HURRICANE PREP 

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By Paradise News Staff 

Hurricane season is in effect from June 1-Nov. 30, but locals know storms can form any time of year, from tornados to gusty thunderstorms. In May 2020, Tropical Storms Bertha and Arthur occurred.  Be prepared with a game plan that includes obtaining a proof of residence emergency permit if you live on the barrier beaches, so you can return after a storm. Sign up for Alert Pinellas to receive community notifications about inclement weather www.member.everbridge.net/index/453003085614894#/signup. 

  • Know your evacuation zone 
  • Create an emergency supplies kit and stock up. Remember your pets’ needs too. 
  • Have a list of important documents and medications 
  • Think about finances–have extra cash available in the event of power outages 
  • Write your hurricane plan and review with the family 
  • Review your insurance policies 
  • Strengthen your home (windows) 
  • Get your emergency access permit. www.pcsoweb.com/emergency-access-permit 

With many people moving here from other places, including non-tropical locations, hurricanes may seem like a fairy tale. Because it’s important to be prepared, Paradise News aggregated contact and useful government and other links on our website, paradisenewsfl.com/hurricane for our readers to consult in addition to Pinellas County’s excellent links at www.pinellascounty.org/emergency/default.htm#hurricaneguide

EVACUATION ZONE MAP It’s important to know your zone and what that means for the impact of storm surge, flooding and wind on you and your home. Have a plan on where you will go and let your family or friends know what that is.  

Mobile and manufactured homes are vulnerable to strong winds. Power can be lost in high winds, so if a family member or you rely on electricity for life-sustaining medical equipment register for the special needs program. Know what shelter you would go to, and which are pet friendly.Pets are not allowed in special needs shelters. Pinellas County offers several pet-friendly general population shelters. If you are registered for a special needs shelter and you have no other options for your pet, call Pinellas County Animal Services at 727-582-2600 to register your pet. Animal Services will make arrangements to care for your pet throughout the duration of your shelter stay.

727-582-2600 www.pinellas.gov/emergency-information/public-shelters 

Pet-friendly shelters 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.   

Special needs shelters 727-464-3800 www.pinellas.gov/special-needs  

Basic Emergency Supplies lists of general items and for homes including important documents, special needs for babies, service animals and pets. It also provides access info to public and  special needs shelters. www.pinellas.gov/make-a-plan/build-your-emergency-kit 

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 the 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 Dept. and in Tierra Verde to the Fire Station). Get your re-entry permit now!  

BARRIER ISLAND RETURN PASSES After the hurricane passes, all residents will need a pass to get back home when it’s safe. These are available from your local police station or the sheriff’s office in your town. Get one now. 

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. 

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.”  

Preparing Kids for Disasters 

Disasters are scary for everyone, but even more so for kids. There are things you can do to help them prepare and alleviate some of that fear: Young children should have a ready-to-go kit with items to keep them busy and give them comfort. Favorite toys or snacks work well. Involve older kids in your planning. They can help check supplies or make a shopping list. Have family drills on fire, tornado and hurricane safety. Make sure everyone knows where to go if a disaster happens. Look for resources that are oriented to a young audience. 

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