Manatee urges residents not to rely on county hurricane shelters because of COVID-19

May 30--MANATEE -- The combination of the COVID-19 pandemic and the start of hurricane season on Monday is bringing changes to how residents should prepare for a major storm.

The coronavirus is forcing Manatee County government to significantly reduce the capacity of hurricane shelters in the event of an evacuation. According to Emergency Management Chief Steve Litschauer, the county's shelter capacity has been cut from more than 36,000 to 14,000.

"A shelter -- this year with COVID-19 -- really is a refuge of last resort. It truly is," Litschauer said, explaining that social distancing guidelines recommend providing 60 sq.uare feet pf space per guest, instead of the usual 20 square feet. "We always say it's a lifeboat, not a pleasure cruise. Now it's more of a kayak."

"In normal times, (county hurricane shelters are) uncomfortable at best, but at the end of the day it keeps you safe from the elements -- that, we can guarantee," added Nick Azzara, the county's information outreach manager. "There is no guarantee you'll stay clear of the coronavirus at a shelter. You're putting yourself at risk if you come in -- end of story."

The county's shelters should always be used as a last resort, Litschauer said, but space limitations make the situation even more critical. In the meantime, county officials continue to consider other safely located facilities that can be used as shelters to increase capacity.

Azzara said Manatee County residents can learn from Hurricane Irma in 2017, when roadways clogged with evacuees. Instead of driving for hundreds of miles to flee the state, residents should consider hunkering down in a hotel or short-term rental located inland, away from high-risk flood zones.

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In a Friday afternoon press conference, Jared Moskowitz, director of Florida's Division of Emergency Management, said officials are working with hotels across the state to serve as shelters, as well. About 200 have already volunteered.

Litschauer also stressed the importance of putting together a hurricane kit as soon as possible. As the pandemic forces grocery stores to continue limiting sales of items like soup cans, cleaning supplies and other essentials, it could take weeks to fully prepare.

"Don't hoard, but now start stocking up and don't wait for a storm to come around because as the season progresses, it'll get worse," Litschauer warned. "A lot of stores are limiting, so it may take several weeks to stock up. Like with soup, some are limiting to two cans at a time. That could take 2, 3, 4 weeks to complete your kit."

This year, weather experts are expecting a busy season for named storms. Despite the prediction, Manatee officials are urging residents to get ready and stay ready. Plans should be made to ensure the safety of loved ones, pets and those with medical needs.

"We've already had two named storms and we're not even in the season, so that's concerning for everyone," Litschauer

said. "As we've been saying for the past couple of years, it only takes one. That's what we want citizens to be concerned about; not whether it's 10 storms, nine storms or whatever -- it's to be concerned about that one that's headed for us and to be prepared."

Manatee residents are encouraged to sign up for the latest alerts safety alerts by testing "ManateeReady" to 888-777. Users can also sign up by visiting MyManatee.org/emergency. That website will also help residents build a disaster kit and learn their evacuation level.

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