Hurricane Preparations Encouraging

As we near the summer months, thoughts naturally turn to preparing for another hurricane season. Experts are varied in their predictions of the likelihood of a major storm hitting the Sarasota region - but in the end, Nature herself will have the final word. Although the last two seasons have certainly been catastrophic in some areas, those communities better prepared for a major storm will certainly fare better. Living on the Florida Gulf Coast is a special lifestyle understood by our residents; and perhaps not by others nationwide who fear the storms. But while we cannot control Mother Nature, we are making great strides to better prepare for her inevitable arrival in the form of a major storm .

One of the factors that makes it a bit easier is that in large degree, we have ample warning that a storm is on its way. On a personal level, residents are well aware of their responsibility to stockpile water, non-perishable foods, batteries and the like. We know to watch carefully a storms path, gas up our cars and keep a spare gas can full as well. We have purchased hurricane film, shutters and millions of plywood barriers for our homes. But are our communities preparing at the same level of conscientiousness? In the Sarasota region the answer is a resounding yes.

Emergency management officials in the region report :

* New Red Cross offices have been set up to recruit volunteers and serve as additional backup sites

* New "hardened shelters (at least 18 feet above sea level) are being identified and readied, even in low lying counties

* Sarasota County has spent $2 million dollars equipping special-needs shelters, increasing capacity and hard wiring generators for oxygen for any patients who may need it.

* Pet-friendly shelters in the county have doubled

* A special team of 180 doctors, nurses and healthcare workers has been assembled for rapid responses in an emergency

* The Senior Friendship Center in Sarasota county is working with other faith based groups to assemble volunteers for debris clean up and water distribution after a storm

* The Sarasota K-9 Search and Rescue Team bought a new trailer not only for dispatch of supplies, but an air conditioned spot for the four-legged workers to rest.

Hurricanes can be scary, of course. But as we get better at predicting the paths, being pro-active, and responding to our neighbors, we lessen the impacts. Residents of South Florida understand that the benefits of living in such a paradise make this season a necessity to go through - but we are ready!