Volusia County, FL - Since the 2017 Hurricane Season is around the corner, Volusia County Emergency Management is warning residents to make sure they are prepared for the season that will last June 1 through November 30.
Last year, Hurricane Matthew created 1 million cubic yards of debris and impacted over 10,000 homes, businesses and government buildings. The County wants to especially remind residents on how easy it is for just one storm to make a huge impact on someone's life.
“Every family should create a disaster plan and start stocking their disaster supply kits,” said Volusia County’s Emergency Management Director, Jim Judge. “After a disaster, emergency workers may not be able to reach everyone right away. A disaster plan will help to prepare your family for these difficult times.”
Help on creating a family disaster plan can be seen here, here and here. Your disaster kit should include 5 to 7 days worth of nonperishable food, drinking water and at least a two-week supply of any medications. A list of other important items for a disaster kit can be found here.
To help in creating disaster supply kits, the 2017 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday has been approved and passed into law by the Florida Legislature and Governor Rick Scott. From 12:01 AM on Friday, June 2, to 11:59 PM on Sunday, June 4, items used for disaster preparedness will be tax-exempt.
The tax holiday does not cover the rental or repair of any item relating to disaster preparedness nor does it cover sales in theme parks, entertainment complexes, public lodging, or airports. A full list of qualifying items can be viewed here.
In terms of protecting your home, the County advises that you should purchase a federal flood insurance policy since it is not covered under homeowners' insurance. To find an agent, rate or risk of damage assessment go here.
“Don’t wait for a hurricane to purchase flood insurance,” says Judge. “It takes 30 days after purchase for a flood insurance policy to take effect. Also, if a hurricane is within 500 miles of Florida, flood insurance policies will not be written.”
In addition to the news, citizen hotlines and website updates, the County also provides emergency phone and email messages and updated social media during emergencies. Click here to see all emergency update methods.
The County urges residents to decide now where they will stay in the event of an emergency, whether it is inland with family and friends or in shelters located throughout the County. General population, pet-friendly, special needs and medical facility shelters are available in Volusia County.
The elderly, those who need oxygen and individuals with mental, physical, sensory, visual or hearing disabilities are asked to register for Special Needs Shelters (SpNS) with the County. Those who plan on utilizing this shelter should be with a caregiver and should not rely on 24-hour care, hospital beds, ventilators, isolation or any other complex care.
Those with pets who may use a SpNS should contact Volusia County Animal Services at 386-248-1790.
In the event of an emergency, the openings will be staggered. Shelters will not accept evacuees until they are open and announced by the County. Anyone who evacuates to a shelter before it opens will not be able to access it.
Below is a list of all shelters in Volusia County:
Functional/Special Needs Shelters who house the disabled and those with functional medical needs and their pets will be noted with FSNS. Pet-friendly shelters where pets and their owners are housed separately will be noted with PF.
People & Pet Shelters where owners and pets are housed together will be noted with PPS. Children's Medical Service shelters will be noted with CMS.
Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017.