Storms are rolling across the water … are you ready?

With the first real storm threats of the season rolling across the ocean in our general direction, now is the time to make sure your emergency plan is in place.
Make sure your hurricane hang tags are up to date with the Boca Grande Fire Department. Resident tags are blue and commercial tags are orange. All tags issued from 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and, of course, 2016, are valid.
Keep the hang tag in the vehicle you would use if an evacuation is ordered.
Hang tags are only issued to business or residential owners. This does not include renters. If you rent a home, condo or apartment on the island, you must get your hang tag from the property owner, your landlord. Business owners must present a valid occupational license with a physical island address prior to application for hang tags for employees.
Hang tags can be applied for at the Boca Grande Fire Department on East Railroad Avenue between 10 a.m. and noon, and 2 to 4 p.m. on week days. The day before a hurricane or significant storm is to impact the island, the fire department’s administrative offices will be closed. Now is the time to get your tags.
If a severe storm or hurricane is approaching the island and you intend to stay, you are asked to leave your name, address where you are staying, the number of people who are staying with you and a contact number for next of kin not living in the area with the Boca Grande Fire Department. This will expedite search-and-rescue proceedings as well as body-recovery efforts. Those who elect not to contact the Boca Grande Fire Department with that information will be assisted on a first-come, first-served basis when it is safe to do so.
Call Nancy at 964-2908 for more information.
Also remember to secure all watercraft if a severe storm is imminent. If you have any questions as to how to do that, contact any of our local marinas. Make sure all lawn furniture and ornaments are picked up and secured as well.