Story by STEVE TRAIMAN
With the official hurricane season running from June 1 to Nov. 30, residents and businesses should be aware that Colorado State Hurricane Center has forecast the most active season in more than 20 years. They predict 23 named storms with 11 over hurricane speed and five major storms over Category 3 – 111 mph – over the Gulf of Mexico.
As a result, all residents and businesses on the barrier islands should take all the necessary precautions NOW! All can get the best info from this site www.pinellascounty.org/emergencymanagement. Local cities hosted Hurricane Prep forums recently, including Madeira Beach, St Pete Beach, Treasure Island and Gulfport. Among the valuable tips by topic for residents:
Know Your Zone & Shelter: see complete list with links for shelters, and Zone map in the May 2024 issue, pages 34-35. There are racks around with recent back issues or visit https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/hurricane-prep-2024/. Find the most up-to-date information on emergency shelters at https://pinellas.gov/emergency-information/public-shelters/.
Look at Readiness Checklists: Blue Sky Checklist provides guidance about pre-storm preparedness … 5-Day Cone Checklist has immediate tips when a storm is within five days of our area … 3-Day Cone Checklist reflects new things that need to get done …Get a Plan! Enter info about homes and businesses, family members and their contact info.
The free Ready Pinellas mobile app, introduced in 2022, is designed to help residents prepare themselves and their families before and as a storm approaches. Use all the tools to stay safe and download this free app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Learn more about the app at https://pinellas.gov/ready-pinellas/.
Among the valuable tips by topic for businesses:
Have a Continuity Plan that includes secure storage for data and files, alternative sites for doing business, methods of communicating with employees and clients, and appropriate Business Interruption Insurance.
Set up a To Go Box for critical papers. Use a plastic, waterproof container for documents including a contact list of employees, customers and clients, insurance policies and agent contacts. Learn what you should have in your to go box at https://pinellas.gov/make-a-plan/build-your-emergency-kit/.
Employees need TLC! Communicate your plan with your employees and be sure they have time to make their own preparations.
Business Prep Tips: Secure your building or office, cover and move equipment to a safe area, make plans to work with limited cash and probably no power, water or sewer for up to two weeks, protect windows and glass doors, fill fleet cars & equipment gas tanks, turn off electricity, water and gas before leaving property.
Home-based Businesses should take the same appropriate measures. They should have a similar
To Go Box as businesses, including photos of their home business area. They should be aware that after a hurricane they may qualify for SBA Small Business Loans or Unemployment Insurance, with details available at Pinellas County Economic Development. Find disaster resources for businesses at https://www.pced.org/disaster-resources-for-business/.
Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri circulated his June letter from the Desk of the Sheriff about preparing for hurricanes with pets. Lots of essential info for cat and dog owners, including pet friendly shelters. Gibbs High is our closest. There is stuff to get done now! Click here for the whole article www.pcsoweb.com/from-the-desk-of-sheriff-bob-gualtieri.
The sheriff’s final advice on storm preparation is Stay Connected! “Leading up to a hurricane or other emergency it is our top priority to keep citizens informed so we can all get through it together and as efficiently as possible. Keeping our 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.”
Learn more about preparing for the 2024 Hurricane Season in Pinellas County at paradisenewsfl.com/hurricane.
Find a free hurricane preparedness guide from Pinellas County Emergency Management at https://pinellas.gov/make-a-plan/hurricane-guide-english/
Feature writer Steve Traiman is president of Creative Copy by Steve Traiman, offering business writing tips & plans. He can be reached via email at traimancreativecopy@gmail.com.