Hurricane Guides provide crucial information

PINELLAS PARK, Fla. (May 17, 2019) - The start of hurricane season, June 1, is an annual rite of passage in Florida. New residents have a lot to learn, but even those who have weathered many warnings or close calls still need to be reminded of how to prepare, evacuate and recover should a storm strike.

Free 2019 Disaster Planning Guides and evacuation maps published by the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council are now available in Sarasota County. The 16-page color guide, updated each year with detailed information, is also available in Spanish.

A digital version of the Guide is available atTampaBayPrepares.org, while color printed copies are available in those counties at many post offices, libraries, and government buildings, while supplies last.

Hurricane evacuation zones can change, so it’s important that residents check the latest map to know their exact zone and be ready if local authorities mandate leaving. The guide also includes an updated list of shelters, including which ones allow pets.

Many Floridians think they know hurricane preparation basics such as having a flashlight, portable radio and plenty of nonperishable foods on hand. But these county-specific guides offer many more helpful instructions, such as:

·Establish a meeting place for your family near your home and outside of your neighborhood as well in the event of a major storm.

·Send copies of important documents, including insurance papers, to a contact person outside of the area for safekeeping.

·If you are dependent on electrical medical equipment, register with your country government for transport to a medical shelter. Also register with your local power company.

·Microchip your pet now in case you are separated during a disaster.

·A garbage can with a tight-fitting lid and cat litter can be an emergency toilet.

·Bank ATMs and gas pumps don’t work without electricity so get extra cash and fuel as a storm is approaching.

The Disaster Planning Guide is filled with crucial information and suggestions on evacuating, sheltering in place, pets, insurance and protecting your property. Allresidents should read the guide now to so they are prepared for hurricane season.

For more details on where to pick up a guide contact:

Anne Miller, Emergency Management Officer, [email protected], 941-861-5930

https://www.scgov.net/

About the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council

Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council works with 27 west-central Florida municipalities to assist the municipalities as they make long-range plans related to the future of the Tampa Bay region. The Council’s work focuses on resiliency, planning for climate change and sea level rise, environmental management, water quality, emergency preparedness planning, protection and restoration of the Tampa Bay estuary, economic analysis, coastal zone management, housing and infrastructure analysis, development of regional impact review, local government comprehensive plan reviews, cross acceptance, dispute resolution and reviews of transportation plans.