Florida Keys Hurricane Guide 2022

YOU CAN’T REASON WITH HURRICANE SEASON

FLORIDA KEYS

Rock-solid conservative, Representative Jim Mooney is working alongside Governor DeSantis to deliver real results for the people of the Florida Keys.

And, like Governor DeSantis, Representative Mooney is fighting to preserve the Keys’ unique environment, vigorously protecting our water quality and beautiful ecosystem for future generations.

A S O U R V O ICE IN TALL AH A S SEE , R E PR E SE N TAT I VE M O ON E Y H A S VOTED TO: Prohibit social media

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Ban schools from teaching CRT and other dangerous woke ideologies

Expand school choice

Prohibit state and local

government agencies from contracting with companies that willfully transport illegal immigrants into the state.

Ensure election integrity

LE T ’S K E E P O UR C ONSER VATIVE LE AD ER F I G HT I N G FO R T H E KE Y S AT TH E C APITOL !

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YOUR EMERGENCY

WATER PLAN STAY HEALTHY STAY HYDRATED

CONTENTS Publisher Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com Managing Partner Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com p.8 Be Prepared All of the important info you’ll need this season

STORE WATER For drinking and cooking, save enough water for 7-10 days.

Fill bathtub and containers with water for non-drinking purposes.

STAY INFORMED Follow us on Facebook, fkaa.com and the radio.

p.17 Whose Name?

The complete list of the 2022 storm names

Register for PRIORITY CALL at fkaa.com to receive neighborhood specific notices via phone, text, and email.

HEED PRECAUTIONARY/MANDATORY BOIL WATER NOTICES If a notice is issued, disinfect your water by either boiling for 1 minute, OR adding 1/8 tsp of bleach, OR using purification tablets (purchase at outdoor retailer).

p.20 Wait, what happened to Africa?

You’re not crazy, storms formed closer to home the past few years

Customers with a low pressure sewer system pump on their property are asked to shut off the breaker to their grinder pump (located in the dedicated electric box outside of the home).

FOLLOWING THESE STEPS WILL ENSURE YOU HAVE A SUPPLEMENTAL WATER SUPPLY, MINIMIZE DAMAGES AND EXPEDITE RECOVERY.

p.26 We’ve got you covered Complete checklist so you can be prepared way in advance

p. 32 Reentry Where to get your stickers and getting back faster

LEARN MORE AT

FKAA.COM

305.296.2454 4

Hurricane Guide 2022

Creative Director Stephanie Mitchell stephanie@keysweekly.com Director of Digital Media Chanice Dos Santos chanice@keysweekly.com Account Executives Jill Miranda Baker jill@keysweekly.com Patti Childress patti@keysweekly.com Stephanie Mitchell stephanie@keysweekly.com Production Manager Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com Art/Design Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com Irene de Bruijn irene@keysweekly.com

EVACUATING? HERE’S WHAT TO DO. Shut off the home’s water valve (typically found on the exterior wall of the home).

Some water heaters may also need to be shut off.

Check with the manufacturer.

Editors Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

Published MMXXII

Office Manager Char Hruska char@keysweekly.com Contributors Kellie Butler Farrell

Middle Keys office 9709 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL. 33050 P. 305.743.0844 Lower Keys office 5450 MacDonald Ave. No. 5 Key West, FL. 33040 P. 305.453.6928 Upper Keys office 91760 Overseas Hwy. Tavernier, FL 33070 P. 305.363.2957

Keys Weekly staff

IRMA ANNIVERSARY APPROACHES 5 YEARS A LOOKBACK AT THE DEVASTATION AND RECOVERY

Almost all homes and businesses in the Keys lost power, water, sewer, cell service, and Internet service.

At 9:10 a.m. on Sept. 10, 2017, Hurricane Irma barreled into the Keys as a Category 4 with whipping winds and storm surge that towered 9 feet in some areas.

Hours after the eye passed the Keys and conditions were safe, Monroe County Emergency Management officials initiated its response with Keys municipalities and other federal and state entities. Monroe County Fire Rescue answered medical calls The message was simple in the days leading up to the storm: “Get while providing assistance to the search and rescue efforts. out of the Keys.” Mandatory evacuation notices were issued for Utility companies in the Keys worked to restore service, while all visitors on the morning of Sept. 6, and for all residents later sheriff’s deputies enforced curfews that night. The storm was forecast to pack a big punch and manned the checkpoints. County with winds of more than 130 mph and a storm surge of Top left: An aerial of homes employees from various departments several feet. destroyed by Hurricane Irma. worked tirelessly to restore services.

ANDY NEWMAN/Florida Keys Irma’s power was felt following its landfall with strong News Bureau In the community, neighbors lended a winds continuing throughout the day. More than 4,000 hand to each other while restaurants homes were destroyed or badly damaged, most in the Top right: A neighborhood in Big Pine Key hit particularly like Mangrove Mike’s in Islamorada hardest-hit areas between Cudjoe Key and Marathon. hard by Irma. Water stripped provided meals to first responders.

More than 1,800 boats were destroyed. most houses along the street An island chain showed its strength of their north-facing walls. and resilience to come back from the A beautiful island chain was left a mess from Irma’s KARUNA EBERL/Keys Weekly mess that was left from the storm. wrath. Vegetative and property debris were strewn Top bottom: Appliances, a boat Some parts of the Keys bounced into the mangroves, across U.S. 1 and local roads, and other debris are situated back quickly, but the recovery still throughout neighborhoods, and into canals and alongside the Old Highway continues to this day for some. nearshore waters. in Islamorada following Hurricane Irma. DAVID GROSS/ Large trees toppled and those that survived lost Contributed branches and most of their leaves.

www.nhc.noaa.gov

5

DESTRUCTIVE STORMS THAT HIT THE U.S. The 1900 Galveston Hurricane and 1935 Labor Day Hurricane both showed the destruction and devastation powerful storms can bring to communities. Since then, advancements in technology have brought better tracking, specifically when and where a storm could hit and how much wind and rain it could bring with it. Sound preparation and response plans have allowed emergency management personnel to better prepare residents for what could come during storm season. Here’s a look at some of the most devastating storms to hit the continental U.S. Frances Galveston 1900 Labor Day Hurricane

Galveston 1975

Charley

A t l a n t i c O c e a n

Louisiana Texas HOUSTON VICTORIA

LAKE

Michael

GALVESTON

NEW ORLEANS

Lake Okeechobee Hurricane

Florida

HOUMA

Great Miami Hurricane

TAMPA

G u l f

Orlando Katrina

o f M e x i c o

MIAMI

Harvey Irma LOUISIANA Hurricane Katrina - 2005 Category 3 Death toll: 1,836 Hurricane Ida - 2021 Category 4 Death toll: 107

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Hurricane Guide 2022

FLORIDA Great Miami Hurricane - 1926 Category 4 Death toll: 372 Lake Okeechobee Hurricane - 1928 Category 4 Death toll: 4,078 Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 Category 5 Death toll: 408 Hurricane Andrew - 1992 Category 5 Death toll: 38 Hurricane Charley - 2004 Category 4 Death toll: 34 Hurricane Frances - 2004 Category 2 Death toll: 48 Hurricane Irma - 2017 Category 4 Death toll: 87 Hurricane Michael - 2018 Category 5 Death toll: 65

Ida

TEXAS Galveston Hurricane - 1900 Category 4 Death toll: 8,000 Galveston Hurricane - 1915 Category 4 Death toll: 275 Hurricane Harvey - 2017 Category 4 Death toll: 68

Andrew

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FOR ALL IMMEDIATE EMERGENCIES, DIAL 911 EMERGENCY HOTLINES Monroe County Emergency Information Hotline: 1.800.955.5504 www.monroecountyem.com • State of Florida Emergency Information: 1.800.342.3557

THE KEYS HAVE A PLAN

Monroe County, as well as all the municipalities in the Florida Keys such as Key West, Marathon, Layton, Islamorada Village of Islands and Key Colony Beach, have developed their own Disaster Preparedness Plan especially to deal with tropical cyclone emergencies. The multi-purpose plan aims to: • Reduce vulnerability of people to damage, injury and loss of life and property.

• Prepare for prompt and efficient response and recovery.

• Prepare for prompt and efficient rescue, care and treatment of victims.

• Provide a setting of rapid and orderly restoration of services and rehabilitation of affected property.

• Provide for interagency coordination to facilitate immediate delivery of assistance.

Once the county officials declare a local State of Emergency, the Preparedness Plan is put into action. Depending upon the level of the threat of the approaching storm, the various agencies will take action in coordination with Monroe County’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

At timed intervals before landfall, different parts of the plan will be implemented. These include early visitor, boater and special-needs evacuations; coordination of response and recovery teams; any necessary mandatory evacuations and all necessary interagency coordination.

As county and city officials have a Disaster Preparedness Plan for residents and visitors, so should each resident have their own plan. Use the resources in this guide to formulate your own plan, and then make sure you follow the plan when needed.

A government-authored preparedness guide is available online from FEMA.

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Hurricane Guide 2022

WEATHER INFORMATION National Weather Service, Key West www.weather.gov/key 305.295.1316 Facebook: @NWSkeywest National Hurricane Center www.nhc.noaa.gov Facebook: @NWSNHC COUNTY/OTHER MUNICIPALITIES Monroe County www.monroecounty-fl.gov 305.294.4641 Facebook: @MonroeCountyBOCC Monroe Fire Rescue 305.289.6004 Monroe County Sheriff’s Office www.keysso.net 305.292.7000 Facebook: @FloridaKeysSheriff Key West www.cityofkeywest-fl.gov.

305.809.3700 Facebook: @City of KeyWest Police: 305.809.1111 Fire: 305.809.3936

Marathon www.ci.marathon.fl.us 305.743.0033 Facebook: @MarathonCityFL MCSO law enforcement: 305.289.2430 Marathon Fire: 305.743.5266 Grassy Key Fire: 305.743.7599 Key Colony Beach Keycolonybeach.net 305.289.1212 • Layton Cityoflayton.com 305.664.4667 Islamorada www.islamorada.fl.us 305.664.6400 Facebook: @ IslamoradaFloridaKeys MCSO law enforcement: 305.664.6480 Fire: 305-664-6490 OTHER Monroe County School District 305.293.1400 College of the Florida Keys 305.296.9081 SPECIAL NEEDS Special Needs Evacuation Assistance 305.292.4591 UTILITIES Florida Keys Electric Coop 305.852.2431 Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority 305.296.2454 Keys Energy Services 305.295.1000 Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District 305.451.4019

STAY INFORMED The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office’s smartphone app keeps residents informed of emergency situations ranging from traffic accidents to hurricane evacuation. The app is available for both iPhone and Android users. Download it for free. Monroe County also has a free app called Alert! Monroe, available for Android and IOS devices. It provides alerts regarding severe weather, emergency road closures, boil water notices, water service interruption, missing persons and evacuations of neighborhoods.

Monroe County Emergency Management uses the app Everbridge for the Special Needs Registry for shelter and evacuation assistance.

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Hurricane Guide 2022

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HURRICANE WILMA THE POWERFUL STORM THAT BROUGHT SURGE IN 2005

By Jim McCarthy and Alex Rickert

STORM HAD A COMPLICATED BEGINNING Per a National Hurricane Center report, Wilma formed and became an intense hurricane over the northwestern Caribbean Sea. But it had a complicated beginning.

During the second week of October, a monsoon-like, lower tropospheric circulation and broad area of disturbed water developed over the Caribbean Sea. The system was enhanced by an extensive area of difficult flow to the south and southwest of an upper-level cyclone over the southwestern Atlantic.

The National Hurricane Center’s report states that the easternmost portion of this low pressure area moved northeastward and merged with an extratropical cyclone. However, a more concentrated area of disturbed weather and surface low pressure formed near Jamaica by Oct. 14, 2005, possibly aided by a couple of tropical waves traversing the Caribbean during this time. The next day, surface circulation became well-enough defined, with sufficiently organized, deep convection to designate that a tropical depression formed about 190 miles east-southeast of Grand Cayman.

BY THE NUMBERS October 17, 2005: Wilma strengthens into a tropical storm October 18, 2005: Wilma is declared a hurricane 64.33: Inches of rain dumped on Isla Mujeres in Mexico in a 24-hour span, a Western Hemisphere record that still stands today 185 mph: maximum one-minute sustained wind speeds 5-8 ft.: maximum storm tides above Mean Sea Level recorded from Key West to Islamorada between October 23-24 882 mbar: the lowest pressure recorded during Wilma, the lowest ever observed in the Atlantic basin $208,810,412: total insurance claim payments made for Wilma in Monroe County $22.4 billion: estimated total damages from Wilma

Sources: NOAA, National Weather Service, National Hurricane Center

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Hurricane Guide 2022

Hurricane Wilma enters the Atlantic Ocean after crossing southern Florida. NASA/ Contributed

A flooded car on Key Haven. CONTRIBUTED The complete track of Hurricane Wilma, from formation to demise. WIKIPEDIA/Contributed A weak and ill-defined steering flow prevailed for the first couple of days of Wilma’s existence, with a 500 mb high covering the Gulf of Mexico and another mid-tropospheric anticyclone located well to the eastnortheast of the tropical cyclone.

The depression moved slowly and erratically westward to westsouthwestward for a day or so and then drifted south southwestward to southward for a day or two.

There was only slow strengthening during this period, and the system is estimated to have become a tropical storm on Oct. 17. By the next day, Wilma turned toward the west-northwest and, while doing so, strengthened into a hurricane. Later that day, a remarkable, explosive strengthening episode began and continued through early Oct. 19.

“In the span of just 24 hours, Wilma had intensified from a 60-kt tropical storm to a 150-kt category 5 hurricane, an unprecedented event for an Atlantic tropical cyclone,” according to the National Hurricane Center’s report.

THE TRACK The hurricane continued its move to the northwest in the following days, dropping to a category 4 storm

before making its first landfall on Oct. 21 in Cozumel, Mexico. As it moved across the northeast end of the Yucatan peninsula, the storm’s pace slowed, causing extensive damage with extreme rainfall before re-entering the Gulf of Mexico late on Oct. 22 with winds of around 100 mph.

Back in the water, Wilma took a turn to the northeast and intensified as it accelerated toward southern Florida.

By the time it made landfall a second time in Cape Romano on Oct. 24, the storm had dropped once again to a category 3 hurricane with winds of 120 mph and a relatively large eye approximately 50-60 nautical miles in diameter.

The storm proceeded to cross the Florida peninsula in roughly 4.5 hours, entering the Atlantic Ocean near Jupiter with winds of 110 mph. It intensified once again as it continued its northeasterly trek, but eventually weakened until it was absorbed by another extratropical storm on Oct. 27.

KEYS HIT WITH SURGES Storm surges of 4 to 5 feet were observed over much of the lower and middle Florida Keys, locally to near 7 feet. However, a storm surge of near

9 feet was estimated visually in the Marathon area. Storm surges were generally in the 4 to 5 feet range over the upper Keys. This resulted in considerable flooding over substantial portions of the Keys.

Homeowners returning to the Keys had some serious renovation to do — everything from new drywall and tile to purchasing new cars. Insurance claims of more than $208 million were paid out for Hurricane Wilma in Monroe County, according to the state Office of Insurance Regulation.

WHAT WE LEARNED Wilma smashed several records as it formed and developed. It had the lowest pressure at 882 millibars and the small eye at 2 miles. More important than the records was the fact that it underwent the most extreme intensification in Atlantic history at that time. Given the right conditions, storms have the ability to intensify in just days.

Each hurricane brings a different lesson. With Wilma, it was the wisdom to hide from the wind but run from the water. Emphasis was also placed on the damage caused by storm surges.

www.nhc.noaa.gov 13

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Monroe Emergency Reserve Corps volunteers. FILE PHOTO

By Jim McCarthy

STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES Programs make volunteers a solution during emergencies Florida Keys residents remember the post-Hurricane Irma feud between anxious officials and evacuees who were desperate to re-enter the island chain, survey the damage to their homes and start repairs.

In a bid to strengthen the Florida Keys community, Monroe County Emergency Management realized the unique abilities of Keys residents to get things done after a hurricane. With lessons learned from Irma, formation of the Monroe Emergency Reserve Corps looked to bring volunteers with a variety of talents and skills who wished to help in times of an emergency into the Keys more quickly.

Launched in October 2018, MERC now includes a group of trained community volunteers who are eligible for an early re-entry placard once their MERC certification is complete. The program trains volunteer residents to be self-sufficient and storm-proficient following a hurricane. The resulting

16

Hurricane Guide 2022

certification and early reentry sticker enable those residents to return to the Keys before the rest of the population.

“The program teaches locals how to take care of themselves and neighbors until we can get mutual aid assistance,” said Shannon Weiner, Monroe County emergency management director. “The first 24 to 48 hours are critical. We lean on them to take care of themselves and others around them.”

Weiner added that trained community volunteers also spend time inside the county Emergency Operations Center.

MERC training — and the associated early reentry placard — requires participants to complete a free online class designed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The class is available anytime online.

Once the FEMA course is complete, participants must complete 16 hours of in-person classroom training offered over two days at various times and locations throughout the Keys. The online FEMA course is a prerequisite for the in-person training. The third phase of hands-on training includes four hours of practical skills and exercises in first aid and fire safety. To volunteer for this program, visit mercorps.org.

In addition to MERC, local residents can also obtain training through the Community Emergency Response Team program to be prepared for emergency situations and assist first responders.

Citizen volunteers can go through the CERT training with Monroe County, Islamorada Fire Rescue and Emergency Management Department and Key West Fire Rescue and Emergency Management Department.

CERT members are trained in areas that will help the citizens take care of themselves and others, should the need arise, during a major emergency or disaster. As an organized team, CERT provides a valuable support function to the professional emergency responder whose arrival might be delayed for hours or even days due to the nature and/or scope of the event.

Activities include providing first responders support, residential checks, processing supplies or donations, initial damage assessment, staffing shelters and distributing emergency information to the public.

To sign up or for more information in Key West, call the Key West Fire Department at 305.809.3933. Get more information on Islamorada’s CERT program by calling 305.664.6490 or emailing CERT@islamorada.fl.us.

Citizen volunteers who go through Monroe County’s Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) and become part of the volunteer Monroe Emergency Reserve Corps can obtain early reentry placards. To volunteer for this program, visit mercorps.org.

For more information about FEMA’s CERT program, go to FEMA CERT.

NAMING STORMS

EC13007761 EC13003374

Active seasons could exhaust alphabet and lead to use of a reserve list Forecasters worldwide utilize short, distinctive names to describe tropical storms and hurricanes. The National Hurricane Center says the practice of naming storms is especially important when exchanging detailed weather information among hundreds of widely scattered weather stations, coastal bases and ships at sea.

Since the early 1950s, Atlantic tropical storms have been named from lists originated by the National Hurricane Center. The lists are used in rotation and recycled every six years (i.e., the 2022 list will be used again in 2028).

A name list only changes if a storm is so deadly or costly that the future use of its name for a different storm would be inappropriate for reasons of sensitivity. Several storm names have been retired since the lists were created.

Take Hurricane Ida. The category 4 storm hit the U.S. in 2021 with maximum sustained winds of 150 mph. Ida made landfall along the southeastern Louisiana coast near Port Fourchon. The storm claimed more than 100 lives and caused $75 billion in damage.

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The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Hurricane Committee has retired Ida from the rotating lists of Atlantic tropical cyclone names because of the death and destruction caused by the category 4 hurricane.

The naming system for hurricanes is different than years past, according to Jon Rizzo, warning coordination meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Key West. Traditionally, in a system overseen by the World Meteorological Organization, lists of male and female names were used in a six-year rotation for Atlantic hurricanes. An active storm season can exhaust all names on the list. In the past, Greek letters were used to name the storm. But that’s no longer the case.

“We’re going to have a seventh list of storm names on standby should we ever run out,” Rizzo said. “That’s our reserve tank that will allow us to retire a storm of notoriety, because you can’t retire a Greek letter. The Greek system is no longer used.”

HURRICANE NAMES FOR 2022 Alex Bonnie Colin Danielle Earl

Fiona Gaston Hermine Ian Julia Karl Lisa Martin

Nicole Owen Paula Richard Shary Tobias Virginie Walter

www.nhc.noaa.gov 17

KNOW YOUR ZONE

GET OUT WHILE THE GETTING IS GOOD

Monroe County has a comprehensive plan that calls for phased evacuation with five zones established from MM 0 to Ocean Reef. The evacuation plan is intended to avoid unnecessary evacuation if some zones are expected to be affected and others not. So, know your zone if local officials order evacuations.

Zone 1: MM 0 to MM 6 Zone 2: MM 6 to MM 40 Zone 3: MM 40 to MM 63 Zone 4: MM 63 to the three-way stop at County Road 905-A Zone 5: County Road 905-A to mainland Monroe, including Ocean Reef

Listen to local leaders Decisions by local officials to evacuate are never made lightly when an impending hurricane (Category 3 or higher) is barreling toward the island chain.

evacuation protocols,” said Emergency Management Director Shannon Weiner.

“Generally, we call for the evacuation of visitors and special-needs populations first.”

A detailed and phased evacuation plan exists to ensure everyone on the island exits safely. All Keys agencies and government offices work together including the Navy, Coast Guard, hospitals, county health department, public works departments, utilities, schools and even volunteer charitable organizations. All decisions are made locally with heavy input from the National Weather Service office in Key West.

In some scenarios — like a rapidly intensifying hurricane — county officials might not distinguish between population groups or zones of the Keys. For example, if a small storm has the potential to escalate, evacuations might be called more urgently.

For years, Monroe County had a very simple evacuation plan based on hours to landfall, phases and zones.

“The coronavirus has not changed

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Hurricane Guide 2022

In the event of a Category 3 to 5 storm, or if officials expect it to strengthen to those levels, evacuation is mandatory for everyone. County shelters are only open for a Category 1 or 2 storm. (See page 6.)

Staying put, even for a minor hurricane, won’t be pleasant. Grocery and drug stores are closed. Power will likely be out and it will be hot. Water could be shut off. In other words, circumstances could be miserable.

Residents should decide based on what’s proper for the most vulnerable person in their group — whether that is an elderly aunt or a newborn.

Monroe County Emergency Management officials, as well as other agencies, will disseminate pertinent hurricane information through a variety of media. Check the Keys Weekly’s Facebook page or website of your local municipality; tune in to channel 76 on Comcast Cable; friend the U.S. National Weather Service Key West on Facebook or call the hotline, 1.800.955.5504.

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STORM ORIGINS

By Mandy Miles Hurricanes aren’t human.

Despite our first-name basis, the behemoth storms aren’t comic book villains seeking world domination. They’re not rubbing their hands together in a secret lair, laughing maniacally and targeting certain cities for annihilation. But it’s easy to view these freaks of nature with a bit of anthropomorphism, assigning them human characteristics and personalities.

Longtime Keys residents, veterans of several storms and practiced in evacuations, describe various hurricanes as unwelcome intruders who came barreling into town and left devastation in their wake.

Some of us, at various times, are even guilty of blaming Africa, an entire continent, for spawning hurricanes off their coast and somehow “sending” them our way, across the Atlantic toward the Keys, Carolinas and Caribbean.

We’d watch The Weather Channel, and later, all manner of weather websites, watching the fierce radar blob make its trans-Atlantic crossing, as if stalking us. But then things seemed to change. In the past few years, more storms seem to simply appear, fully formed, in the Gulf of Mexico or the Caribbean Sea. Are we going crazy? Were we imagining this change in a storm’s source and course?

Never ones to trust our own memory, or scientific skills, the Keys Weekly brought our question to someone who actually knows, and understands better than anyone, that hurricanes aren’t human.

Jon Rizzo, warning coordination meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Key West, reassured us that we weren’t misremembering.

“It is true,” Rizzo said. “In the last few years, more of these storms have developed and formed in the western side of the Atlantic. But these patterns don’t typically last long.”

Conversely, Hurricane Irma in 2017, “was a long-track storm,” Rizzo said. “And I’d say within the next year or two, we’ll start seeing them cross the Atlantic again.”

What about the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season forecast?

Rizzo explained that the first forecasts each year of a storm season’s volatility often come from researchers at Colorado State University in the first week of April.

“Our NOAA Outlook doesn’t come out until the last full week of May,” he said, adding that the data NOAA scientists review for their seasonal forecast “really requires waiting until May to gauge some of the data points NOAA uses, such as the air pressure in the Western Caribbean and pre-season rainfall in West Africa.”

“We’ve been in a La Niña pattern for two winters now, which looks like it’ll last until early summer,” Rizzo said, adding that La Niña has been linked to less wind shear, which can contribute to the development of storms. “With less shear in La Niña, you’ve removed the negative factor that tends to limit those strong storms. So this coming season, although our NOAA Outlook has not been finalized, we could be looking at a somewhat abovenormal season.”

Still, Rizzo added, none of the seasonal forecasts for an active or slow hurricane season should be factored into someone’s hurricane preparedness plans. “That should never factor into how or whether we prepare for storms,” he said.

Keep in mind, he warned, 1992 was a ‘below-normal’ season.

“And we all know what happened in 1992. Hurricane Andrew was the first named storm of the season, and we were deep into August when that happened.”

“Let’s put it this way, I’ve never seen a season with ZERO storms.”

— Jon Rizzo

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Hurricane Guide 2022

BOAT PREPARATION Sail away or secure it well

If there’s a hurricane, the best place for the boat is as far away as possible from the storm track. Many Keys residents with small- to mid-size boats choose to trailer their boat to a safer location. If that’s your plan, be ready to go early: Monroe County’s phased evacuation calls for high-profile vehicles to leave first. After that, boats are not allowed on the highway.

Captains who intend to sail to their evacuation destination must also leave early; at some point during a mandatory evacuation the Snake Creek drawbridge will be locked down so vehicular traffic flows smoothly and, of course, the weather will get nasty.

If it’s not possible to sail or tow the boat away from the storm, take the boat out of the water and stow it in a garage or on the lee side of a building. Tie the boat to the trailer and the trailer to an immovable object — such as a palm tree. Do not fill the boat with water. Boats are designed to keep water out and filling it with water could cause structural damage.

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WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU PREPARE BEFORE BEFORE AND AND RESTORE RESTORE AFTER! AFTER!

If it’s not possible to stow the boat on land, find a spot in a protected harbor. Again, the early bird will get the best spot though it’s recommended to keep checking on the vessel as the harbor fills with other boats to ensure safe clearances between vessels. Take everything off the boat — sails, electronics, etc. Heavy and extra anchors are needed for this option and enough line should be on hand to allow a scope of at least 10:1 for each anchor.

Many working Keys captains adhere to the time-honored tradition of stowing their vessels in a hurricane hole, or a narrow inlet lined with mangroves. These protected spots block the wind and provide a tie-off. The best location for a hurricane hole — preferably scouted ahead of time — is one far enough inland to avoid the most severe winds and tides, yet close enough to reach under short notice.

The last option mariners should consider is leaving the boat at the dock. In a strong storm, high winds and waves will batter the vessel against the dock or lift and destroy both.

A better option is to tie off in the center of the canal, again using immovable objects on land and the strongest part of the boat such as a mast, not a cleat. This requires cooperation with other boat-owning neighbors to ensure each boat has sufficient room. Also, leave some slack in the lines to allow for tidal change. Use extra fenders and also use chafe protection on lines.

Never try to ride out the storm on the boat.

— Keys Weekly staff

www.nhc.noaa.gov 21

SHELTER RULES

The E. Darwin Fuchs Pavilion

• You can register onsite.

• Residents will be screened with a temperature check and questions about fever, cough and shortness of breath. If you have these symptoms inform shelter staff when you arrive.

• Residents have the option to wear a mask.

• Residents will be encouraged to follow sanitation precautions, including washing hands or using hand sanitizer.

• Residents will be assigned to a space.

• No weapons, alcohol, or illegal drugs.

• No smoking allowed in shelters.

• ‘Lights out’ quiet time will be enforced.

• All county shelters are also pet-friendly shelters. Animals must have appropriate crates and carriers, plus supplies. With the exception of service animals, pets may be kept in a separate area of the shelter. Pet owners will be allowed to visit pets as necessary, one at a time.

• Children must be attended at all times. Parents are not allowed to leave the premises without them.

SHELTER SUPPLIES

SHELTER LOCATIONS CATEGORY 1-2 HURRICANES

CATEGORY 3-5 HURRICANES

• Key West High School 2100 Flagler Avenue • Sugarloaf School MM 19, U.S. 1 • Marathon High School MM 50, 350 Sombrero Beach Rd. • Coral Shores High School MM 90, U.S. 1

• The E. Darwin Fuchs Pavilion, located adjacent to Florida International University campus. Take the Florida Turnpike north and take Exit No. 23. Follow the ramp right toward SW 40th Street (Bird Road). Bear left onto SW 117th Avenue. Turn right onto SW 40th Street.

At SW 112th Avenue, make a left to head north and continue until you see signs for the Miami-Dade County Fair & Expo Center.

• Water and food (multiple-day supply) • Masks and hand sanitizer • Drinking water in plastic containers • Non-perishable food in cans or sealed containers • Special dietary foods, baby food, formula, manual can opener, paper products, utensils • Portable ice chest with ice • Clothing and bedding • Extra clothes and shoes • Sleeping bag, blanket, pillow, lightweight portable lounge chairs • Rain gear • Wash cloths, towels, soap, toothbrush, feminine products, paper towels, toilet paper BABY AND MEDICAL SUPPLIES • Clothes, diapers, formula, bottles, food, and blankets • Medications and First Aid supplies • Medication clearly marked with your name, dosage, type of medication, and doctor’s name. Persons must be able to self-administer all medications • First aid supplies in a waterproof box IMPORTANT PAPERS • Name and address of doctors • Name and address of nearest relative • Identification and valuable papers MISCELLANEOUS • Games, cards, toys, battery-powered radios, flashlights • Shower and eat before leaving home

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Hurricane Guide 2022

StormPreparation Preparation Storm Take Action Now… Take Action Now… Don’t wait until there is an emergency.

Don’t wait until there is an emergency.

Home Base Checklist Home Base Checklist Bottled water for drinking, Bottled water for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, cooking, brushing teeth, etc. Allocate at least one etc.gallon Allocate least per oneday. per at person gallon per person percanned day.

Non-perishable, Non-perishable, canned foods, and manual can foods, and manual can opener. opener.

Infant ready-to-eat Infant ready-to-eat formula. formula.

Battery-powered or crank Battery-powered weather radio.or crank weather Food,radio. water, and Food, water, andfor for pets. medications medications for for pets.

Personal Health Checklist Personal Health Checklist First Aid Kit First Aid Kitsupply of medications.

30-day 30-day of medications.

List supply of medical conditions.

List of medical conditions.

Keep in Mind Keep in Mind

Gas-powered generators must never Gas-powered generators must never be used indoors, in a garage, or be used indoors, in a garage, or within 20 feet of windows or a within 20 feet windows or a window air of conditioner. window conditioner.

Haveair a batterypowered Carbon Have a batterypowered Carbon Monoxide alarm installed to prevent Monoxide alarm installed to prevent CO Poisoning.

CO Poisoning.

Cover your skin; Wear a longCover your skin; a long-pants, and sleeved shirt, Wear lightweight sleeved shirt, lightweight pants, and use insect repellant containing useDEET, insectpicaridin, repellant or containing oil of lemon DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. eucalyptus.

Drain standing water to prevent Drain standing water to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. mosquitoes from breeding.

Special Needs Shelter Special Needs Shelter

The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County in Thepartnership Florida Department of Health in Emergency Monroe County in with Monroe County partnership with and Monroe County Emergency Management Monroe County Social Services Management and Monroe County Social Services provides care to those with disabilities during an provides care to those with disabilities during an evacuation and have no other sheltering options. evacuation and have no other These shelters should onlysheltering be used asoptions. a back-up to These shelters should only be used as a back-up to personal sheltering plans. personal sheltering plans.

To see if you qualify or to pre-register for the Special To see if you qualifyvisit: or totinyurl.com/monroespns pre-register for the Special Needs Shelter, Needs Shelter, visit: tinyurl.com/monroespns

For more information: For more information: Call 305-293-7500 Call 305-293-7500 Visit monroe.flhealth.gov Visit monroe.flhealth.gov

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DO YOU HAVE EVERYTHING? Going through your hurricane supplies to ensure you have everything? Or, are you getting yourself ready for the first time? Spend some time thinking about what to get if you need to leave the house, and what you need to be properly supplied if you stay behind for a lesser storm. Remember those handy tools, jugs of water and some battery powered lights. (Here’s your full checklist.)

FOOD • Gas or charcoal for the grill • Manual can opener • Non-perishable foods such as CARBS – crackers, cereal, popcorn, chips VEGETABLES & FRUIT – canned vegetables and fruit PROTEIN – canned tuna, soup or stew, peanut butter, beef jerky, canned sausage, nuts or ham • Staples such as salt, pepper, sugar, mustard • Drinking water, sports drinks • Instant coffee • Red Bull THE BASICS • First aid kit • Sunscreen • Mosquito repellent • Acetaminophen • Prescription medicines • A watertight, easy-to-carry container to store essentials and paperwork TOOLS & SUPPLIES • Cash • Bleach • Gasoline • Gloves • Disposable respirators • Face masks • Propane gas • Coolers • Heavy-duty garbage bags • Battery-operated charging pack for cellphone • Tools, such as a saw, rake, machete, pruning sheers, power drill, utility knife

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Hurricane Guide 2022

• Duct tape, screws, nails, tarps, buckets • Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils • NOAA weather radio with extra batteries • Enough flashlights for everyone with extra batteries • Matches in a waterproof container • Napkins, paper towels • Aluminum foil • THIS GUIDE • Work clothes, heavy shoes, hat, sunglasses • Towels, bedding SANITATION • Toilet paper, towelettes • Soap, liquid detergent • Feminine supplies • Tooth brush, toothpaste, hair brush, shaving supplies SPECIAL NEEDS ITEMS • Remember family members with special needs, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons • Infant needs: formula, bottles, baby food, diapers, rash cream, fever medicine, decongestant, anti-diarrhea medicine • Pets: papers, leash, collar with ID, crate, food, bowls, litter, bed IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS (Keep these documents in a waterproof, portable container) • Will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds • Passports, social security cards, immunization records • Bank account numbers

• Credit card account information • Important telephone numbers • Family records (birth, marriage and death certificates) • Proof of occupancy • Pictures of your home pre-storm (for insurance purposes) DISASTER KIT TIPS • Water: Store water in sanitized bathtubs, washing machines and water heaters. Have at least one gallon of water per person, per day, for seven days.

• Cooking: Do not use charcoal or gas grills indoors.

• Do not run generators indoors.

EVACUATION SUPPLIES • Gas cans (preferably filled) • Important papers and photo albums • Important recovery tools (chainsaw, drills, etc.)

• Pet crates • Masks, gloves and sanitizer • Immediate supplies of food, clothing, toiletries, medications

STAY HYDRATED & HEALTHY

Some water tips to know

Following these steps from the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority will ensure you have a supplemental water supply, minimize damages and expedite recovery. For more information, visit fkaa.com or call 305-296-2454.

STORE WATER For drinking and cooking, save enough water for seven to 10 days. Fill the bathtub and containers with water for non-drinking purposes.

STAY INFORMED Follow the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority on Facebook and visit fkaa.com. Register for priority calls at fkaa.com to receive neighborhood specific notices via phone, text and email.

HEED PRECAUTIONARY/MANDATORY BOIL WATER NOTICES If a notice is issued, disinfect your water by either boiling for one minute, adding one-eighth teaspoon of bleach or using purification tablets (purchase at outdoor retailer).

EVACUATING? HERE’S WHAT TO DO Shut off the home’s water valve (typically found on the exterior wall of the home). Some water heaters may also need to be shut off. Check with the manufacturer.

Customers with a low pressure sewer system pump on their property are asked to shut off the breaker to their grinder pump (located in the dedicated electric box outside of the home).

HURRICANE

 FINANCIAL CHECKLIST  Online & Mobile Banking

Bank anytime, anywhere. Manage your account 24/7 with Mobile Deposit, Direct Deposit, Bill Pay, person-to-person and bank-to-bank transfers. Log in or enroll today on our KeysBank Mobile App or at KeysBank.com.

 Debit Cards

Use your debit card for quick cash access when banks are closed or if you have to evacuate. FSB does not charge a fee for using your debit card at any ATM* or Publix Presto! ATMs. You can also get cash back with purchases at many businesses. Instant Issue debit cards are available at all Keyswide locations.

 Emergency Cash & Checkbook

Electronic means of payments may not be available if there is a power failure. Be sure to have cash and your checkbook on hand for purchases.

 Secure Important Documents

Make copies of your insurance papers, Social Security cards, birth certificates, mortgages, and other important documents. Originals can be stored in a First State Bank Safe Deposit Box.**

 Hurricane Loans & Credit Cards

A Mortgage, Home Equity Line of Credit, or Personal Loan can provide money on hand to prepare and, if necessary, recover quickly from a hurricane. We also offer personal and business credit cards. Apply online at KeysBank.com.

* Other banks’ fees may apply ** Safe deposit contents are not FDIC insured.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

Download the KeysBank Mobile App for access to your account 24/7

Follow us on Social Media for updates

305-296-8535 • KeysBank.com www.nhc.noaa.gov 27

Keys Community Construction, LLC

ARTIC-TEMP SERVICE

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I PAVE YOU PAVE WE PAVE INSTALLATION DRIVEWAYS, POOL DECKS AND RETAINING WALLS CLEANING AND SEALING paverdaveinc.com License #SP3573 28

Hurricane Guide 2022

TRAILER PARTS SUPER STORE 305-289-9884 MARATHON AUTO & MARINE SERVICE 2525 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON

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LET US DO THE WORK FOR YOU WITH QUALITY AND CARE.

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5800 OVERSEAS HWY, STE. #32 | MARATHON 305.735.4626 | WWW.CECFLK.COM www.nhc.noaa.gov 29

Don’t wait until the last minute to ask

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KILLING MOSQUITOES OF TODAY AS WELL AS TOMORROW To download our treatment notification app or to make a service request go to www.keysmosquito.org or call 305.292.7190.

Our Mosquito Project Takes Flight Exploring innovative tools to protect our residents

keysmosquitoproject.com 30

Hurricane Guide 2022

To volunteer contact Keys AHEC at 743-1111 x 203.

For more information on the Florida Keys MRC, go to keysahec.org or medicalreservecorps.gov

The Florida Keys MRC is administered by Keys AHEC

FLORIDA KEYS MOSQUITO CONTROL

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Help protect the health of your community during emergencies & in times of need.

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305-743-6000

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305-246-4229

Keys Weekly staff

When the Florida Keys are in the cone of a major hurricane, the last thing anyone wants to do is worry about the reentry decal system for your car. At least, not while you’re scrambling to buy clips for your storm shutters and extra food for Fluffy.

THERE’S A NEW SYSTEM FOR REENTRY STICKERS

Tax Collector’s office responsible for distribution of vehicle reentry decals Residents from Ocean Reef to Stock Island: Stickers are available at the Monroe County Tax Collector’s office locations from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Monday through Friday.

Tax Collector Locations: Key West - 1200 Truman Ave., Ste 101, or the DMV at 3304 N. Roosevelt Blvd Marathon - 3015 Overseas Highway Big Pine Key – 247 Key Deer Blvd. (Tuesday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.)

Plantation Key - 88800 Overseas Highway Key Largo - 101487 Overseas Highway

Take it from Sheriff Rick Ramsay: Now is the time to prepare for hurricane season, which means not forgetting the paperwork.

“That means getting your evacuation plan in place, gathering important documents, stocking your shelves and cleaning up the yard among all the myriad other steps we take each year to stay safe,” Ramsay said.

Ramsay wants all locals to know that Sheriff’s Office Substations are no longer distributing hurricane reentry vehicle stickers. The Monroe County Tax Collector’s office is responsible for providing reentry decals.

As per Monroe County Emergency Management: Residents may obtain one sticker for each registered vehicle by providing proof of residency at a Monroe County Tax Collector’s office. Proof of residency includes a Florida Driver’s License and vehicle registration, or a property bill with an out-of-county vehicle registration for out-of-county residents who own a home in Monroe County.

These stickers make reentry easier if checkpoints are required to assure safe reentry into the Keys following a destructive storm that causes a public safety issue.

Weiner said they encourage residents to obtain a reentry sticker before hurricane season. Stickers will not be available once a state of emergency is declared in Monroe County, which occurs several days before a storm is forecast to strike.

“The whole gist of the sticker is get people into the county faster and keep traffic moving into the Keys,” she said.

The new system is barcoded with color-coded stickers for zone-by-zone reentry. Lower Keys residents from the south end of the 7- Mile Bridge to Stock Island (MM

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Hurricane Guide 2022

2022 hurricane season reentry stickers are available at your local tax collector’s office.

40 to MM 4) will be dark pink, Middle Keys residents from the south end of the Long Key Bridge to the north end of the 7-Mile Bridge (MM 64 to MM 47) are aqua, and Upper Keys residents from the county line including Ocean Reef to the north end of the Long Key Bridge (MM 113 to MM 64) will have a purple decal.

For those wondering when they’ll be able to return to the Keys, emergency management officials encourage people to sign up for the Alert! Monroe system. It enables people to receive emergency alerts and information via text messages, phone calls or emails.

Sign up at www.monroecountyem.com/ alertmonroe.

For more information, including the tax collector locations to get your reentry sticker, go to www.monroecounty-fl. gov/916/Reentry-Vehicle-WindshieldStickers.

MM 88.6

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IN THE NOE

Tips on surviving hurricane season from Keys resident and lifelong meteorologist Don Noe Key Largo resident Don Noe spent a good part of his career as a meteorologist helping South Floridians prepare for the dreaded hurricane season. As the chief meteorologist at WPLG-Channel 10 from 1979 to 2008, Noe calmly talked viewers through approaching storms, including a 1992 devastating Category 5 hurricane named Andrew.

Surprisingly, it was a tropical storm a few years ago named Eta that really rattled Noe, quite literally.

"I remember being in the double-wide, I felt the thing shake and move," he said. "It's the creepiest thing to have things underneath you move left and right and left and right. It's like, oh my goodness, this is not supposed to happen."

Noe purchased his canal front Key Largo manufactured home in 2002 and moved to the Keys permanently in 2014.

On the night of Nov. 8, 2020, Noe was in the double-wide with his son when Tropical Storm Eta, packing winds of 65 mph, hit. Noe's home has eight tie-down straps, securing the trailer in place. Still, it shook and swayed and then something else happened.

Noe. Noe says song lyrics from Lower Keys musician Howard Livingston sum up his concerns perfectly. "But there's a price you pay for living by the sea, when the tropical depression becomes a Category 3."

Citing statistics from the National Hurricane Center, Noe says if you live in the Keys long enough, you will likely be impacted by a hurricane.

"About every nine years, or so, there will be a hurricane that will pass within about 55 miles of any given point in the Keys. Every 18 years, it will be a major hurricane, Category 3 or higher."

"Everything was okay until about 1 o'clock in the morning and there was a loud bang. I saw something weird I've never seen before. It was an awning that was stuck into the side of my trailer," said Noe. "It kind of impaled itself into the side of the house." The awning had come off the neighbor's twostory house and flew over his roof.

"The lesson is it doesn't have to be a hurricane to cause damage," said Noe. The 2022 Atlantic hurricane season starts June 1 and runs through Nov. 30. This year is forecast to be an active or "above normal" season, with 14 to 21 named storms.

"The worst thing that happens and my biggest fear and every meteorologist's biggest fear, is rapid intensification," said

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Hurricane Guide 2022

THE WORST THING THAT HAPPENS AND MY BIGGEST FEAR AND EVERY METEOROLOGIST'S BIGGEST FEAR, IS RAPID INTENSIFICATION.

Noe recommends three websites for hurricane information: www.nhc.noaa.gov www.weather.gov www.local10.com

"Most of the times when you're told to evacuate, in hindsight it wasn't necessary, BUT, BUT, the time it is, you can't afford not to," warns Noe. "If you decide to ignore evacuation orders and go it on your own, have a safe place to hide from the wind and especially the water."

A FEW OTHER TIPS FROM DON NOE *If you have a generator, fire it up now and make sure it is working. *Have plenty of water. No need to buy little water bottles, you can purchase collapsible water bottles and fill when needed. *Have plenty of bandages and antiseptic. Accidents happen during storm cleanup. *Take note of what you use electricity for and have a plan should it go out. *If you decide to stay during a hurricane, have a safe place to ride it out.

Don Noe in a WPLG-TV billboard from the early 1980’s (Courtesy: WPLG-TV)

Now is a good time for Keys residents to make sure they have their re-entry stickers, just in case they are told to evacuate. The new color-coded stickers came out last year allowing residents to get one sticker for each registered vehicle with proof of residency.

The stickers can be picked up at the Monroe County Tax Collector's office.

When asked if he would evacuate his double-wide should a storm approach, Noe reflected on his experience with Tropical Storm Eta and said he would most likely hit the road.

"If it was another strong tropical storm or any category hurricane, I think that I would not want to stay. The most important message here is to heed the advice coming out of the National Hurricane Center and Monroe County officials."

Meteorologist Don Noe enjoying retired life in Key Largo.

www.nhc.noaa.gov 35

PLAN AHEAD FOR PETS AND TYKES These vulnerable ones need your care Keys Weekly staff

PETS Your pets are dependent on you and the decisions you make. Hurricane Katrina revealed the folly of trying to separate humans from their animals and many people and pets lost their lives. Now, however, there’s legislation in place mandating space for animals at shelters. There is never a reason to leave behind domesticated animals when evacuating from a storm. Here’s how to keep your pet safe in the event of a hurricane: • Microchip your pet, plus have your pet wear a collar with an ID and rabies tag. Carry pictures of your pet to aid in finding a lost pet.

• Consider a harness (and leash) for your cat, but allow plenty of time to get them used to wearing it BEFORE a storm approaches. Get a harness made especially for cats, who can wriggle out of anything else. It could prevent a stressed-out, thunder-shy kitty from darting away and hiding.

BABIES As families in the Florida Keys prepare for the upcoming storm season, they will hear about the various storm warnings, evacuation orders and how to prepare a home for a storm.

With all the information swirling about, including checklists for purchasing batteries, flashlights and water, it’s important not to lose sight of protecting life — especially that of pregnant women and babies.

• Mothers-to-be need to make certain they have an alternate birth plan and location in case the order to evacuate is given.

Do some research and collect phone numbers and locations for local providers in that area. In the past, some Keys mothers have evacuated and given birth in another part of the state.

This scenario may be unlikely, but for the mother nearing a due date, a backup plan is essential.

• For the baby, nutritional and comfort needs must be considered first when creating a hurricane kit either at home, or for a car ride out to safer ground.

• Babies 6 months and younger need to have a supply of breastmilk or formula. For those babies that drink formula, the family needs to have a supply of safe drinking water and a method to sanitize bottles (or use disposable dispensers).

Pack at least three full day and nights worth of bottles, water and formula.

• Consider packing comfort items for your child such as favorite blankets, pajamas or dolls. Having the child’s comfort items and nutritional needs already planned for can ease some of the burden of the storm. Oh, last but not least, don’t forget to stock up on extra baby wipes and diapers. Supplies can be slow to restock in stores after a storm.

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Hurricane Guide 2022

• Prepare an evacuation pack for your pet. It should include food and water for 2-4 weeks. Keep dry food sealed in waterproof containers, and pack bowls for food and water as well as a can opener if necessary. Also pack kitty litter and litter trays and bring bags to pick up after your pet. Carry copies of your pets’ medical records and take your pets’ medications. Check that your crate is in good condition, or purchase one before a storm threatens.

• Storm prep and evacuation will likely be stressful on your pet. Make special efforts to minimize the stress. Look for common signs of fear, and take time to comfort your pet often when your pet is fearful. In extreme cases, speak with your vet about medications that can help with anxiety and stress.

Make a plan, and be sure your pet is welcome at your hurricane evacuation destination. Be aware of the Keys’ four pet-friendly shelters during Category 1 and 2 storms: Key West High School, Sugarloaf School, Marathon High School and Coral Shores High School. If you have the ability, speak with your local shelter about serving as a hurricane foster for shelter animals in the event of a storm.

LOCAL EMPLOYEES. LOCAL INVOLVEMENT. LOCAL PRIDE.

LOCAL MATTERS “Thank you Monroe County, Key West and Islamorada for trusting us as your provider.”

— Your LOCAL Waste Management team of the Florida Keys

Keys Weekly staff

PREPARE NOW TO WEATHER ANY STORM Tips from the electrical companies While preparing for every unexpected storm can be difficult, there are actions residents can take prior to a severe storm. Power companies in the Florida Keys are among the best in the world when it comes to restoring power after a hurricane. So when you see the Keys Energy and Florida Keys Electric Co-op trucks on the road after a storm, give them plenty of room to work — and thank those crews for what they’re doing. Take the time, now, to prevent outages when you can, and prepare for what may come.

CHECK TREES AROUND YOUR HOME Before a storm threatens, check the power lines surrounding your home. Take special notice of the “service drop” lines that connect your home to the nearest pole. If you see trees that could damage those lines in high winds, please contact FKEC or Keys Energy.

Make a tree trim request. If you see vegetation posing a potential threat to power lines, FKEC customers can submit an online tree trim request at www.fkec.com/services/ vegetation-management or by calling 305-852-2431. Keys Energy customers can call KEYS at 305.295.1010 to submit a tree trimming request, or submit your tree trimming request online.

EVACUATION PLAN If you or someone in your home is dependent on electric-powered, life-sustaining medical equipment, it is your responsibility to have an emergency plan for backup power or a plan to relocate when a storm warning is issued. Residents are encouraged to seek safety and follow any evacuation orders set by Monroe County.

STAY INFORMED During a storm, FKEC and Keys Energy Services will use all means of communication to keep customers informed. FKEC customers can sign up for outage texting. This service allows FKEC to send you power outage and restoration information as well as allowing you to report outages via text. Note, your mobile number must be pre-registered with FKEC to report via text www.fkec.com/ outage-center. Keys Energy customers can find out information on outages by visiting keysenergy.com/report-outage.

Before, during and after a storm, FKEC will share valuable information at www.FKEC.com,on Facebook @ FloridaKeysElectricCooperative and email to communicate. FKEC encourages members to have a current email address registered with the co-op. FKEC members can update contact information through the SmartHub online/mobile app or at https://fkec.com/ access-your-account/ Keys Energy will provide information at keysenergy.com and on Facebook @keysenergy.

STAY AWAY FROM DOWNED LINES Like a ripple in the water, electricity from a downed line flows into the ground in a big circle up to 35 feet away. This means even getting near a downed power line can be deadly.

Stay clear of all downed power lines or electrical equipment. Assume all cables and wires are energized and stay away. Call 911, FKEC at 305.852.2431 or Keys Energy at 305.295.1010 to report fallen power lines that present a clear and imminent danger to you or others.

If you have internet access after a storm, Keys Energy Services website also features an outage map that shows where power is out throughout its service area (Key West to the Seven Mile Bridge). FKEC also has a live outage viewer map where you can track the status of power outages. There is a prominent link on our home page but the direct link is: http://12.237.166.68:91.

PROTECT YOUR HOME Implement meter mounted surge protection. To protect your home from power surges, use a surge protector mounted at the electric meter in combination with plug-in surge protectors for individual voltage sensitive electronic devices. Before a storm threatens is the time to make sure you have adequate shutters and all the equipment needed to secure your house or business.

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Hurricane Guide 2022

Stay away from flooded areas, or standing water and debris, which could conceal “energized” wires.

Stay away from downed or sagging power lines, and do not touch anything that is on or near a power line (i.e., trees or tree limbs, cars, ladders).

Keep children and family pets away from areas where lines may have fallen (backyards, schoolyards, etc.).

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE Florida Keys Contractors Association

& Monroe County

PEACE

During storm season: Hire a licensed and insured contractor to get your home and business ready.

IS IMPORTANT DURING HURRICANE SEASON

After a storm: Hire licensed contractors to repair storm damaged structures.

OF MIND • Do you have a Monroe County License?

• Do you have general liability and workman's comp insurance?

• Are you familiar with Monroe County Building Regulations?

• Will you pull a permit if my work requires it?

• Have you done this type of work before?

• Are you self performing the entire project?

• Will you supply releases of liens for your subcontractors and suppliers?

• Does your contract state the contractor will apply for the permit by a certain date?

• Does your contract state the contractor will start the job within a certain time period after the permit is issued?

• Does your contract state the contractor will complete the job within a certain time period?

• How many projects is the contractor working on now? Does he have the capacity to complete my work?

• Do you have recent examples of similar work or references I can call to evaluate your work?

ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT /SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE (50%) RULE? WORK THAT REQUIRES A LICENSED AND INSURED CONTRACTOR

Electrical • Air Conditioning • Plumbing • Roofing • Shutters • Windows & Doors • Seawalls & Docks and more... please call for more information Monroe County Building Department 305-289-2501 monroecounty-fl.gov

Florida Keys Contractors Association

Florida Keys Contractors Association 305-743-9409 FKCA.org

The Special Needs Registry is not a replacement for having an evacuation plan of your own. Residents should try and seek help or shelter from family, friends or neighbors in a hurricane or other disaster. Public shelters should be a last resort for those who have no other choice.

For residents that have registered and requested transportation assistance, he or she will be notified through a specified method of communication in advance of evacuation.

At that time, the registrant must make a decision whether or not to evacuate with the help of county officials as there will be no second phone call. For those who decide to take part, they will be directed to the nearest staging area or arrangements will be made to pick them up. Registrants must have belongings and supplies packed and ready to go.

Special-needs registry looks after most vulnerable To meet the special needs of residents with physical and mental challenges during evacuations and sheltering, Florida law requires each local emergency management agency in the state to maintain a registry of disabled persons in that agency’s jurisdiction.

“Our special-needs residents will be screened, transported, sheltered and cared for under the same pandemic precautions as the general population — temperature checks, hand sanitizer stations, social distancing measures, increased sanitation schedules, increased square footage per person, and isolation locations for those that are sick,” said Shannon Weiner, Monroe County Emergency Management director.

Masks will be “recommended” and each person who shelters will receive a mask upon entry to the shelter.

With Monroe County’s system, Everbridge, registrants will be notified by telephone, text, email, or smartphone of a pending evacuation and be given specific instructions to follow when evacuating to the Special Needs Shelter. Officials will make every attempt to reach out via the methods the registrant prescribes when he or she registers.

Eligible conditions for the Special Needs Shelter include, but are not limited to: Being dependent on supplemental oxygen • Limited mobility • Needing assistance with daily activities such as feeding, medications and hygiene • Moderate dementia • Cognitive impairment • Immobile or wheelchair bound • In need of wound care and/or in need of constant supervision.

All applications will be reviewed by medical staff from the Department of Health and assessed for program eligibility.

Ineligible applicants will be referred to applicable sheltering options, which may include a general population emergency shelter or a specialized medical facility or nursing home.

40 Hurricane Guide 2022

EMERGENCY BUS Monroe County encourages individuals living in storm surge planning zones and mobile homes to have arrangements in place to stay outside of the areas called for phased evacuations during a tropical storm or hurricane.

“Our specialMonroe County Emergency needs residents Management will activate specific emergency will be screened, evacuation bus pick-up transported, stops along U.S. 1 as sheltered and directed by the Monroe cared for under the County Sheriff’s Office.

same pandemic precautions as the general population.”

“Monroe County regular bus service (Key West Transit and Miami-Dade Express) run free of charge, utilizing all regular stops, to the general population shelters designated open when a general population evacuation has been called,” said Weiner.

It is the responsibility of the residents to get to the designated pick up site. The buses placed into service for the evacuation will have displays that read “EMERGENCY EVACUATION” and these buses will only travel between the Keys and the out-ofcounty hurricane shelter.

HOW DO I SIGN UP? The registration portal can be reached by visiting Special Needs Registry Everbridge Application Portal (https://member. everbridge.net/892807736729402/login) and applicants will be directed through the registration process. Applicants may also download the Everbridge App for smartphones at https:// www.everbridge.com/app or through the App Store for iPhone and Google Play for Android devices. If residents are unable to register on their own, or do not have access to the internet, they may seek assistance through a home health care provider, primary care physician, case manager, or family and friends.

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info@Rhendrickconstruction.com www.nhc.noaa.gov 41

By Alex Rickert

WHAT TO DO NEXT In the Keys, information about hurricane preparedness and evacuations is plentiful wherever you look. But all too often, those returning to an area ravaged by a storm are often left with the same question: “Okay, now what?”

It goes without saying that every hurricane is different, and the severity of damages and the post-storm environment will vary with each weather event. However, some tips are critical regardless of the situation.

After speaking with first responders and emergency management officials, here are the tips that Keys Weekly heard stressed above all:

FOLLOW THE PLAN Decisions to call for tourist or resident evacuations are not made lightly, and the same goes for phased reentry programs.

Following the directions of emergency management officials and first responders is the absolute key in any disaster situation.

“We base our decisions on the information we’re getting from the National Weather Service,” said Shannon Weiner, Monroe County’s director of emergency management. “It’s definitely a threat level-based decision. And the first thing we’re working on is making sure it’s safe so residents can get home, because we all live here too.”

“Everything works, if everyone follows the directions,” said MCSO captain Don Hiller. “There’s a lot of science going into these decisions. People have to be confident that we’ve got a lot of people who are living and breathing this 24 hours a day.”

UNDERSTAND THE SITUATION In the aftermath of a storm, residents may be left without access to critical resources, including power, water, gas, food, phone service and emergency medical services. Every storm brings its own challenges, but residents planning to ride out a hurricane or return immediately after should be fully equipped to be selfsufficient for days or even weeks with no outside assistance or purchases.

42

Hurricane Guide 2022

“A person uses about 3 gallons of water a day,” said Islamorada Fire Chief Terry Abel. “Stock up enough of a supply that can last days. “A tire plugging kit, work gloves and protective eye wear are important items to have.”

For those with underlying health conditions, returning to potentially moldy environments with no air conditioning can escalate respiratory and cardiac conditions. “We did have some severe medical issues with people coming back,” said Marathon fire chief John Johnson. “We lost a few, and a few had to be transported out right away.”

BE PART OF THE SOLUTION, NOT THE PROBLEM While roadblocks like the controversial ones put in place in the Upper Keys following Hurricane Irma are exceedingly rare, they are used to manage situations in which law enforcement and other first responders cannot adequately serve residents in danger and ensure that enough resources are available to serve returning residents. Even in the absence of these barriers, emergency management personnel and first responders are spread thin in their attempts to manage a natural disaster.

Residents must be mindful of the tasks they undertake immediately after the storm; unless there is an immediate life safety concern, most jobs can be pushed off. In other words, don’t climb up on an intact roof with a chainsaw and start chopping up branches.

“The bottom line is, if you fall off your roof trying to repair your roof after we let you in, there’s no hospital,” said Don Hiller. “And you can’t call an ambulance, because your phone doesn’t work. …

So it becomes a life or death situation. … More people magnify the problem. Imagine your family not being able to get services if you need it.”

THE NUTS AND BOLTS • Turning off water lines before a storm, or immediately after, can help when it comes time to repressurize the system. Be sure to check water lines out at shorelines and docks, which are exposed and break easily.

YOUR PROPERTY’S BEST DEFENSE Although there were some reports of looting following Hurricane Irma, most instances were “crimes of opportunity” in which property was not properly secured.

The best defense? Making all possible preparations before a storm. That means boarding up those windows, locking and sealing doors, and taking in every possible item from your yard or the exterior of your home. In extreme cases, a post-storm curfew may be enacted to assist law enforcement in preventing looting during evening patrols.

• DO NOT attempt to reenergize a home until it has been properly inspected.

Take extensive photos and videos of your property, your home and its contents both before and immediately after the storm. “Do that before you start to clean up,” said Weiner.

“The more you can document it, the more backup you’re going to have when you go to file an insurance claim.”

Hurricane Irma left the side of Overseas Highway piled high with debris from Key Largo to Key West.

911 IS *STILL* FOR EMERGENCIES ONLY Use of the 911 system is for emergencies only, not for calls about power outages, water leaks, and storm recovery information. “(After Irma) our 911 was so taxed for non-emergency stuff that we almost shut down the system due to overburden,” said Hiller.

• Even after water service is restored, be prepared to boil or otherwise sterilize tap water.

• Items with lithium batteries damaged by salt water, including electric cars, scooters and bikes, are a fire hazard, particularly as they begin to dry out. “As the salt water dries off, the salt maintains a connection with the batteries, and they shorted and started a fire,” Johnson said. Properly inspect all battery-powered items, and keep them away from your home or other flammable items.

• If you plan to use a generator, make sure you have the proper electrical connections and that your generator is powerful enough to run the appliances or devices you expect to use.

Only run generators in wellventilated areas.

• Prepare to make most purchases in cash until power and network services are restored.

www.nhc.noaa.gov 43

STAY UP TO DATE ON WEATHER AND LOCAL NOTIFICATIONS STAY UP TO DATE ON WEATHER AND LOCAL NOTIFICATIONS

MONROE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE Stay informed of emergency situations in the Florida Keys during storm season such as hurricane evacuation. The app is available to iPhone and Android users.

NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER This comprehensive hurricane tracker app includes satellite imagery animations, National Weather Service alerts, tropical weather push notifications and weather prediction center graphics.

Download for free.

MAX TRACKER Powered by WPLG Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross and WPLG’s Chief Certified Meteorologist Betty Davis, the app brings you the latest and most accurate information on developing tropical systems to help keep you and your family safe. Most importantly, it’s free. View projected hurricane paths and more.

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Hurricane Guide 2022

ALERT! MONROE Alert!Monroe is an Everbridge mass notification system used by Monroe County Emergency Management to share emergency notifications with residents quickly.

Notifications can include severe weather, evacuation information, fires, and other emergencies, as well as general important routine County information and announcements. Sign up by visiting monroecountyem. com and clock on the Alert!

Monroe button.

NOAA WEATHER RADAR LIVE This all-in-one weather tracker provides realtime radar images, severe weather alerts and much more to keep you safe. Monitor important National Weather Service watches, warnings and alerts. Download for free.

GAS BUDDY Needing gas as you evacuate the Keys? Find the best prices with the gas map. Sort by price, location and important things like restrooms.

New construction, service, remodels, residential and commercial All your plumbing service in one place We work with brands you trust

24-7 on call service CFC 1427099

305-783-5163 townsendplumbinginc.com Before the Power Goes Out: Protect Your Home: FKEC Meter Based Surge Protection is a device installed at your meter that offers a level of defense for your entire homes electric system.

FKEC “GenSafe” Device enables a portable generator to be safely connected to your home at the electric meter.

Learn more at www.FKEC.com/services/

Make sure FKEC has your current phone numbers. For faster restoration, make sure the number(s) you are most likely to call from to report an outage are registered to your account.

Update at www.fkec.com/access-your-account/ or call 305-852-2431

Make sure FKEC can access your meter.

To make repairs FKEC must have 24 hour access to your electric meter equipment.

If your power goes out, check your breakers first. Approximately 33% of all power outages are caused by breaker issues, which are the responsibility of the member to resolve.

Report the outage. Call 305-852-2431 or Text

“outage” to 45183 to report your outage. Note, your mobile number must be preregistered with FKEC to report via text.

www.fkec.com/outage-center/

Safety first! Stay clear of all downed power lines or electrical equipment. Call 911 to report a downed power line you feel presents a clear and imminent danger. Then report to FKEC at (305) 852-2431.

305.852.2431 • www.FKEC.com www.nhc.noaa.gov 45

BEEN THERE, DONE THAT

TIPS FROM THOSE WHO’VE BEEN THROUGH THE STORM Are you new around here? Welcome to the Florida Keys — and to hurricane season.

Unfortunately, you can’t have one without the other. But now is the time to get yourself acquainted with the recommended safety tips and supply checklists. There are plenty of resources, including this guide, to ensure you have all the important bases covered.

But there are some other great ideas, innovations and improvisations that come from those who have storm experience on the island chain. Other than emergency management directives, Keys locals who’ve lived through (and ridden out) storms might be the best authority for tips and tricks as hurricanes and tropical storms take aim at our island chain. We asked a few for their words of wisdom:

Keys Weekly staff

JOHN SCHAEFER Mail carrier for USPS, Marathon John made the decision to ride out Hurricane Irma in his second-floor condo, sleeping in his tub while wearing a life jacket and helmet with a kayak at the ready. For those who choose to “ride it out,” he stressed the importance of having a team of friends or family at the ready to help each other and address urgent needs both before and after the storm. In the potential absence of cell service, having a backup method of communication is key, as well as supplies to be self-sufficient.

“We used walkie talkies,” he said. “That was huge, having a communication system. Make sure you also have at least two weeks’ worth of water, food, and other stuff you’ll need. Don’t forget water to wash clothes, and things like a way to manage the waste coming out of your body. Don’t make it a problem for someone else.”

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Hurricane Guide 2022

CAPT. STAN MILES Fishing captain in Key West

JIM MOONEY Then-mayor of Islamorada

Hurricane Irma’s destruction had to land somewhere, and thousands of nails and other sharp objects landed in driveways and roadways, flattening countless tires.

He rode out Hurricane Irma from his solid concrete home with impact windows (yes, he still put his shutters on to prevent damage from a flying pea rock). And while devastation from Irma didn’t compare to the scene in the Lower Keys, the storm did inflict severe damage in certain areas of Islamorada.

Mooney waited until conditions were calm to leave his house and inspect the debris and destruction.

Just a month before the storm, Capt.

Stan Miles had ordered a tire-inflator adaptor that he could attach to one of his scuba air tanks. In the days following Hurricane Irma, Miles didn’t leave home without an air tank and his adaptor, which he used on two of his own tires and the tires of about seven other friends and neighbors. (In addition to the tire-inflator adaptor, he threw a couple tire plug kits into his trusty, ole Ford F150 and got plenty of folks back on the road.

“This adaptor was the best 12 bucks I ever spent,” Miles said, adding that he also filled buckets from the backyard pool and used that to flush the toilet when the water was out.

Mooney said it doesn’t take much for a power line to fall and be off the grid for days — or even weeks. “Whatever you do, don’t go outside during the storm because one piece of debris flying can kill you. A downed power line can kill you. Once the storm clears, don't’ clear anything off power lines. People need to know that things can go south quickly. You can get hurt after the storm as easily as during a storm.”

THESE ITEMS CAN BE HANDY DURING & AFTER A STORM

By Jim McCarthy In times of a storm, preparation is vital in order to keep your family and your home safe and sound. Canned green beans, a working generator and gallons of water are important items to stow away. And so are handy gadgets. Consider adding these go-to gadgets and items to your storm supply list.

GOSUN CHILLEST COOLER In times of intense heat and no power, keep your food items cold with the ultimate portable fridge. The Chillest cools food and drinks with electricity from 12V, AC or solar. The dual zone 45-liter cooler prepares you for anything. Set the temperature anywhere from -4 degrees to 68 degrees Fahrenheit using buttons on the cooler. $799

STORM SAFETY WHISTLE

GOAL ZERO YETI 1000X It can power a portable fridge or TV and it’s small enough to place it into a closet or the trunk of a car. The Goal Zero Yeti Lithium 1000x portable power station keeps essential devices running when you’re off the grid. This 31-pound station contains 1,500 watt AC inverter and 3,000 watt surge — enough to power portable fridges, grills, CPAP devices and cameras.

Battery capacity is 983 watt hours. $1,499.95

It’s dubbed the world’s loudest whistle at 130 decibels, and it can be heard above virtually any competing sound. Its unique patented design allows it to be heard underwater, up to 50 feet, because the sounding chamber forces all water to be purged when the whistle is blown. $5.89

ARLO GO WIRELESS SECURITY CAMERA Did the storm knock out your power? Do you want to keep the security camera rolling on your property or home in the time you have without Wi-Fi? With Arlo Go’s wireless security camera, hook it up to your 4G LTE cellular plan to keep an eye on your property. Get access to live video and twoway audio. And notifications immediately appear on your phone. It’s great not only for homes but also boats. $429.99

LUMINAID POWER LANTERN The Firefly 2-in-1 power lantern is a popular model for home and outdoor use. With a maximum brightness of 130 Lumens, there’s ample light to see where you’re going should the power go out.

It also charges phones, cameras and tablets. It’s compatible with iPhone and Android. $75

www.nhc.noaa.gov 47

During a Hurricane...

Is it OK to FLUSH? A GUIDE TO SEWER USE DURING A HURRICANE, TROPICAL STORM OR FLOOD

The Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District (KLWTD) and Islamorada, Village of Islands are at work before, during and after a storm to keep the central sewer collection system and processing plant fully operational.

KLWTD service area: Mile Marker 106 to the north end of the Tavernier Creek Bridge Islamorada service area: south of the Tavernier Creek Bridge to the south end of Lower Matecumbe Key While the wastewater system is designed to operate during most significant storm events, there are a few conditions where service may be interrupted. It is important for our customers to understand these situations.

Condition

Restrictions

More Information

WIDESPREAD POWER OUTAGES

None

Sewer facilities are on generator back-up and are regularly tested and prepared for power interruptions. If you have an on-site (grinder pump) system, you will need to conserve sewer usage until power is restored to your home.

EXTREME WIND WITH RAIN

Reduced Usage Recommended

Heavy rain with extreme winds (over 50 mph) can pose a threat to power generators. The system may be temporarily interrupted during these periods but will be restored immediately after.

FLOODING

Reduced Usage NECESSARY

Rising water above the in-home drains can allow for the infiltration of large amounts of water into the sewer system.

During periods of flooding, portions of the collection system may be temporarily shut down to avoid overwhelming the system.

MANDATORY EVACUATIONS and RECOVERY

Reduced Usage NECESSARY

During periods of mandatory evacuations, service may be interrupted. The system will be restored, usually before re-entry is allowed to the general public.

"Reduce Usage" means: Water usage should be for essential sanitary purposes only.

Minimize toilet flushing, avoid use of washing machines and dishwashers.

✔ Do not park or place debris on or next to air terminals, utility boxes or manhole covers. ✔ Notify your wastewater district of leaks or system failures. ✔ Never drain storm waters into the sewer system – it’s against the law. ✔ Follow us on Facebook for updates during extreme weather conditions.

Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District

Islamorada Village of Islands

Office (24-hour service) 305-451-4019

Office 305-664-6450 Sewer Emergency 305-359-0813

www.klwtd.com facebook.com/klwastewater

www.islamorada.fl.us facebook.com/IslamoradaFloridaKey