The 2015 Hurricane Season starts June 1st! Please take some time NOW to prepare yourself and your family for the possibility of a storm here in Pinellas County. Is your disaster supply kit ready? Do you know where your local shelter facilities are? Do you have your new reentry tag?
New Barrier Island Reentry Program:
In an effort to prevent looting and burglary after a large-scale mandatory evacuation, the City of St. Pete Beach has joined the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office to provide free Emergency Access Permits to all business and residents of the barrier islands. Once a mandatory evacuation order has been lifted, Emergency Access Permits will be required to re-enter an evacuated area. Access will be limited based on the closest entry point to your residence.
Residents are asked to hang the permit from their vehicle’s rear view mirror upon evacuation. When the order is lifted, law enforcement officers posted at the entry points to the City will scan the barcode on the permit to verify your residence. The Sheriff Department reentry tags will replace the old St Pete Beach reentry tags. Therefore, every resident will be required to obtain a new tag prior to the beginning of the 2015 hurricane season (June 1, 2015).
Tags are issued at:
1. City Hall, 155 Corey Avenue in the Building Department, Monday through Friday 8:00 4:00.
2. Fire station 23, 7301 Gulf Blvd, 8:00 to 4:00 daily (subject to calls, training and other essential activities which require your firefighters to be out of the station).
3. Fire station 22, 1950 Pass A Grille Way, 8:00 to 4:00 daily (subject to calls, training and other essential activities which require your firefighters to be out of the station). Reentry tags are limited to two (2) per residential property and a maximum of Ten (10) to commercial properties (depending on the commercial property size and needs).
Residents need to bring a driver’s license as proof of residency. Persons who do not have a St. Pete Beach address on their driver’s license, may bring in a utility bill or rental agreement showing the address of their residence.
BEFORE a storm approaches:
Plan an evacuation route. Stop by any City of St. Pete Beach Fire Rescue Station or City Hall to pick up the Pinellas County Hurricane Guide, or you may access this information on the web at http://www.pinellascounty.org/resident/disasters.htm
Have disaster supplies on hand.
– Flashlight and extra batteries
– Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries
– First aid kit and manual
– Emergency food and water (3-5 day supply)
– Non-electric can opener
– Essential medicines
– Cash and credit cards
– Sturdy Shoes
– **Make Arrangements for Your Pets
DURING A HURRICANE WATCH:
A hurricane watch is issued when there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 48 hours. Pay close attention to evacuation requirements. This is the time to decide whether to evacuate or stay! Remember that shelters should be considered a last resort. Make arrangements to stay with friends or family further inland, or travel to a hotel inland until the storm passes.
– Listen to weather updates and stay informed
– Check emergency supplies.
– Fuel car.
– Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys, and garden tools and anchor objects that cannot be brought inside. • Secure buildings by closing and boarding up windows. Remove outside antennas.
– Store drinking water in clean containers and bathtub
– Check Disaster Supply Kit • Review evacuation plan.
– Moor boat securely or move it to a designated safe place.
– **Make arrangements for pets. DURING A HURRICANE WARNING: A hurricane warning is issued when hurricane conditions (winds of 74 miles per hour or greater or dangerously high water and rough seas) are expected in 36 hours or less.
– Listen constantly to a battery-operated radio or television for official instructions.
– Store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container on the highest level of your home.
– Stay inside, away from windows, skylights, and glass doors.
– Keep a supply of flashlights and extra batteries handy. Avoid open flames, such as candles and kerosene lamps, as a source of light.
– If power is lost, turn off major appliances to reduce power “surge” when electricity is restored.
If you go to an evacuation shelter, you should plan to take pillows, blankets, personal hygiene items, books, toys for the kids, and important papers such as insurance policies, driver’s license, and medical information. Please keep in mind that shelters should be considered a last resort. Animals are not permitted at most shelters. Make arrangements through your veterinarian on where you can place your pet if you choose to go to a shelter.
If you have special needs that require assistance and you do not have a friend or relative that can help you, please call the City of St. Pete Beach Fire Rescue Department at 363-9206 to register for the Special Needs Evacuation list.