“City Officials and Public Safety Departments Conduct Hurricane Workshop in Preparation…”
By Chief Fred Maas

Immediately following Hurricane Wilma of last year, your City Commission pledged to conduct informational workshops before the 2006 Hurricane Season in order to better prepare and to improve upon what we learned from Wilma.

On June 15, 2006, prior to a City Commission meeting, the first of those workshops was held. It involved the representation of the building and development industry; managers and presidents of condominiums and hotels and security personnel from various companies.

The purpose and intent was to get all of us, on the “Same Page” when it came to properly preparing for a storm. There are 3 basic components to each storm. The prior preparation, during the storm, and aftermath or cleanup. Each component is distinctive to itself and needs to be treated accordingly. Preparation oftentimes means evacuation and/or getting ready for the worst. Making plans early and knowing what to do is imperative. The aftermath is reactive, being ready with the knowledge, resources and plan to recover quickly and efficiently is of the utmost importance.

The workshop was put together by Jeff Maxim an assistant to our City Manager, A. John Szerlag. City officials from Public Works, Mr. Jim Watts; The Building Department including Mr. Clay Parker; Code Division with Mr. Robert Solera; and your public safety personnel from the police department represented by the entire Command Staff, all did their part in the presentation.

Everything we do, every little thing we do can ultimately “save a life” and that is the business we are in that of “saving lives.” This was the pervasive theme of the workshop because in the end it is all about “you”
the residents and business owners and how we can help you, help or save yourself.

Look for information in the next scheduled workshop which will invite residents and business owners to help prepare and to answer questions you may have as we prepare for the 2006 Hurricane Season. Be Safe!!

TOP