you hear a dis- tinct signal tone from the Station 10 siren, the ferry has shut down — and you've missed the boat. • Re-entry: Manasota Key and Gasparilla Island have "phased re-entries." First-phase entry is by emergency officials to sweep for injuries, rescues and hazards, and assess damage. Next in are utility company workers. The third phase is an escorted en- try with residents allowed to check on homes and retrieve valuables. Entry requires valid identification such as a driver license, utility bill, tax bill or other papers that show name and address. Passes are issued to residents for future re-entry. On Palm Island and other smaller keys, there is no re-entry plan. Residents return to their homes when the ferry starts running again or by private boat. However, they are urged to wait until Charlotte County Fire and EMS officials have swept the islands. FILE PHOTOS During evacuations, all bridges — including the Boca Grande Causeway (pictured) — become one-way for eastbound traffic. With sustained winds of 40 mph and a 3-foot to 5-foot storm surge Tropical Storm Debby managed to erode away the sand dune in front of this home on Manasota Key in 2012. Continued from page 39 adno=3840948-1

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