Emergency Recovery Chief Speaks
Scott Montgomery Recovery Chief Sarasota Emergency Management spoke to the Lake Sarasota Community Group on June 10th.
His EOC responsibilities are, in the event of a disaster:
- set up points of neigh distribution - free water, mre's blue tarps.
- damage assessment
- preparedness
On the Oil spill - "lots of rumors going around"
Only report of oil reaching Florida coast so far is in Pensacola
Oil plume is 200 miles from St. Pete, 250 miles from Sarasota's shoreline.
Current projections: the giant oil is moving south and away from us.
If BP were to abandon the recovery effort, the county has a contingency plan and response organizational chart.
Florida beaches are open. If oil reaches us, it will be weathered, i.e., tar balls or patties, not a sheen.
We are in a "forbidden zone" which means, currents don't naturally push things to our shore.
Every county has an emergency mgmt plan
Public Safety Advisory Group
Policy Group - the key agencies and cities and town.
Hurricanes: The prognosis is not good.
We're looking at an active season
- 14-23 named storms
- of which, 8-14 hurricanes
- of which, 3 to 7 intense hurricanes.
El Nino warms the Pacific - winds blow from the west - pushes hurricanes canes away
Now it's gone away - things are in a neutral state
The Atlantic is a bit warmer than usual, suggesting a more active season.
Be prepared. One way is to familiarize yourself with the county's online resources (see also links to weather and storm info on right).
The County has a Disaster planning CD - plan pre-during-after storm.
we have about 206 neighborhoods that have completed their disaster plans
5 are pet friendly - dogs and cats only, no snakes, etc.
The county doesn't open all 38 at once - it open some, then more as necessary, depending on location of storm, etc.
Neighborhood Preparedness Program - Neighborhoods can sign up to hear five talks about all aspects of preparedness, of which tonight's talk by Scott was one.
All Hazards brochure.
Be prepared for 7 days.
Things to have on hand:
- cash
- prescriptions
- gas
- food
- water
Emergency kit:
- first aid
- water 1 gal. per person per day
- foods
- batteries
- non electric can opener
- flashlights wi/batteries
- mosquto repellent
- fire extinguisher
- instant tire sealers
- whistle and distress flag
- 2 coolers (1 food/1 ice)
- flashlights with batteries
is recommended.After a disaster, if you're ok, put a green ribbon on your door.
If you're going to evacuate, tell your neighbors your plan - where you plan to evacuate to.
Means of Communication after a catastrophic event:
ham operators
walkie talkies
Scott also gave several Handouts, which can be obtained from the county:
2010 Hurricane Guide
Home Safety Planner
Homeowner's insurance
FEMA - individual insurance
Scott can return to talk about individual assistance plans.
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