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PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
May
30
, 2006
BE PREPARED; KNOW WHAT TO DO IMMEDIATELY AFTER A DISASTER IF YOUR HOME OR PROPERTY IS DAMAGED.
The Highlands County Board of County Commissioners wants to ensure you are prepared in case of a hurricane or other disaster.
If you are a homeowner or renter please keep the following information so that you know what to do if you suffer damage or loss of your home in the event of a disaster.
There are four steps that must be executed to ensure disaster assistance. These four steps must be executed after each and every disaster or storm.
Immediately After a Disaster, if Your Home or Property Was Damaged or Destroyed
Individuals that are Homeowners and Renters must register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to obtain a FEMA Registration ID Number by calling 1-800-621-3362 or visit The speech or hearing impaired may call (TTY) 1-800-462-7585.
Para ser considerado para cualquier de estas formas de asistencia en casos de desastre, las víctimas deben llamar primero a la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias, FEMA, al 1-800-621-3362.
2. File an Insurance Claim:
Contact your insurance agent to file a claim, please do this as soon as possible. Failure to file a claim with your insurance company may affect your eligibility for assistance. By law, FEMA cannot provide money to individuals or households for losses that are covered by insurance.
3. Complete an SBA Application:
You must apply to the Small Business Administration for SBA disaster loans assistance even though you are an individual and not a business. SBA Disaster Assistance Loan Program offers financial assistance to those trying to rebuild their homes and businesses in the wake of a disaster. By offering low-interest, long-term loans the SBA is committed to long-term recovery efforts that are affordable. Failure to complete and submit the application may cause you to lose possible FEMA assistance.
4. Complete a Highlands County Housing Application:
Apply for assistance at the Highlands County Housing Department either at 501 S. Commerce Ave., Sebring, FL the Housing Department’s station in the that may be set up after the President declares a major disaster. You can also call 1-800-621-FEMA (TTY: 1-800-462-7585) for information.
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PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
May 25, 2006
Hurricane Readiness
Hurricane season starts on June 1st and it is vital that you are prepared in advance for you and your family’s safety.
Highlands County residents need to know where to get updated, accurate information before, during and after the storms. Please follow the guidelines below to ensure you are prepared:
- Make sure you have a battery operated radio with fresh batteries and tune in to WWOJ 99.1 FM or LITE 105.7FM for hourly updates during a hurricane situation.
- Begin to purchase supplies for your Family Disaster Supplies Kit. (see below)
- Find out where your evacuation routes are and have a plan if you decide to evacuate.
- Make sure that you check with your doctor and/or pharmacy to determine how best to assure your prescriptions will last through a storm.
- If you need to register for the special needs shelter, contact Highlands County Health Department at (863) 386-6040, when machine comes on – press 0.
- Assess your landscaping to determine if trees need to be trimmed or ornaments removed before a storm.
- Make arrangements in advance for your pets; contact your veterinarian for sheltering during a storm or know your pet friendly shelters and/or motels. Make sure to take your pet with you if you do evacuate, do not leave them home during a storm. Make sure vaccinations are up-to-date; vaccination proof is required at shelters and with your veterinarian, boarding facility or kennel.
- Review your family plan with your family and establish who will be your out-of-town contact.
- Double check your shelter information, confirm the shelter locations; do not wait until you need to go to the shelter. (see below)
- Make sure you have a to-go bag if you decide to evacuate or go to a shelter; know the shelter rules and regulations.(see below)
- Make sure you have shutters or pre-cut plywood for your windows.
- Have a First Aid Kit.
Locations of Highlands County Shelters:
Risk Shelters: When Highlands County will be impacted by high winds, the following shelters would be opened. Citizens in the Lake Placid area are encouraged to drive to Sebring and utilize wind compliant shelters. As these shelters approach capacity, we open the second tier of shelters, which are primarily public schools and are not wind compliant.
AVON PARK
1. South Florida Community College – University Center (is wind compliant) 600 West College Drive, Avon Park
2. Avon Park Recreation Center (is wind compliant) 207 East State Street, Avon Park
3. Avon Elementary School – Cafeteria (is wind compliant) 705 West Winthrop, Avon Park
LAKE PLACID
1. Lake Placid High School (is not wind compliant) 202 Green Dragon Drive, Lake Placid
SEBRING
1. Sebring High School – Multi-use Auditorium (is wind compliant) 3514 Kenilworth Blvd., Sebring
2. Fred Wilde Elementary School – Cafeteria (is wind compliant) 1910 Highlands Ave., Sebring
3. Woodlawn Elementary School – Cafeteria (is wind compliant) 718 Fielder Blvd., Sebring
PET SHELTER
Avon Park Holiness Camp
1001 West Lake Isis Avenue, Avon Park
SPECIAL NEEDS
1. Agri-Civic Center – (is not wind compliant) 4509 George Blvd., Sebring
SHELTER RULES
DO
Sign in at the registration desk. Information is confidential. Please leave an address where you will go when you leave the shelter. This will allow us to direct any family members or friends who are looking for you.
- Control the actions of your children. If you need help with activities to keep your children occupied, contact a shelter worker.
- Tell shelter staff about any medical problems or conditions you have.
- Volunteer to help with duties in the shelter. There are many jobs that need to be done, and we can use your help.
- Keep your valuables in a safe place. We cannot assume responsibility for your belongings while in the shelter.
DO NOT
- Do not smoke in the shelter. Do not light candles, use lighters, or use matches in the shelter.
- Do not bring pets into the shelter. (only exception: service animals)
- Do not bring alcohol, illegal drugs, or firearms into the shelter.
- Do not leave the shelter until the shelter staff announces it is safe to leave. Do not open doors to the shelter while winds are blowing.
Disaster Supply Kit
Preparing your disaster supply kit now will make your life much easier when an emergency, any emergency, occurs. You want to plan on supplies for 3-14 days and keep your supplies in a back-pack, duffel bag, suitcase, or other easy to carry storage device. Here’s what you’ll need:
- WATER!! This is a top priority. Store at least one gallon per person per day. Remember, in addition to drinking, you’ll need to brush your teeth, wash your hands, and perform other hygiene activities—and it can get pretty hot in Florida during hurricane months—so make sure you store enough water.
- Canned food—meats, soups, juices, fruits, vegetables, etc.
- Boxed drinks or other foods
- Powdered drinks, instant coffee and tea
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Crackers, cookies, & candy
- Energy and granola bars
- Bread in moisture proof containers
- Can opener (manual, NOT electric)
- Battery powered flashlights
- Battery powered radio
- Extra batteries
For more hurricane tips please log on to http://www.hcbcc.net or http://www.hceoc.org.
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PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
Alligator Safety Tips
In light of the upcoming holiday weekend and the onset of summer activities, the Highlands County Board of County Commissioners would like to remind you to keep in mind the following safety guidelines in order to enjoy the beautiful natural resources of our County.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; here are some safety tips to consider regarding alligators:
- Be aware of the possibility of alligator attacks when in or near fresh or brackish water bodies. Many attacks occur when people do not pay close enough attention to their surroundings when working or recreating near water.
- Closely supervise children when they are playing in or around water. Never allow small children to play by themselves near water.
- Do not swim outside of posted swimming areas or in waters
- Be aware of the possibility of alligator attacks when in or near fresh or brackish water bodies. Many attacks occur when people do not pay close enough attention to their surroundings when working or recreating near water.
- Closely supervise children when they are playing in or around water. Never allow small children to play by themselves near water.
- Do not swim outside of posted swimming areas or in waters that might be inhabited by large alligators.
- Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn. Therefore, swim only during daylight hours.
- Leave alligators alone. State law prohibits killing, harassing or possession of alligators.
- Never feed or entice alligators - it is dangerous and illegal. When fed, alligators overcome their natural wariness and learn to associate people with food.
- Inform others that feeding alligators is illegal and creates problems for others who want to use the water for recreational purposes.
- Dispose of fish scraps in garbage cans at boat ramps or fish camps. Do not throw them in the water. Although you are not intentionally feeding alligators when you do this, the end result can be the same as feeding.
- Do not allow pets to swim, exercise or drink in waters that may contain alligators or in designated swimming areas with humans. Dogs are more susceptible to being attacked than humans because dogs resemble the natural prey of alligators.
- Never remove an alligator from its natural habitat or accept one as a pet. It is illegal and very dangerous to do so. Alligators cannot become tame in captivity, and handling even small ones can result in injury.
- Observe and photograph alligators only from a distance. Remember they are an important part of Florida's natural history as well as an integral component of freshwater ecosystems.
- Seek immediate medical attention if bitten by an alligator. Alligator bites often result in serious infection.
Following these guidelines will help ensure you have a happy and safe summer in Highlands County.
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