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Sunday update from Lee County EOC
Don’t return to your neighborhoods immediately after the storm.
There will be many dangers during the daytime that first responders, public works, and debris management workers will have to assess and clear. This effort starts as soon as it is safe to get these crews on the road.
County officials will communicate when it is safe to return to your neighborhoods. We hope to have our first assessments done Monday afternoon. These will be shared with the media, and on our website, leeeoc.com.
The Emergency Operations Center works with utilities, like power, water, and sewers, and helps communicate disruptions.
Most of the county remains without power, including traffic signals.
The curfew is meant to protect you from dangers that may not be evident during the daylight. The curfew in effect is from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Avoid the urge to immediately leave your shelter and return to your neighborhoods.
Hurricane Irma- 9/8/17 9am Update
San Carlos Park Fire District – Hurricane Irma
Date: September 8, 2017
Time: 9am
IMPORTANT: This is a dangerous storm. Do NOT focus on the line plots but rather on the entire cone. As we have seen already, the storm can and may shift which will directly impact the forecast. Stay tuned to local media and head all warnings and evacuations.
Bus Transportation:
LeeTran buses will begin transporting people to open evacuation shelters as of 9am this morning (9/8/17). At this time, all fares will be suspended for both Passport and Fixed Route buses.
To be transported to a shlter, all passengers can board the bus at any stop, and then need to exit the bus at the designated Shelter Transfer location. Passengers can also board the bus from dedicated pickup locations on Sanibel Island and Pine Island.
From the Shelter Transfer location, another dedicated bus will take passengers to the closest open evacuation shelter. Regular transit service will continue to run at this time as well. LeeTran buses will remain running until winds reach approximately 40 mph.
Shelter Update:
Pets will be accepted at all shelters although the main pet friendly shelters are East Lee and South Lee. Cats and dogs are the only acceptable pets at the shelters.
Sand and Sandbags:
- Sand Location as of Thursday afternoon:5850 BUCKINGHAM RD., LEHIGH
12345 PALM BEACH BLVD., FORT MYERS
2660 STYLES RD., ALVA
5700 PINE ISLAND RD., BOKEELIA
17350 NALLE RD., NORTH FORT MYERS
11901 REGIONAL LN., FORT MYERS
1280 BARRETT RD. NORTH FORT MYERS
2900 TRAIL DAIRY CIR., NORTH FORT MYERS FD
8013 SANIBEL BLVD., FORT MYERS
27701 BONITA GRANDE DR., BONITA SPRINGS
1000 JOEL BLVD., LEHIGH
3102 16TH ST SW., LEHIGH
TROPICAL SHORES WAY ST., FORT MYERS
750 DUNLOP RD., SANIBEL
8860 DANIELS PARKWAY., FORT MYERS
360 EAST RAILROAD AVE., BOCA GRANDE
6061 SOUTH POINTE BLVD., FORT MYERS - 5850 BUCKINGHAM RD., LEHIGH – No sand at this time
- No Longer Available: 12345 PALM BEACH BLVD., FORT MYERS
- New Location: 10721 PALM BEACH BLVD, FORT MYERS – Crossroads Baptist Church
- 2660 STYLES RD., ALVA
- 5700 PINE ISLAND RD., BOKEELIA
- 17350 NALLE RD., NORTH FORT MYERS
- 11901 REGIONAL LN., FORT MYERS
- 1280 BARRETT RD. NORTH FORT MYERS
- 2900 TRAIL DAIRY CIR., NORTH FORT MYERS FD
- 8013 SANIBEL BLVD., FORT MYERS – No sand bags
- 27701 BONITA GRANDE DR., BONITA SPRINGS – No Sand or bags
- 1000 JOEL BLVD., LEHIGH – No sand at this time – No bags
- 3102 16TH ST SW., LEHIGH
- TROPICAL SHORES WAY ST., FORT MYERS
- 750 DUNLOP RD., SANIBEL
- 8660 DANIELS PARKWAY., FORT MYERS – Address correction
- 360 EAST RAILROAD AVE., BOCA GRANDE
- 6061 SOUTH POINTE BLVD., FORT MYERS
- 9700 TREELINE AVE. – FT MYERS FIRE STATION # 5
- 3300 MARION STREET – SHADY OAKS PARK
- 10091 MCGREGOR BLVD – ALLIANCE FOR THE ARTS
- 2300 PECK STREET – FT MYERS FIRE STATION #1
- 4540 DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. BLVD – FT MYERS FIRE ACADEMY
Evacuations:
Lee County has announced evacuations planned for Friday.
Mandatory evacuation orders will be issued tomorrow morning (9/8/17) for:
- Barrier islands, including Bonita Beach, Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel, Captiva, and Pine Island AND BOCA GRANDE
- Mobile and manufactured homes throughout Lee County
The following shelters will be open for evacuees at 9 a.m. Friday:
- East Lee County High School, 715 Thomas Sherwin Ave., Lehigh Acres
- Varsity Lakes Middle School, 801 Gunnery Road., Lehigh Acres
- Harns Marsh Middle School, 1820 Unice Ave. N., Lehigh Acres
- Oak Hammock Middle School, 5321 Tice St., Fort Myers
- Island Coast High School, 2125 De Navarra Pkwy., Cape Coral
- South Ft. Myers High School, 14020 Plantation Road., Fort Myers
- Estero Rec Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Road., Estero
- Opening tomorrow – Ray Pottorf Elementary, 4600 Challenger Blvd, Ft Myers
Tolls at Lee County’s three bridges – Midpoint, Cape Coral and Sanibel Causeway – are suspended until further notice.
Residents in low-lying and other vulnerable areas are urged to seek safer locations with friends and family or hotels and motels when possible.
- Please secure your home and bring in anything that can be blown around.
- Take your pets with you – do not leave them behind.
- Take paperwork with you concerning your insurance as well as contacts for family and friends.
- Bring at least two forms of identification with you for your return. To protect properties, only residents may be allowed back into neighborhoods and you want to be able to prove you live there.
- Take your time. Traffic will be heavy so leave as soon as possible and remember to pack lots of patience.
Fire Districts:
All fire districts within Lee County have been working hard to prepare for Hurricane Irma. Members have been in the Lee County Operations Center working to secure and pre-stage supplies, equipment and personnel to respond quickly once the storm passes.
Within the county, firefighters are shuttering up firehouses to protect buildings and much needed equipment as well as assisting residents, all while running the large number of daily emergency calls.
Residents are also urged to complete their storm preparations while the weather is mild.
As the storm approaches, emergency calls will continue to be answered until wind speeds reach 40 mph. For the safety of the firefighters, once this wind speed is reach, response will be suspended.
Once the storm has passed, crews will resume running emergency calls as well as performing damage assessments of the area.
Please stay off the roads immediately following the storm so that these damage assessments may be completed quickly and efficiently.
Specialty crews from Florida Task Force 6 Urban Search and Rescue will be on hand to assist with damage assessments and response needs.
Continue to stay tuned to local media channels for the latest in updates on the projected path of Hurricane Irma along with important information from the Lee County Emergency Operations Center.
Latest forecast:
As always, stay tuned to local news for the latest forecast. The latest forecast shows Irma remains a Category 5 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 180 mph with an expected turn Saturday night. Southwest Florida continues to stay strongly in the cone so make sure to follow local news for the latest updates. Next media storm update at 11:00am.
- NBC2 http://www.nbc-2.com/
- ABC7 http://www.abc-7.com/
- Fox4 http://www.fox4now.com/
- WINK TV http://www.winknews.com/
- National Weather http://www.weather.gov/srh/tropical?office=tbw
Lee County Website: www.leegov.com
Help Line:
The United Way 211 Help Line is activated for those with questions. Although call takers are receiving many inquiries, the United Way 211 line is responding to all calls. Additional number: 239-433-3900
Alerts:
- LeeAlert – If you have not yet done so, download the Lee County app LeeAlert for the latest information on everything from evacuations, shelters and links to the Lee County Emergency Operations media sites.
- CodeRED – CodeRED is a FREE Lee County service by which residents and businesses are notified via telephone, text, and/or email regarding emergencies or critical protective actions required to safeguard life and property.
Shelters:
- No shelters are open. Decisions about which general-population shelters may open at which dates and times will be announced. We anticipate that announcement Thursday.Lee County should be determining later today which shelters will be opened throughout the county based on the latest information from the weather center.
- As a reminder, not all shelters are open for every storm and the openings are based on storm characteristics, such as location as well as storm surge and wind strength.
- A call-down of the Special Needs Registry is currently being completed today to determine evacuation support requirements for our Special Needs clients. Per the Lee County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, the Lee County Special Needs Registry closes once we are included in the five-day storm cone. Information about a special needs shelter will be available soon.
- Once opened, a list of shelters will be sent to all media channels so stay tuned for the latest information
- Residents should continue to prepare by having a family disaster/evacuation plan, making sure their disaster supply kits are ready and stay informed so they are ready to act when those evacuation orders are given.
Trash pick-up:
Fort Myers, FL, Sept. 7, 2017 – Friday, Sept. 8, will be the last day for all regularly scheduled garbage, yard waste, bulky waste and recycling collections. There will be no collections Saturday.
Residents are reminded to remove anything outside their homes that could become a projectile during the storm including garbage cans, lids and recycle carts. Store them inside.
Regular household collections will begin as regularly scheduled as soon as possible after the storm.
For solid waste collection questions, call 239-533-8000.
For more information, please visit www.leegov.com/solidwaste<http://www.leegov.com/solidwaste>.
Traffic
- Tolls at Lee County’s three bridges – Midpoint, Cape Coral and Sanibel Causeway – are suspended until further notice.
- From LCSO – Get errands done as soon as possible so that when the winds begin to increase, you will not be on the road. This is estimated to be Saturday evening but stay tuned to local media for updates as the storm approaches.
- From FHP – Governor’s office has set up transportation hotline: 800-955-5504
- Please note that once winds reach 40 mph, county equipment as well as emergency response will cease until the storm has passed and winds reduce to a safe level. This is to provide safety to the responding personnel.
- FHP reports that traffic on I-75 is heavier than normal but still moving very well.
- Please be patient in traffic and drive defensively.
- Follow Lee County Sheriff’s office on their Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/sheriffleefl/) or their website at http://www.sheriffleefl.org/.
Schools:
- Lee County Schools will be closed on Thursday, September 7th and Friday, September 8th.
- The school district will be working closely with Lee County EOC to monitor the movement and potential impact of Irma. A decision on whether to close schools on Monday will be made as the week progresses.
- Follow leeschools.net for more information
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schooldistrictofleecounty/
Price Gouging:
Price Gouging Hotline 1-866-9-NO-SCAM (66-7226)
State law prohibits extreme increase in the price of essential commodities, such as food, water, hotels, ice, gasoline, lumber and equipment needed as a direct result of an officially declared emergency. The amount cannot grossly exceed the average price for those items during the 30 days before the declaration of the state of emergency unless the seller can justify an increase in the costs. If you suspect price gouging, report this to the Attorney General’s price Gouging hotline.
For more information, visit the Florida Attorney General’s website at http://myfloridalegal.com/pages.nsf/Main/5D2710E379EAD6BC85256F03006AA2C5?OpenDocument
Pets:
- If you evacuate, do not leave pets behind – take them with you
- Take supplies for pets including food, water, vaccination records, medication
- A secure crate helps your pet feel safe and is a must if you are going to be reporting to a pet approved shelter. Many hotels require them as well.
- Should your pet get separated from you, a microchipped pet is much more likely to be reunited with their family. Contact your vet for microchipping. Please make sure you register your microchipped pet.
Boats:
- From the US Coast Guard – know the limitations of your anchor and moorings when securing your vessel. Allow for rope length to adjust for water rise and fall when securing your vessel.
- Personnel and equipment have been prepositioned to respond quickly to needs after the storm passes
- Please do NOT call for help on social media
SLOW DOWN, SCHOOL’S BACK IN SESSION
Each morning as the big yellow bus rounds the corner, parents send their children off to school with the expectation they will remain safe. As children strap on backpacks filled with books, pick out their always important back to school outfits and ultimately kick off another school year we each must do our part to assure our children remain safe.
Schools in San Carlos Park Fire District are back in session Thursday, August 10th and SCPFD would like to remind its residents to SLOW DOWN. SCPFD will be posted at the high traffic areas and school zones throughout San Carlos Park reminding residents that school is back in session and encouraging safe driving behaviors.
While driving, pedestrians can be very hard to see. Due to their smaller size, children may be especially difficult to see if they are standing between parked cars on the side of the road. For drivers, remember to slow down and be especially alert in the residential neighborhoods and school zones; take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs; and enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully. Remind your children to cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks; never run out into the streets or cross in between parked cars; and to make sure they always walk in front of the bus where the driver can see them
Be on the lookout for students and your SCPFD Firefighters on the 10th and join us in accepting the responsibility to keep safety in mind during your commute so we may be sure children return home safely each evening.
Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot!
As I sit here writing this post, the temperature outside is 90 degrees! Moreover, the “feels like” temperature is 102 degrees. But wait, if it’s ONLY 90 degrees outside, then how can it feel like 102?
The “feels like” temperature or heat index is a result of humidity. Heat index, calculated from the air temperature and relative humidity, is the heat stress that your body is subjected to. The heat index is the number to watch for during hot summer months. To calculate the heat index yourself visit the National Weather Service at: http://www.crh.noaa.gov/jkl/?n=heat_index_calculator or enter the phrase “Heat Index Calculator” into any search engine.
Elevated temperatures, humidity, and heat index lead to a greater chance of heat related illness. Each year many fall victim to extreme heat. Heat related illness happens when people’s bodies are unable to compensate and properly cool themselves. Signs of heat related illness include:
-Skin that feels hot and dry, but not sweaty
-Confusion or loss of consciousness
-Frequent vomiting/nausea
-Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
When the temperature and heat index are high try to stay indoors in air-conditioned areas. If you must go outside, take the following precautions:
-Drink more fluids, regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
-Don’t drink liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar–these actually cause you to lose more body fluid.
-Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
-Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat or using an umbrella.
-Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours and take frequent breaks.
-NEVER leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.
-If you have a chronic medical problem, ask your doctor about how to deal with the heat, about drinking extra fluids, and about your medicines.
If you don’t have air conditioning, or know an elderly relative or neighbor who doesn’t have it, think about ways to get into a cool environment for at least part of the day. Go to a movie, shopping mall, supermarket, or public library.
For more information please call feel free to call us at 267-7525. Until the next time, stay cool and stay safe!
Annual Fourth of July Parade
For those needing information on the Annual San Carlos Park 4th of July Parade please contact Bonnie Jasper at 239-878-7624. Thank you.
The parade will be held on Tuesday, July 4th at 8:30 am and leave from the Sunshine Ace Hardware Plaza traveling up Sanibel Road. It is truly great to celebrate our nation’s independence with those we serve. The parade route is pictured below. We hope to see you there!
The 2016 SCPFD Annual Report is Now Available!
The 2016 SCPFD Annual Report is Now Available for download. Click on the link below to take a look back with us through 2016.
To view Annual Reports from past years CLICK HERE
San Carlos Park Fire District Awards Prestigious Citizen Lifesaving Award
Early on the morning of January 14th, Peg Sujack was passing by a home on Timberlakes Drive when she noticed smoke coming from the side of the home. Instead of disregarding the smoke or blaming it on morning fog as so many others would have done, she went to the door and awoke the 76 year old resident who was sleeping inside allowing him adequate time to escape the residence unharmed.
It was this action that earned Ms. Sujack the Prestigious San Carlos Park Fire District Citizen Lifesaving Award at the March Board of Commissioners Meeting. This is the first time in the District’s history this award has been given.
As a direct result of Peg Sujack’s actions, the fire was confined to the garage walls and garage attic space. According to the Battalion Chief on-scene, “There is no doubt in my mind without the actions of this good Samaritan it is likely the fire would have spread throughout the attic causing irreparable damage to the entire home and possibly the loss of the life of the resident sleeping inside”.
San Carlos Park Fire District would like to congratulate Ms. Sujack and thank her for her good Samaritan actions and lifesaving efforts. It is because of citizens like her that our community is truly a safe and wonderful place to live and serve.
SCPFD Dedicated New Apparatus at Push-In Ceremony
This morning the San Carlos Park Fire District introduced the newest member of its fleet- Engine 51, a 2017 Pierce Velocity Pumper, during a Push-In Ceremony, a fire service tradition dating back nearly 200 years.
The Push-In ritual dates back to the 1800’s when horse drawn pumpers were used throughout the nation’s Fire Service. Horses commissioned for service would be washed along with the pumper at their newly assigned firehouse and backed into the firehouse bay. The firefighters would then fit the new horse with its harness placing the company in service. After every run, firefighters had to hand push their pumpers back into the bay and ready themselves for the next alarm.
When new horses or pumpers were purchased by neighboring firehouses, department chiefs, and citizens from the surrounding community would attend the ceremony to celebrate the new powerful addition to their neighborhood firehouse. Local clergy came to bestow blessings upon the horse throwing holy water unto it for long life, strength, speed and good health. The blessing would serve to ward off any evil spirits. Today, fire departments continue to celebrate this tradition with the help of a driver in the seat and the engine’s transmission in reverse.
This morning,in the spirit of tradition, San Carlos Park Fire District’s newest apparatus was wet-down, wiped dry by attendees, blessed by the Chaplin, and slowly pushed backwards into the bay by firefighters.
