The latest on Hurricane Irma

Irma Cone Map (Updated at 2pm 9/8/17)

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (Sept. 8, 2017) – Charlotte County will open one shelter at Kingsway Elementary in Port Charlotte at 9 a.m. on Saturday morning.

Charlotte County Emergency Management recommends that the following residents evacuate:

• Those living in mobile homes and trailers
• Properties designated “Zone A – Red” areas (visit www.CharlotteCountyFL.gov and click “Know Your Zone”)
• Don Pedro Island, Knight Island (Palm Island), Little Gasparilla Island, Gasparilla Island and Manasota Key

The following shelter location will open Sept. 9 at 9 a.m.:

• Kingsway Elementary School – 23300 Quasar Boulevard, Port Charlotte

When Kingsway Elementary reaches capacity, a second shelter location will be announced based on the expected storm surge and updated information.

Plan ahead to stay with friends and family members who live outside of evacuation areas or flood zones, in a well-constructed home. If you have no place to go, shelters are refuges of last resort.

Shelters are not equipped to supply food, water or other provisions. If you evacuate to a shelter, plan to take the following items to sustain yourself and dependents:

• Two-day supply of non-perishable foods
• Two-day supply of drinking water
• A change of clothing, rain gear, and sturdy shoes
• Toiletries and personal items
• Blankets or sleeping bag, pillow, and lawn chair
• Identification
• Games, toys, books, or other entertainment
• Special items needed for infants or elderly family members
• Any special dietary needs
• Battery operated radio and flashlight with extra batteries
• Any medications that you take

At this time Kingsway Elementary School is a pet-friendly shelter for dogs and cats. Pet owners are liable for any/all damages which are caused by their pet. This includes, but is not limited to, property damage, animal bites, animal attacks, and any related injuries.

 If you have a dog or cat, please bring the following in addition to what is shown above:

• Identification for your pet – include a current photo preferably one with you and your pet together.
• A crate and bedding large enough for your animal to move around in when contained in the crate, as well as hold water food and litter.
• A sheet to cover the crate to help relieve stress. 
• A collar and leash or if needed a muzzle.
• 7 day supply of litter/food/water, including feeding bowls, & manual can openers if needed, as well as cleaning supplies - paper towels, newspapers, disinfectant, plastic bags.
• Medications & CURRENT MEDICAL RECORDS – be sure to include current vaccinations records, rabies tag and/or micro chip.
• Pet comfort items – toys, blankets, treats.
• Out of the area contact information which includes names addresses and phone numbers.
• You will be required to sign a release of liability at the time of entry into the shelter. Charlotte County reserves the right to deny access to any animal

A special needs shelter opened today at 1 p.m. for pre-registered special needs residents. These residents have been contacted individually with details.

      Media and public can follow Charlotte County Emergency Management important emergency information at www.charlottecountyfl.gov,  www.facebook.com/oemcharlottecounty, and www.twitter.com/ccoem.

1:00pm advisory from Desoto County Emergency Management

September 8, 2017 1:00 PM

*******IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT SHELTERS********

Information about Shelter Openings will change with the storm. As of now the storm has slowed down a little and landfall is expected late Saturday or Sunday. Shelter times are being changed to make sure people aren't in shelters unnecessarily. Please pay attention to this Facebook page or email for further announcements.A General Population Shelter will be opened at the DeSoto Middle School. This shelter is not pet ready. A Special Needs shelter (for individuals who need mechanical aid or oxygen for survival) will be opened at the South Florida State College Campus on Friday, Time to be determined. You must register for this shelter

.Special Needs Shelter - Opening Saturday at 3 PMApplicants must register to use this shelter. This shelter will reach capacity. Please only apply if you need mechanical aid or oxygen to survive. See Special Needs page:https://snr.floridadisaster.org/Signin?ReturnUrl=%2fSurveysSouth Florida State College2251 NE Turner AvenueArcadia, FL 34266

DeSoto County Public Shelter - Open Saturday at 10 AM

DeSoto Middle School and Gymnasium420 East Gibson StreetArcadia, FL 34266 Location: Corner of East Gibson and LaSalona Avenue, three (3) blocks east of US 17

It has become more likely that Irma will make landfall in southern Florida as a dangerous major hurricane, and bring life-threatening storm surge and wind impacts to much of the state.DeSoto County Emergency Management is recommending VOLUNTARY EVACUATIONS for people in low lying/flood prone areas, residents of RV Parks and residents of mobile homes. Areas of flooding concerns are areas near Horse Creek, the Peace River, Spring Lake, and parts of Lake Suzy. If you are going to evacuate, start doing it now.For more information, please contact emergency management at 863-993-4831.Forecast graphics updated from the 11 AM Advisory.

Know Your Zone!

For more information on flooding risk..go to the following Charlotte County website:

https://www.charlottecountyfl.gov/services/emergencymgmt/Pages/Flooding-Risks.aspx

Click on the banner below to enter your address to determine which flood zone you are in.

Shelter-in-Place Recommended for All Special Needs Registration at Full Capacity CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (Sept. 7, 2017) –

 With the current forecast of minimal storm surge, residents are encouraged to shelter-in-place. Charlotte County special needs shelter registration has reached full capacity. Those who are oxygen dependent should have a 36-hour supply of oxygen on hand. People who are electric-dependent need to prepare to shelter-in-place with an electrical backup. For sheltering in place, including residents with special needs, you should be prepared to do the following

:•Select a small, interior room, with no or few windows. Remember mobile homes are not built to withstand the high winds associated with tropical storms and hurricanes

.•Close and lock all windows and exterior doors. Windows should be reinforced with hurricane shutters or at least 5/8” plywood

.•Turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems. Close the fireplace damper.•Get your family disaster supplies kit including a first aid kit

. •Bring your pets inside, and be sure to bring additional food and water supplies for them. Do not allow pets to go outside until the danger has passed

.•Fill your bathtub with water to clean and flush toilets

.•It is ideal to have a hard-wired telephone in the room you select. Call your emergency contact and have the phone available if you need to report a life-threatening condition. Cellular telephone equipment may be overwhelmed or damaged during an emergency

.•Keep listening to your radio or television until you are told all is safe or you are told to evacuate. Make sure you have the following items:At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food, including any special dietary needs and a manual can opener

. •One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation.•Special items needed for infants or elderly family members.

 •Battery operated or hand crank radio and flashlight with extra batteries

. •Any medications that you take and glasses.You must take responsibility for yourself and your family in an emergency. Part of any plan is to identify and use all available resources. Plan ahead with friends and family members where possible who lives outside of the evacuation area or flood zones, in a well-constructed home. Media and public can follow Charlotte County Emergency Management important emergency information at

 www.charlottecountyfl.gov,www.facebook.com/oemcharlottecounty,

 and www.twitter.com/ccoem.

Watch the latest info on storm preparation with Charlotte County Emergency Manager Jerry Mallet:

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