2011/2012 Disaster Preparedness Update

Be sure to know where your plan is, to read it, and to follow it. There are also many publications available from government sources. (The VT plan is printed on Blue paper (inhouse residents are located in your mail slot). Additional copies are available in the office.)

First, be sure your personal contact information is available to office personnel…addresses, telephone numbers, e-mail.

Exit Strategy – Be sure to inform yourself and any visitors you may have of procedures to be followed in the event of a disaster.
Show guests the location of the stairwell closest to your unit to be used to evacuate the building. If you require special assistance, call the Collier County Emergency Management at 252-3600 to register for additional help. Do not count on staff or other owners for help, as there is no way to tell who will be in the building should a disaster hit.(Forms available in office.)

Be sure to know the evacuation routes to leave the area.

Be sure to have your list of emergency shelters on hand, should you elect to go there.

Be sure that you have your supply of provisions for health and safety, as well as cash, in the event of being stranded for an extended time due to flooding and loss of power.

Be sure to have copies of all important papers, including your passport. Take your inventory of personal property with you. This website will be used to keep you apprised of what is going on in the event of a disaster.

www.colliergov.net - Click on this website for further information

2010 Le Ciel Venetian Tower Disaster Preparedness Plan for Owners

The following is a Disaster Preparedness Plan for Individual Owners and includes the following:                                                                                                                                           Pages
·     Disaster Preparedness For Individuals – Especially Hurricanes           1 - 4
·         Fire, Flood, Tornados, Heat, Thunderstorms & Terrorism                    5, 6
·         Post Disaster Recommendations                                                             7, 8
·         Hurricane & Other Severe Weather Terminology                                 8
·         The Legal Issue of Mandatory Evacuation                                             9
·         List of shelters in case of disaster                                                            10
Items available in the Manager’s Office:
·         Collier County Emergency Management Evacuations Special Needs Registration Forms
·         Gulfshore Ins. & Guardian Property Mgt. Suggestions for Recovering from Catastrophes

The Board strongly recommends that each owner familiarize themselves with procedures to be followed in case of a disaster, particularly hurricanes, in this area of South Florida.

Of prime importance is knowing that in the event of a Mandatory Evacuation, anyone choosing to remain in their home cannot expect emergency personnel nor building staff to assist them should a need arise. This is especially relevant for anyone with health problems. It is strongly recommended that anyone with health problems evacuate in the event of weather emergencies.

Disaster Preparedness for Individuals

(Especially Hurricanes) If you or a member of your households is a person with special needs, e.g. visually impaired, in a wheelchair, or oxygen dependent, secure a copy of the “Emergency
Evacuation and Special Needs Program” from the manager’s office.

Before Disaster Strikes

Close Your Shutters While The Power Is Still On!!!

Prepare by packing a waterproof emergency suitcase with the following items:

Flashlight and fresh batteries (ideally an LED Flashlight with Lithium Batteries).
Small battery operated radio.
Bug repellent and sunscreen.
Money – Cash, credit cards, checkbook and investment accounts information. Be very careful of the personal information you reveal to strangers. Guard your Social Security, financial account, driver’s license and credit card numbers. Report stolen information immediately.
Eye glasses.
Teeth.
Medicines.
Toiletries.
Change of clothing, towels, pillows, blankets.
Name, policy number and phone number of insurance companies.
List of phone numbers of family, friends, physician and pharmacy.
Road maps.
Whistle with neck cord.
Small knife.

A “Space Blanket.”
Water Purification Tablets.

(The last 2 items are available at Campmor.com and Rei.com, and are inexpensive.)

A two - week supply of food and liquids should be on hand, in addition to the following:

Manual can opener.
Plastic garbage bags, aluminum foil and duct tape.
Small containers of canned meat, fish, fruit, cereal etc.
Milk in cartons (with a long shelf life).
Paper plates and eating utensils.
One gallon of liquid per person per day.

During A Storm

· Stay away from windows and doors. Go to an interior area such as a hallway, bathroom or closet. Owners in residence usually meet in the third floor hallway where emergency electricity is available.

· Close all interior doors.

· Lie on the floor under a sturdy object.

· If the eye of the storm passes over, it will be calm for a short period of time. Remain inside. When the eye passes over, winds will increase rapidly to hurricane force from the opposite direction.

General

Pre-arrange for care of pets

Notify friends and family of your plans

Have transportation plan for emergencies

If floodwaters or a hurricane threaten, but you have not yet been advised to evacuate, use any remaining time to protect your home and belongings from damage.

Fill available containers, including bathtubs, with water. If water systems become contaminated by floodwater, your only safe water will be what you have on hand. It is recommended that you save enough water for the needs of your family and pets for three days.
The higher you are in the building, the lower will be your water pressure. There are showers and lavatories available in the fitness center.
Move important items such as food, furniture, rugs, books, clothing and electric motors to upper areas.
Collect valuables and small appliances and computer equipment and secure them in plastic bags. Place them on counter tops.
If flooding occurs, shut off utilities (electricity, water) at main switches. DO NOT TOUCH ELECTRICAL SWITCHES WHILE WET OR STANDING IN WATER.
Remember…pets are not allowed in most shelters.
Know the evacuation routes to leave the area.
Be sure that you have your supply of provisions for health and safety, cash, important papers, and passports (Emergency Suitcase Contents).

Emergency Contacts Numbers – Collier County

All Emergencies 911

Emergency Management 252-3600

Domestic Animal Service 252-7387 – Pre-registration is required
American Red Cross 596-6868

Information Also available in the Manager’s Office:

· Suggestions for recovering from catastrophes.

· Collier County Emergency Management Evacuation Special Needs Forms.

· A list of Shelters available in case of Disasters.

Collier County Emergency Management Web Site: www.collierem.org
Ft. Myers, RSW Airport Web page: www.swfla.com

Radio Coverage

WAVV - FM 101.1

WSLG – FM 104.7

WINK/WNOG – AM 1240/1270

WVOI – AM 1480

WCNZ – AM 1660

Fire, Flood, Tornados, Heat, Thunderstorms & Terrorism Be Prepared for Fire:

Have an evacuation plan.
Make sure everyone in your household knows the plan.
Have all your evacuation needs (papers, medications, etc.) together.
Don’t forget to plan for your pets.
If the fire alarm goes off, take a staircase (not the elevator) to the ground floor and EVACUATE THE BUILDING. Do not wait in lobby.

Other Disaster Pointers:

Floods – never drive nor walk through deep water.
Tornados –

· Get out of your car and seek shelter.

· Go to innermost hallway of the lowest floor or into an interior bathroom.

· Avoid windows.

Summer Heat – stay out of parked cars.
Thunderstorms –

· Stay indoors.

· Don’t use the telephone.

· Unplug appliances especially during power outages.

· Never stand under trees.

· Don’t take showers or baths during a storm.

Preparing for Acts of Terrorism

(The FBI defines terrorism as “the unlawful use of force against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in the furtherance of political or social objectives.”)

The Homeland Security Advisory System:

Green – Low Condition: There is a low risk of terrorist attack.

Blue – Guarded Condition: There is a general risk of terrorist attack.

Yellow – Elevated Condition: There is a significant risk of terrorist attack.

Orange – High Condition: There is a high risk of terrorist attack.

Red – Severe Condition: There is a severe risk of terrorist attack.

Most Likely Targets:

Public assembly areas.
Public and government buildings.
Mass transit.
Places of high economic impact.
Telecommunications facilities.
Historic or symbolic places.
Amusement parks.
Special events.
Large structures and buildings.

Protective Measures to Take:

Determine escape routes from home and business.
Determine a place to meet your family, if separated.
Have an out-of-state friend or relative as a family contact point.
Have all emergency telephone numbers with you.
Have a portable Disaster Supply Kit stocked with essential non-perishable supplies.
Keep a whistle and flashlight with you.
Know the locations of fire exits, fire extinguishers and phone numbers for security.

If there is a fire:

· Stay low to the floor and exit the building as soon as possible.

· Do not open a door if it is hot - seek another escape route.

· Cover nose and mouth with wet cloth, if possible.

If there is an explosion:

Take cover if heavy debris is falling:

If trapped in debris, signal rescuers by tapping on pipes or walls;
Use a whistle if you have one;
Cover mouth and nose, if possible;
Don’t shout as it can exhaust your oxygen supply and perhaps cause you to inhale dangerous dust.

Don’t panic.
Don’t search for personal items.
NEVER take an elevator.

After A Disaster:

Be careful of your physical safety after re-entry to your property.
Wait for someone from the Building to contact you as to when it is safe to return.
If you must return, call the Manager first to determine the extent of damage to the Building and whether electrical power is available.
Check with the Manager and Board before engaging in any reconstruction or repair.

For Information about the Reputation of a Contractor:

1. FL Dept. of Business and Professional Regulation – 850-487-1395

(Responsible for licensing 20 types of professions.)

2. FL Dept. of Financial Services – 800-342-2762

(Handles insurance related questions.)

Severe Weather Terms for Hurricanes and Fire

Hurricanes

Hurricane Season – June 1 through November 30

Advisory – A message released by the hurricane center, usually at 6-hour intervals. A special advisory is a message given any time there is a significant change in weather conditions or change in warnings previously released. An intermediate advisory updates information in advisories at 2 to 3 hour intervals.

Tropical Disturbance – A moving area of thunderstorms in the tropics.

Tropical Depression – An area of low-pressure rotary circulation of clouds and winds to 38 MPH.

Tropical Storm – Counterclockwise circulation of clouds and winds 39 to 73 MPH. The storm is assigned a name.

Hurricane – A tropical storm that has reached winds of 74 MPH or more.

Storm Surge – A rise in tides caused by a hurricane as it moves over or near the coastline. It can be much higher than the normal tidal rise, with breaking waves on top.

Gale Warning – Storm with non-cyclonic winds of 30 to 54 MPH expected.

Storm Warning – Storm with non-cyclonic winds of 55 to 73 MPH expected.

Hurricane Warning – A hurricane is expected to strike your area within 24 hours with sustained winds of 74 MPH or more, accompanied by heavy rain and high waves.

SAFFIR-SIMPSON HURRICANE SCALE

(Estimates potential property damage and flooding expected along a coast from a hurricane landfall according to the National Weather Service Hurricane Center.)

Category I – Winds of 74-95 MPH. Damage primarily to trees and unanchored mobile homes; some coastal flooding.

Category II – Winds of 96-110 MPH. Some damage to roofs, doors, windows, trees and shrubbery; flooding damage to piers.

Category III – Winds of 111-130 MPH. Some structural damage; large trees blown down; flooding near shoreline and possibly inland; mobile homes destroyed.

Category IV – Winds of 131–155 MPH. Extensive damage to doors and windows; major damage to lower floors near shore; terrain may be flooded well inland.

Category V – Winds of more than 155 MPH. Complete roof failure and some building failures. Massive evacuation; flooding causes major damage to lower floor of all shoreline buildings.

Severe Weather Terms – Fire

Source: Collier County Emergency Management

Keetch-Byram Drought Index

The Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) is a mathematical system for relating current and recent weather conditions to potential or expected fire behavior. This system is based primarily on recent rainfall patterns. The result of this system is a drought index number ranging from 0-800 that accurately describes the amount of moisture that is missing: 0 = no moisture deficiency and 800 = maximum drought possible.

0 - 200 Low Fire Danger

200 - 400 Moderate Fire Danger

400 - 600 High Fire Danger

600 - 800 Extreme Fire Danger

The Legal Issue of Mandatory Evacuation vs. the Rights of Owners to Remain in Their Homes

The following is the Association Attorney’s response, received on 9/1/04, to this question:

Question:

“What are the legal ramifications of a mandatory evacuation vs. the right of owners to stay in their units?”

Answer:

Prevailing opinion seems to be that government cannot force owners from their homes.

Further, Associations certainly cannot do so. They have no right to force residents to leave the building, as they are not public safety officials/employees.

Owners should be aware of the following:

In the event that residents ignore a mandatory evacuation order from a governmental authority, they do so at their own risk. The Association’s efforts will be directed towards securing the building for an impending storm. Association personnel are not public safety officers, and have no authority to force residents to leave their units, nor are they obligated or equipped to rescue residents. If our generator functions properly, we estimate that the elevators will be operational for 3 days after loss of electricity. The Association is not in a position to guarantee your safety and you should make your hurricane plans accordingly.”

LOCATION OF SHELTERS IN CASE OF DIASTER
Collier County Shelters

NAPLES AREA
Palmetto Ridge High School 1655 Oil Well Rd (CR 858) Special Needs Shelter
barron Collier High School 5600 Cougar Drive
Big Cypress Elementary 3250 Golden Gate Blvd, W
Corkscrew Elem/Middle Sch 1065 Oil Well Rd (CR 858)

Cypress Palm Middle School 4255 18^th Ave. NE

Golden Gate Intermediate School 5055 20^th Place SW
Golden Gate Middle School 2701 48^th Terrace SW
Golden Gate High School 2925 Titan Way
Golden Terrace Intermediate Sch 2965 44^th Terrace SW

Gulf Coast High School 7878 Shark Way

Laurel Oak Elementary School   7800 Immokalee Rd
Lely High School   1 Lely High School Blvd
Naples High School   1100 Golden Eagle Circle
North Naples Middle School 16165 Livingston Rd.
Oakridge Middle School 14975 Collier Blvd.

Parkside Elementary School 5322 Texas Ave

Pelican Marsh Elementary 9480 Airport-Pulling Rd, N

Sable Palm Elementary School 4095 18^th Ave. NE

Vineyards Elementary School 6225 Arbor Blvd

IMMOKALEE AREA
Highlands Elementary School 1101 Lake Trafford Rd
Immokalee High School 701 Immokalee Drive
Immokalee Middle School 401 N 9^th Street
Pinecrest Elementary School 313 S 9^th Street
Village Oaks Elementary School 1601 SR 29

People with Special Needs

Some people cannot be accommodated in regular shelters because of special medical needs. Special Needs Shelters are available for these people. These shelters provide a higher level of medical support than regular public shelters, but they are not for everyone. You must pre-register and have a caregiver accompany you to use a Special Needs Shelter. Qualifications vary from county to county, but there are specific requirements and procedures to register as a Special Needs client. Consult your physician and local Emergency Management office to see if you qualify for Special Needs Shelter.

Click the appropriate link www.colliergov.net for a printable application for the Special Needs Program. You will need to complete each part. Please Note: Mail your completed application to: Collier County Emergency Management Department, Attn: Patti Clemens, 8075 Lely Cultural Parkway, Suite

IF ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE (239) 261-1157