South Florida Hurricane Shelter Space Could Be Cut By A Third Due To COVID-19

May 31--SARASOTA -- If a hurricane approaches, Sarasota-Manatee residents who flee to disaster shelters could be met with medical screenings, and even "no vacancy" signs.

That's because more space is needed at shelters to accommodate the Centers for Disease Control's new social-distancing guidelines. The hurricane season begins June 1 and lasts until Nov. 31. However, weather experts are calling for an above-average season and there have already been two named storms: Arthur and Bertha.

"We will not be able to hold as many people as we normally could have before COVID-19 came into play," said Ed McCrane, the emergency management chief for Sarasota County. "That creates challenges for us to find other locations. As many people as possible should stay with friends and family."

COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus that has wreaked havoc around the globe, is a severe respiratory illness spread from person-to-person through coughs and sneezes. People who congregate are asked to remain at least 6 feet apart and wear a mask.

Residents who do end up in evacuation shelters will be more comfortable. Each person will be assigned to 60 square feet of floor space rather than the traditional 20 square feet. But that comfort will mean far fewer people can be accommodated.

"Our shelter capacity was 36,842," said Steve Litschauer, emergency management chief for Manatee County. "Mathematically, that brings us down to 13,047."

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That means people might want to consider bunking up with friends or family members.

Individuals in Sarasota County who need help during an evacuation should sign up early for the Medical Needs Program to ensure they receive transport. Manatee offers similar assistance through its Special Needs Registry.

Disaster shelters should be a last resort, emergency management officials say.

"Even in the midst of the COVID-19 response that we've been doing, we've been doing a lot of advance planning," McCrane said. "Thinking about how this situation changes our emergency operations center staffing, the evacuation center staffing, the equipment we need to keep the public safe, and important messaging about what people do."

Residents seeking shelter can can expect to undergo a medical screening involving questions and a temperature check before they are admitted. The global pandemic is expected to last well into 2021 and there is currently no treatment.

Manatee County spokesman Nicholas Azzara said many people unnecessarily evacuated to shelters during Hurricane Irma.

"Probably 70% of the homes in Manatee County can withstand strong winds," Azzara said. "It's flooding that is more of a concern."

Homeowners are urged to know the strengths of their home.

According to Manatee County building codes, homes built on or after 2012 are capable of withstanding 150 mph winds (or a high Category 4 hurricane), homes built from March 2002-2012 can withstand winds of 130 mph (a low Category 4), and homes built before March 2002 can withstand 110 mph winds (Category 2). Some homes in places like Duette are capable of withstanding 90 mph winds.

The strength of your home can be determined by a wind mitigation study and home inspection. That could also lower the cost of your homeowner's insurance.

"People who live in homes built in 2002 under the Florida building code have a good opportunity to stay home if they've protected their doorways and windows with hurricane shutters or impact glass," McCrane says. "They'll be more comfortable in their home than a shelter."

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Prepare early

The biggest piece of advice emergency managers can offer is to prepare now. Many stores have limited supplies of personal hygiene and sanitation products.

The hurricane season starts Monday, and the Disaster Preparedness Tax Holiday lasts through Thursday. That allows Floridians to buy items like flashlights, generators and tarps without paying state or county sales tax.

A complete list of tax-free items can be found at floridarevenue.com/DisasterPrep/.

Litschauer recommends the following in every household's disaster kit: change of clothes, bedding supplies, books, games, cell phone chargers, personal comfort items, medications, first aid kit, flashlight, can opener, infant supplies, pet supplies, cash, personal sanitation items, local maps, tools, dust mask, whistle, water, food, gloves, and a battery-powered radio.

There should be enough food and water to last a week.

Litschauer said if you take medication to bring the prescription or the bottle, a lesson learned during Hurricane Michael when evacuees' doctor's offices and pharmacies was destroyed. They used pill bottles as proof of their prescription.

Individuals who live on the barrier islands, evacuation Zone A, or in mobile homes, recreational vehicles or boats will have mandatory evacuation orders.

Litschauer reminds people bringing pets to shelters to bring vaccination records, tags, food, treats, toys, bedding, plastic bags and a harness or leash, along with a picture that shows both the owner and pet.

COVID-19

Angie Lindsey, a University of Florida disaster expert and assistant professor, said the coronavirus has led the Federal Emergency Management Agency to create the "COVID-19 Pandemic Operational Guidance for the 2020 Hurricane Season."

The FEMA plan says emergency management chiefs should plan to conduct disaster response remotely, and make the public aware that the FEMA application process may not be conducted in person because of health and safety restrictions.

FEMA is focused on replenishing commodities that have been depleted by the COVID-19 pandemic response.

To support virtual deployments, the disaster agency will increase communications to the public through social media platforms, virtual town halls and coordinated messaging to survivors from FEMA leadership. They will ensure those messages are accessible to individuals with disabilities and limited English proficiency.

"It's historical," Lindsey said. "We have never dealt with anything like this before. As a community, the strength of our state is the ability to help each other.

"We must plan ahead as much as possible."

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