The Laker/Lutz News

Emergency Operations Center

Busy hurricane season expected

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As if COVID-19, an economic meltdown and soaring unemployment aren’t enough — Floridians need to brace for an above-normal hurricane season, according to forecasters with NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center.

Hurricane Irma gave Floridians a taste of Mother Nature’s fury. This year, weather experts are predicting higher-than-normal activity. (Courtesy of NOAA)

Just days into the season, which runs from June 1 through Nov. 30, Tropical Storm Cristobal swept into the Gulf Coast, triggering a storm surge of almost 6 feet along parts of the northern Gulf Coast, according to national weather reports. Heavy rain triggered flash flooding as far east as Florida, and as far north as Wisconsin and Minnesota. The storm also spawned tornadoes in Florida and as far north as Illinois.

That was the beginning of an Atlantic hurricane season that experts predict will have above-normal activity. Information released by NOAA says there’s a 60% chance of an above-normal season, a 30% chance of a near-normal season and a 10% chance of a below-normal season.

NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center is forecasting a range of 13 to 19 named storms, with winds of 39 mph or higher. Of those, six to 10 could become hurricanes, with winds of 74 mph or higher, including three to six hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5), with winds of 111 mph or more.

An average hurricane season produces 12 named storms, of which six become hurricanes, including three major hurricanes, according to NOAA, a division of the National Weather Service.

Concerns about the potential spread of COVID-19 — the deadly virus that has already claimed more than 3,400 lives across Florida — is causing emergency officials to plan differently this year.

Pasco County Emergency Management Director Andrew Fossa said the county will be working with the Department of Health that is maintaining a current list of COVID-positive patients, as well as people of interest.

Part of the county’s plan calls for using the center at Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, to shelter positive COVID-19 patients, or people who have been exposed to the virus.

The county also will use schools as shelters, and will open them as they are needed.

Hurricane Irma blew down lots of trees around Pasco County, including this one, across an East Pasco road. (File)

This year, because of the pandemic, the county also has lined up some hotels and a resort, to use, if necessary, Fossa said. Some empty big box stores also might serve as shelters, he added.

“You’ve got to get creative in this kind of work,” he said.

The county needs to add more potential shelters this year because, in response to COVID-19, the American Red Cross and FEMA have changed the footprint required for sheltering.

“It used to be at general population, you were allocated 20 square feet, inside this big open area. That was your little slice of life. Now, with COVID, they made that 60 square feet,” Fossa said.

Shelter routines will be different
While waiting to register, those arriving will have to stay apart from each other, to maintain a safe social distance. Before entering the shelter, they will have their temperature taken, will be asked the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guideline questions and will be given a mask to wear in the shelter, Fossa said.

Anyone whose temperature exceeds 100.4 degrees F., will be sent to a different shelter, if time permits, or will remain at the shelter but will be housed in a separate part of the shelter.

Fossa said the county has secured enough personal protective equipment for county staff, nurses and firefighters that will be working at the shelters.

Many injuries occur after natural disasters because inexperienced people try to handle tasks they don’t know how to do. Enlist the help of professionals, if possible, and make sure they are properly licensed and insured. (File)

The county is uncertain how comfortable people will feel about staying at a shelter because of concerns about COVID-19. It has released a survey to try to get a better idea of where Pasco residents stand on that issue.

Fossa noted that AAA has done a survey in Florida and the results showed that 42% would not go to a shelter because of COVID-19.

The emergency management director also noted that the state has issued some guidance on whether people should evacuate.

“If you have a  home that was built post-1996 and you’re not on the water, you’re not in an evacuation zone, the coastline or anything like that, they’re (state officials) actually encouraging residents to stay in their houses for a Category 1, maybe Category 2 (storm).”

Fossa urged residents who have not already prepared for a potential threat, to do so now.

“Be ready,” he said. “If you don’t have a go-kit yet, you’re behind the curve.

“If we need to evacuate you, I am not going to sit at your house for 45 minutes while you say, ‘I’m going to grab this, I’m going to grab that. I’m going to grab that.’ Have it ready to go,” Fossa said.

Those evacuating should “go 10s of miles, not 100s of miles,” Fossa added. “You can go 10s of miles to stay with family and friends.”

By staying close to home, residents can avoid getting stuck in miles of traffic jams and keep hotel rooms free for people who are evacuating from more vulnerable areas.

If you are ordered to evacuate, wait for emergency officials to let you know that it’s safe to return.

The county has a fleet of drones it can use to assess damage, Fossa said.

He also noted that the county has 28 generators, which it can use to temporarily restore power to traffic lights that have been knocked out by severe weather.

And, it is getting another generator that is large enough to power a small building, he said. The primary use for that generator would be to restore power to a nursing home — to avoid a tragic outcome like the one that occurred at a Hollywood, Florida, nursing home a few years back.

Pasco County also has had to plan differently for managing its Emergency Operations Center.

“We’re not going to be like Irma. I’m not going to have 120 bodies in my EOC,” Fossa said. Instead, there will be about 17 key personnel there.

“Everybody else will work virtually. That’s the safest way to do it,” Fossa said.

The county has a wealth of information available for residents who want to find out if they’re in an evacuation zone, how to prepare for a hurricane and what to do in the aftermath.

You can find that information at PascoEmergencyManagement.com.

THINGS TO DO NOW
Before a hurricane threatens
Protect your property:

  • Be sure your trees and shrubs are trimmed.
  • Clear out clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
  • Document your valuables by making a list of the items, and taking photos of them and your property.

If a hurricane threatens

  • Cover windows with pre-cut plywood or hurricane shutters.
  • Store outdoor furniture, windchimes, garbage cans, decorations, potted plants and other items that could become projectiles in high winds.
  • If you have a boat, determine how and where to secure it.

Protect yourself:

  • Know your evacuation zone and be prepared to leave, if authorities tell you do so.

Particularly vulnerable areas include mobile homes, high-rise buildings, coastal areas, near rivers or inland waterways, and land below sea level.

  • If you live in a mandatory evacuation zone, prepare an evacuation plan that includes transportation routes and destinations, and considers all family members and pets.
  • If evacuating, reach out to family or friends, now, to see if you can stay with them. Whether you are sheltering in place, or evacuating, be sure to share your plans with someone outside of the danger zone.
  • When making evacuation plans, think in terms of 10s of miles away, instead of 100s of miles. People have been known to leave their homes only to go where the hurricane landed.

Have a go bag ready
Your go bag should include:

  • Medications
  • Clothing
  • Important documents, in a waterproof container, which includes bank account records, marriage certificates or divorce decrees, driver’s license, Social Security card, passport, titles, deeds, income tax information, trusts, wills, insurance papers and birth certificates.

Some practical pointers

  • Avoid gas lines: During hurricane season keep your tank full, or at least 3/4 full
  • Have cash on hand, in case banks are closed and ATMs lose power
  • Have a phone charger that doesn’t require electricity
  • Have a printed list of important telephone numbers, including county emergency management office, evacuation sites, doctors, bank, area schools, veterinarian, etc.
  • Have books and games available, to help pass the time

Stock up on emergency supplies

  • Water — one gallon for each person for three to seven days
  • Food — enough food for at least three to seven days. Nonperishable packaged or canned food and beverages, snack foods, juices. Supplies should include nonperishable foods that are easy to store and prepare, including protein bars, dried fruit, canned pastas, soups, canned tuna, peanut butter and jelly, crackers, raisins, beef jerky. Don’t forget the baby formula and baby food.

Tools/supplies

  • Non-electric can opener, paper plates, plastic utensils, plastic cups
  • Grill, cooking tools, fuel, charcoal
  • Hand tools, automotive repair tools
  • Duct tape and heavyweight garbage bags or plastic sheeting (for shelter-in-place)
  • A wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)

Personal comfort/hygiene/sanitation

  • Blankets, pillows, sleeping bags
  • Sunscreen, aloe, bug spray
  • Special items for babies, elders, persons with disabilities
  • Toiletries, hygiene items and sanitary wipes
  • Moist towelettes for sanitation
  • Garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)

Safety

  • Radio — battery-operated or hand-cranked radio, NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Weather radio
  • Flashlight and batteries
  • Medications, a first-aid kit
  • Filter masks to protect your mouth and nose
  • A whistle to signal for help
  • Seasonal rain gear, sturdy shoes or boots

Plan for your pets

  • Your pet emergency kit should include: Sturdy leashes, harnesses and/or a carrier; pet food, drinking water, bowls, cat litter, a litter pan; pet health records, current photos of your pets, in case they get lost; pet beds and toys.

DURING THE STORM
When sheltering in place

  • Close all interior doors. Secure and brace exterior doors. Take refuge in a small interior closet, or hallway on the lowest level. Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.
  • Fill bathtubs or buckets with water to use for cleaning and toilet flushing.
  • Stay away from windows and glass doors.
  • Don’t be fooled by a lull in the storm. It could be the eye of the storm and the winds could resume.

AFTER THE STORM

  • Do not drive into water when you can’t see the bottom of the road; you could drown.
  • Do not walk through flooded areas, fast-moving water could carry you away. Also, the water could be contaminated with oil, gasoline, raw sewage and other contaminants. It also may be electrically charged from a downed wire.
  • Be careful about the foods you eat. If the power is out for a prolonged period, your food may have spoiled.
  • Do not burn charcoal in your house or garage, the fumes can be deadly.
  • Do not use gas-powered generators indoors or in a garage, the exhaust can be lethal.
  • If you’re using a generator, do not plug it into a building’s wiring. This can cause generator back feed, which is extremely dangerous for utility workers and for anyone in the public who comes into contact with a downed electrical wire.
  • If you have been evacuated, do not return to your home until authorities tell you that it is safe to do so.

If you have damage

  • Call your insurance agent.
  • Take photos of the damage.
  • Make emergency repairs to avoid more damage and keep receipts for tarps, lumber, etc.
  • Use licensed contractors to make repairs. Be wary of potential scams.

Published July 1, 2020

Efforts underway to help Hurricane Michael victims

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In the aftermath of Hurricane Michael, some local efforts are underway to help the storm’s victims.

Hurricane Michael was monstrous, clocking winds at 155 mph and becoming the first Category 4 storm to slam into Florida’s Panhandle.

A look at some of the devastation in Gulf County, where Pasco County teams are helping in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael. (Courtesy of Pasco County Fire Rescue)

Its fierce winds and storm surge have reduced coastal communities to rubble, and after wreaking its havoc on the Panhandle, the destructive storm made its way through Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia.

At least 18 deaths had been reported as of Monday, with eight in Florida, three in North Carolina, one in Georgia and six in Virginia, according to the website, Weather.com.

Authorities predict it will take some time, even years in some cases, for areas hit by Hurricane Michael’s fury to recover.

While being spared the storm’s wrath, the Tampa Bay region is responding with ways to help.

A local donation drive is being coordinated by the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel Noon, the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and Wesley Chapel Nissan.

Donations can be dropped off through Oct. 19 at Wesley Chapel Nissan, 28519 State Road 54, in Wesley Chapel. The dealership’s hours are 9 a.m. until 9 p.m.

These are the items that are needed:

  • Portable generators
  • Insect repellent
  • Bottled water
  • Bleach
  • Disinfectant wipes
  • Latex gloves
  • Large garbage bags
  • Brooms
  • Mops
  • Sponges
  • Laundry detergent
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Soap
  • Feminine products
  • Diapers
  • Baby wipes
  • First aid kits/supplies
  • Tarps

“We’re going to pack trucks on Saturday, and if we can get in, we’ll leave on Sunday,” said Chris Casella, president-elect of the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel Noon.

“We’re going to be delivering it to St. James Episcopal Church,” he said.

A few of the items collected so far in the showroom at Wesley Chapel Nissan. (Courtesy of Chris Casella)

Thomas Dwyer, the pastor of the church, also serves as the president of the Rotary Club of Port St. Joe.

The Wesley Chapel club wanted to be sure it had a focused effort, with a local contact to make sure the supplies could be distributed there.

“Rotary District 6950 — which is Citrus County, Pinellas County, Hernando and Pasco — they sent out 1,900 emails to our members,” Casella said. “A lot of people are sending us checks, and we’re just going to go shop on Saturday.”

The effort is focused on providing practical items that people need that the Federal Emergency Management Agency doesn’t provide, such as cleaning supplies and personal hygiene items.

“Insect repellent is going to be huge. These people are going to be outside all day long,” Casella said. Plus, there’s no electric, so the windows are open.

“The focus on television has been Mexico Beach and Panama City. You don’t hear about Port St. Joe, at all,” Casella said. “A small town like Port St. Joe will get neglected.”

Two of the Rotary Club’s Interact Clubs are also doing supply collection drives, Casella said. One of those clubs is at Wesley Chapel High School and the other one is at Cypress Creek Middle High School.

“The chamber (North Tampa Bay Chamber) has been incredible with this. They’re mobilizing local businesses,” Casella said.

Other Rotary Clubs are pitching in.

And, Wesley Chapel Nissan’s ownership and management has played a vital role by allowing the dealership’s staff to help and making room for the supplies in the dealership’s showroom, Casella said.

Mady Miller, a student from Sanders Elementary School, organizes a water collection drive at her school, which results in a truck full of water collected in a single day. (Courtesy of Chris Casella)

In addition to those efforts, Pasco County government is lending its assistance to hurricane victims, as well.

Troy Stevenson, of Wesley Chapel Nissan, said “we’re convoying up Sunday. We’ve got Wesley Chapel Nissan employees, Wesley Chapel Rotary and North Tampa Bay Chamber.”

“By the end of the week, we’ll probably be sending up two truckloads.”

One team from Pasco Emergency Services (911) was deployed to Bay County. The six dispatchers on the team are relieving and supporting the 911 center there, according to Brendan Fitterer, public information officer for Pasco County.

Pasco Emergency Management also has deployed the State of Florida Region 4/6  All-Hazards Incident Management Team (AHIMT) to Gulf County.

This group is made up of personnel from Pasco County Fire Rescue and Emergency Management, as well as personnel from Hernando, Sumter, Hillsborough, Manatee and Sanford counties, the University of South Florida and the Lakeland Police Department.

The all-hazards team is being deployed for both Emergency Operations Center support and field operations, as needed, Fitterer said, via email.

Published October 17, 2018

Dade City joins Pasco’s 911 system

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911Dade City Police Chief Ray Velboom could see the need for better communications between his police officers and deputies with the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, on a daily basis.

Each agency had 911 centers operating on different radio frequencies.

“We’re surrounded by the county. We interact with them every day,” said Velboom. But, a deputy who needed assistance just outside city limits might be sent backup from 10 miles away, when a Dade City police officer was a few blocks away.

Critical time can be lost and the safety of police officers jeopardized, Velboom said.

On Oct. 5, a consolidation of the Dade City 911 Center and Pasco County’s Public Safety Communications addressed that problem.

Two staff members from Dade City completed weeks of training with the new consolidated system and transferred to Pasco’s Emergency Operations Center in New Port Richey.

The consolidation had been under discussion for two years as a way to increase both public safety and efficiency.

“It just made sense,” Velboom said.

The consolidation also reduces duplication because Dade City police officers now will file police reports on the county’s system. Both agencies previously had separate records management systems.

“We’ll be sharing all the data,” said Velboom.

Dade City will pay the county about $90,000 a year.

Velboom will serve on a board of directors that will oversee emergency operations, including the hiring and firing of staff.

“We have some ownership of this,” he said.

Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco said law enforcement agencies across the country are moving toward consolidation, in part due to recommendations that emerged after the 9/11 terrorists attacks.

“We have realized that public safety communications is critical for the safety of our citizens and first responders,” Nocco said.

Several months ago, the Pasco County Commission approved hiring of eight additional call takers for the county’s emergency operations.

Call takers answer 911 calls and relay information to dispatchers who use GPS tracking to pinpoint locations of patrol units for both Dade City and the county.

Pasco County has 15 administrative staff members and 82 operational members.

About 600,000 calls for service are answered each year.

The increasing volume of calls is complicated by the disappearance of landline phone service in favor of cellphones, Velboom said.

Under the old separate systems, a resident who called 911 in Dade City from a cellphone would reach the county’s emergency center in New Port Richey. That call would then be transferred to Dade City’s emergency center where information had to be repeated, and there was a chance of a dropped call.

“About 75 to 80 percent of 911 calls come in on cellphones,” Velboom said. “And cellphone calling is going to go up.”

Consolidation also has brought improvements regarding how calls are handled.

In years past, dispatchers were trained to handle one of three types of calls: police, fire or medical. Velboom said now dispatchers are cross-trained in all three protocols.

“One dispatcher can answer every call,” he said. “It makes it so much easier.”

Published October 7, 2015

Citizens Academy connects the dots

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The class kicked off with a “show-and-tell” display of Pasco County’s firefighting and rescue vehicles in the parking lot outside of the county’s Emergency Operations Center. It ended with an up-close look inside the command center of the county’s 911 operations.

“It was fascinating,” said Nancy Menendez. The Land O’ Lakes resident expressed surprise that the 911 center wasn’t larger. Blinking red lights mounted at each cubicle signaled a call in progress.

Pasco firefighter Michael Tomlinson, right, explains the uses of fire suppression equipment to Port Richey resident Jeromy Harding and Land O’ Lakes resident Sandy Graves. Harding and Graves are students of the county’s Citizens Academy. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)
Pasco firefighter Michael Tomlinson, right, explains the uses of fire suppression equipment to Port Richey resident Jeromy Harding and Land O’ Lakes resident Sandy Graves. Harding and Graves are students of the county’s Citizens Academy.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)

Menendez noticed the even-keeled, calm tones of call operators and dispatchers as they answered nearly nonstop calls in rapid-fire succession.

She is one of about 20 students chosen from about 50 applicants to attend the county’s third Citizens Academy. The first academy was in 2014.

There are two semesters a year, in spring and fall. Anyone who lives or works in Pasco, and is 18 years of age or older, can qualify. Students in each semester come from all five of the county’s election districts.

The goal is to inform residents about local government as well as their roles as participants. The hope also is that students who come to the academy will want to be ambassadors, sign up for advisory boards or find other ways to volunteer.

“Most of the folks learn something,” said Randy TeBeest, assistant county administrator for public safety. “I’m betting they learn a lot. This really gives them an idea of where tax dollars go to and why and how we decide to spend those precious dollars.”

Menendez found herself in the academy after discovering the program on a random search through the government website.

“It really sounded interesting,” said Menendez who at age 59 is beginning to think about retirement.

“I’m not going to sit home and watch TV,” she said. “I’m going to get involved. I want to see what I want to do in my future life. I’ve been enjoying this. It’s an experience I’ve not expected.”

Each class focuses on a specific area of government such as constitutional officers or planning and development. Last week’s class was about public safety and included briefings on the departments of misdemeanor and probation, and emergency management. The Office of Tourism Development was on the agenda, too.

Organizers try to include an interactive element in each class, such as the 911center tour.

In March, the academy convened at the Dade City courthouse for a mock public hearing with students playing the roles of county commissioners and the residents who took sides on a proposed housing project.

New Port Richey resident Marilyn Shaw played a resident who opposed the development. “It’s so fun,” she said.

Though she has done public speaking before, the retired registered nurse said, “You find out what your skills are. I felt very honored (to be selected for the academy). I wanted to be more active in government and understand what department does what.”

Some students want to hone existing skills and knowledge.

Land O’ Lakes resident Sandy Graves is on the board member for the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce. Her chamber connection was partly her motivation for signing up for the academy.

But she also said, “I think it’s important we all learn to work together. Local government is where it affects you most.”

She has a new awareness of the many levels of government.

“I didn’t know it was that complicated,” Graves said. “Bureaucracy tends to do that. There are so many times you don’t know who it is to call or what they do.”

Trilby resident Richard Riley is a retiree and an activist in the Dade City area.

“I feel it’s necessary to know what’s happening and how it’s happening in the county. This (program) is on-site, hands-on.”

The academy is meeting his expectations. “I’m learning who to contact, and who to thank,” he said. “We pay taxes for these people. It’s necessary to see how well things are running.”

Jeromy Harding, 24, owns an insurance business in Port Richey. He ran in the Republican primary for State House Representative, District 36, the seat vacated by Pasco Tax Collector Mike Fasano.

“I’d do it again,” Harding said. “I’m very active politically in west Pasco.”

The academy is a chance to learn more about the county commission, voting issues and the budget process, Harding said.

At an upcoming class, students will learn about how budgets are put together and participate in an exercise similar to the mock hearing in Dade City.

Learning the nuts and bolts of county government is the motivation for Julian Ford. The 39-year-old is an entrepreneur, spiritual leader and owner of a business in Dade City. He grew up in Pasco and lives in Lacoochee.

“I want to put myself in a position to make a more valuable contribution not just to me, but to my (community),” said Ford.

When the academy is over, Ford said he wants to be in a position to explain to other people how government works.

“It’s doing exactly what I want it to do. It’s connecting the dots, answering the why,” he said. Later on, he said, “I can be the why.”

Published April 8, 2015