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The Osceola County Office of Emergency Management conducts a tabletop exercise for hurricane preparation. SUBMITTED PHOTO
For the second year in a row, COVID-19 threatens to make hurricane season more complicated for residents, as well as first responders.
Knowing the tremendous impact that just one hurricane making its way through Central Florida can have on residents, Osceola County employees and partner agencies came together recently to hone their disaster response skills – with a focus on recovery.
“I’m grateful that our dedicated team prepares and plans in advance so that our community is safe when an emergency threatens,” Osceola Commission Chairman Brandon Arrington said. “Training is an excellent way to build teamwork, strengthen communications and identify areas for improvement.”
Hurricane shelters will have a lower capacity due to COVID-19 guidance from the CDC. It is important for residents to know that if needed, county-run shelters will not separate people based on vaccination status, and that proof of vaccination will not be required for shelter accommodations. If you do not live in a mobile or manufactured home, and are not in a flood-prone area, you are encouraged to stay in place or make arrangements now to stay with family and friends away from the impacted area.
Shelters always should be viewed as a last resort in a family’s planning.
“We encourage our residents to take this time now before hurricane season to review their homeowners or rental policies and be knowledgeable about coverage, including deductibles,” said Arrington. “Now is also the time to clean up brush and trees around your home so that they are trimmed and do not become hazards in a tropical system. Replenish your family disaster kit so you don’t have to rush to get supplies when a storm is sitting off the Florida coast.”
After last year’s recordbreaking hurricane season, forecasters are expecting another overactive season in 2021. All residents should prepare for hurricane season by creating a family plan and disaster supply kit, securing personal property and having a place to go in the event of an evacuation. Learn more at http:// readyosceola.org.
The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and concludes November 30.
“Through last week’s statewide hurricane exercise, the County and other community stakeholders worked through plans for hurricane response and recovery,” said Emergency Management Director Bill Litton. “Now, ahead of hurricane season, is the best time to make or review your plan for your family or business.”
Officials urge residents to stay informed by monitoring weather reports and by receiving emergency phone alerts through Osceola’s free AlertOsceola service, by texting the word “alertosceola” to 888777.
The County’s information channels include:
• Twitter: @OsceolaEOC & OsceolaCountyFl
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/OsceolaEOC and www.facebook.com/osceolacountyfl
• Website: www.osceola.org
