Story by STEVE TRAIMAN
Photos courtesy of Pinellas County Emergency Management
With the new hurricane season fast approaching its official June 1 opening, Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri observes. “Floridians know as well as anyone how unpredictable hurricanes can be and how abruptly their paths can shift. If there is one thing Hurricane Irma taught us, it is to be prepared.”
For this year, NOAA forecasts 22 named storms, nine storms of hurricane strength, and five severe hurricanes – Category 3: 111 mph and above. It will be another very active Atlantic Basin hurricane season including the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean, and the Gulf of Mexico.
Pinellas County residents and business owners can get the best preparedness information from the Emergency Management Preparedness site at www.pinellascounty.org/emergencymanagement.
Local towns are hosting their own hurricane prep events, starting with Madeira Beach this past April 9. Upcoming are St. Pete Beach, Saturday, May 21, in Horan Park, with free parking at 7701 Boca Ciega Drive, from 10am-1pm.; Treasure Island, Wednesday, May 25, from 6:30-8:30pm, at City Hall, 120 108th Ave.; and Gulfport, Thursday, May 26, from 5-7pm (doors open at 5pm) inside the Catherine A. Hickman Theater of Gulfport, 5501 27th Ave. S (enter on 26th Ave. S).
Among the valuable tips, by topic:
Know Your Zone: Look up your evacuation zone at www.pinellascounty.org/knowyourzone. Remember, even if you already checked your zone, you must re-check it as some zones have changed. Enter your address and you will be provided information on your evacuation level, the closest hotel accommodations, the closest shelter, and the closest special needs shelter. Note: Not all shelter and hotel accommodations will be available in all storm levels. You can check on the app as the storm gets closer.
Readiness Checklists: Blue Sky Checklist: well in advance of any hurricanes, this list provides guidance about pre-storm preparations … 5-Day Cone Checklist: meaning that a hurricane is on a probable path to reach our area in five days – the checklist includes tasks that are more immediate … 3-Day Cone Checklist: the chance that the hurricane will affect our area is greater – the checklist will change again to reflect those late-stage items that need to get done … Get a Plan: Enter information about the location of homes and businesses, family members, pets and family contact information. Introducing the Ready Pinellas mobile app. “Ready Pinellas” was designed to help residents prepare themselves and their families before a storm and as a storm approaches. Use all of the tools to stay safe and take the information with you as you finalize your preparations. Download the free app “Ready Pinellas” on your mobile device by searching the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Special Needs: Register for special needs shelters intended for those who need transportation or require minimal medical assistance while seeking public shelter.
Pet Preparedness: Get information on sheltering your pet, how to register for a pet-friendly shelter and what you need to prepare. Pre-registration required for Special Needs Shelters, call 727-464-3800 and Pet-Friendly Shelters, call 727-582-2600.
BUSINESS SOLUTIONS
Businesses are encouraged to have a continuity plan to help them survive the storm AND stay in business. Owners of both large and small businesses need to have secure storage for data and files, alternative sites for doing business, methods of communicating with employees and customers and appropriate insurance. These are just a few items to consider when putting together a business continuity plan.
Click to these online sites: Subscribe to Situation Report Emails for Businesses … Appointments for Personalized Business Continuity Plans with SBDC Business Consultants. If you’d like to prepare a plan for your company, please make an appointment for a one-on-one session with one of Pinellas County’s business consultants by going to www.pced.site-ym.com/?page=entrepreneurs and arrow down to Entrepreneur Tools/ Disaster Planning … Tampa Bay Prepares – Disaster planning … FEMA Business Continuity Planning Suite … Insurance Information from the Division of Consumer Services … Small Business Recovery Information … Florida SBDC Launches Disaster Preparedness App.
Set up a to-go box for critical papers: Use a plastic, waterproof container that can be used to hold and carry important business documents and helpful forms including: A list of all employees, key customers and clients along with their phone numbers; insurance policies and agent contact information; backup electronic data; equipment, computer software/hardware and furniture inventories; a list of emergency vendors, like plumbers and restoration contractors; Copies of essential business policies, plans and agreements; photographs of the business, both inside and out.
Business preparation tips: Take the necessary precautions. As a storm threatens, secure your building. Cover and move equipment and furniture to a secured area, always protect your data with backup files, make plans to work with limited cash and probably no water, sewer, or power for at least two weeks. Contact your customers and suppliers regarding your continuity plans. Protect windows and glass doors. Clear the property or tie down any items that could become flying missiles. Fill fleet cars and equipment gas tanks. Turn off electricity, water and gas. If your business is in a non-evacuation area, think about having your business serve as a host home shelter for employees.
Employees need TLC: Communicate your business hurricane plan with your employees. Remember, too, that your associates may need some extra consideration. Probably all your employees need time to prepare their own homes and talk with their families about their own personal emergency plans.
Business interruption insurance: Business owners need to think about what they would do if their buildings were unusable after a storm. Understand that business interruption insurance will compensate you for lost income if your company has to leave the site because of disaster-related damage; be sure that the policy will cover your company for more than a few days. After a disaster, it may take more time to get back up and running – ask what the waiting period would be before the insurance coverage begins. Explore the cost of adding this coverage to your specific business type. Some businesses, like restaurants, might have to pay a higher premium based on risk.
Special note for home-based businesses: All businesses, large and small, are thinking about emergency preparedness. And, home-based business owners should be doing that too. “Home-based business owners should be aware that after a disaster, they may qualify for SBA Disaster Loans and possibly unemployment benefits, if they are unable to work,” said Corey McCaster, senior manager, Small Business & Diversity Suppliers in Pinellas County Economic Development (PCED).
A To-Go Box is another critical item every home-based business owner should pull together. One action to take right now is to back up computer information on CDs or another portable medium. Store those backups in the To-Go Box too. Take photos of your home office, both inside and out, to take along. “Just like all business leaders, home-based business owners should ensure they safeguard essential business documents and information in a Go Box,” said McCaster. “Ideally, that box should be backed up in an alternative location in the event the home is destroyed.”
RE-ENTERING THE COUNTY
Sheriff Gualtieri emphasizes, “If you live in a barrier island community, make sure you are registered for and know where you’ve placed your Emergency Access Permit. When a mandatory evacuation order is lifted, law enforcement officials will scan these permits at designated re-entry points. Barrier island residents may register directly with their city government during its general office hours year-round, so don’t wait until an evacuation order has been issued to secure yours.
“If you registered for and still possess your Emergency Access Permit from years prior, you DO NOT need to register again. If you don’t know if you need a permit, visit www.pcsoweb.com/emergency-access-permit or call the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 727-582-6200.”
The County Emergency Management website notes that if you have evacuated out of the area, returning home can have some challenges if a storm has done significant damage to the county. Bridges and roads may be closed due to damage, flooding, or debris. Officials may have entire areas closed off to everyone, even residents. It’s important to remember that coming home is not a guarantee. So before heading home, be sure to watch or read the news to learn the latest information about road conditions and damage reports for Pinellas County and surrounding areas.
For re-entry post-evacuation, the permit should be hung from your vehicle’s rearview mirror. Law enforcement posted at city entrances will scan the barcode on your permit to verify your residence. With your help, local police and Sheriff’s officers will be able to keep trespassers from easily accessing your property. Permits are available in every barrier island City Hall (Clearwater residents can also go to the police department and in Tierra Verde to the fire station). Get your re-entry permit NOW!
Sheriff Gualtieri emphasizes, “Finally, stay connected. Leading up to a potential hurricane or other emergency, it is our top priority to keep citizens informed so that we can all get through it together and as efficiently as possible.
“Follow the Sheriff’s Office and Pinellas County Government on Facebook and Twitter and look for ‘#GetReadyPinellas’ for posts including preparation tips, situation-specific details, evacuation orders, etc. Also, download the free ‘Ready Pinellas’ app in the App Store or Google Play to receive updates as they are issued.
“Keeping citizens safe is everyone’s responsibility. We might not know when and where the next disaster will strike, but with proper preparation and open communication, we can be ready for it.”
LOCAL TOWNS HOST HURRICANE PREP EVENTS
MADEIRA BEACH
The city of Madeira Beach held its Hurricane Preparedness Expo Saturday, April 9, from 10am to noon. Visitors met with city representatives, local organizations, and businesses who provided information to help all prepare before, during, and after a storm. The event was open to all members of the coastal communities.
Recreation Director Jay Hatch told Paradise News, “Our event was well-attended with about 100 in and out, and 50 who stayed for speaker presentations. Guest speakers included Madeira Beach City Manager Robin Gomez, Madeira Beach Flood Plain Manager, Madeira Beach Fire Chief Clint Belk, Representative from Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, and Pinellas County Emergency Management, and Mike Boylan from Mike’s
Weather Page.
Vendors included Madeira Beach Public Works with sandbags available for pickup, City Marina and Fire Station, City Staff for Access Passes & Parking Passes, Pinellas County Emergency Management, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, Coast Guard Auxiliary and Mike’s Weather Page with information and giveaways.
ST. PETE BEACH
The free 2022 St. Pete Beach Hurricane Preparedness Expo is Saturday, May 21, in Horan Park, with free parking at 7701 Boca Ciega Drive, from 10am to 1pm. City PIO Sara Lacuente told Paradise News, “This community event is aimed towards helping educate the local community about the importance of preparation and planning. All residents are encouraged to bring their families out to this great event to see what it takes to be prepared for this hurricane season. Every year, new products and services are introduced that may make you and your family even safer this storm season.”
Find out what the city of St. Pete Beach and other agencies are doing to prepare this year. Already set are participating organizations including St. Pete Beach Fire Rescue, St Pete Beach Recreation/Aquatics, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, Pinellas County Emergency Management, Pinellas County Animal Services, AAA, West Shore Construction, and Pebblestone Construction.
Attendees can sign up for free services that are available from government and non-profit agencies. Goodie bags will be distributed to the first 120 participants with educational materials and many other giveaways. A sandbag area will be set up for residents to fill their own sandbags.
TREASURE ISLAND
The city of Treasure Island will hold its Hurricane Expo Wednesday, May 25, from 6:30-8:30pm, at City Hall, 120 108th Ave., Mercedes Nelson-Palmer, administrative assistant, Treasure Island Fire Rescue, told Paradise NEWS.
Features include presentations by city staff on what to expect in a tropical event and how citizens can prepare; storm safety and survival tips; presentations by Pinellas County Emergency Management, County Animal Control Officer, Fire Rescue Chief Trip Barrs, and Police Chief John Barkley; Flood insurance vs Disaster assistance information; and a hurricane forecast presentation by Bay News 9 chief meteorologist Mike Clay.
All residents can get more info about their evacuation zone, storm prep tips or more, only at www.MyTreasureIsland.org/StormReady
CITY OF GULFPORT
The city of Gulfport will be hosting the 2022 Hurricane Preparedness Seminar on Thursday, May 26, at 6pm (doors open at 5pm) inside the Catherine A. Hickman Theater of Gulfport, 5501 27th Ave. S (enter on 26th Ave. S.) As a bonus, attendees can enjoy a slice of pizza and soft drink for $3 beginning at 5pm.
Kristin Ossola, Technical Events Specialist, told Paradise NEWS, “From 5-6pm visitors can talk to hurricane related vendors, followed by speakers on prep topics from 6pm to about 7pm. Included are meteorologist Nicole Carlisle from NOAA; Bobby Deskins, chief meteorologist at Channel 10 news WTSP (CBS) in Tampa/St. Petersburg; and a representative from Pinellas County Emergency Management. “
As part of their goal to create a better-educated and safer community, the city of Gulfport is looking for hurricane related vendors or products to accurately inform the public on emergency and hurricane preparedness. For more information, or to become a hurricane related vendor, please contact Kristin Ossola at kossola@mygulfport.us
or call 727-893-1118.
[Editor’s Note: Special thanks to Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri; Sgt. Jessica Mackesy, PCSO Public Information Officer; Laura Sullivan, PCSO Public Relations Specialist; Corey McCaster, PCED; Sara Lacuente, St. Pete Beach; Jay Hatch, Madeira Beach; Mercedes Nelson-Palmer, Treasure Island; and Kristin Ossola, Gulfport, for the excellent comments and vital information.]
Steve Traiman is president of Creative Copy by Steve Traiman in St. Pete Beach, offering freelance business writing services. He can be reached via email at traimancreativecopy@gmail.com]