STAY ABREAST OF BREAKING NEWS

Marco Islanders and the rest of Southwest Floridians are monitoring the continued track of Hurricane Elsa, the first officially named hurricane of the 2021 Atlantic Basin Hurricane Season, as she continues to churn her way through the Caribbean. The National Hurricane Center’s tracking shows a potential landfall in Florida, but cautions that it is too early make any firm predictions. The storm itself is moving extremely fast, at approximately 30 miles per hour.

City and county emergency personnel also are monitoring the storm’s track and are engaged in preliminary planning should it become apparent that the storm might impact Southwest Florida.  Recently, the City of Marco Island held a Hurricane Preparedness seminar for island residents that focused on the need for residents to stay vigilant should a storm threaten to approach the island.

You may register for the CODE RED Emergency Messaging System by going to the city’s website at www.cityofmarcoisland.com. You also can review the city’s 2021 Hurricane Preparedness Seminar online by accessing that website.

During that seminar, city staff members impressed upon residents to take the following actions:

• Have a plan in place prior to a storm being announced, share that plan with friends or relatives, and don’t hesitate to leave early if your intention is to do so.

• Make reservations early and don’t delay.

• Stayed informed through reliable sources.

• Prepare your Hurricane Kit to include supplies and provisions sufficient for five days for your household.

• If you are asked to evacuate, have a kit ready with all your medications, copies of your eyeglass prescriptions and other medical necessities, and copies of important documents such as insurance policies, passports, birth certificates, etc., so you don’t leave those important papers behind.

• Prepare your home, paying special attention to outdoor furniture and items that could go airborne.

• Check on your neighbors and those in need.

• If the call goes out to evacuate, do so and don’t delay.

• Make sure your vehicles are fueled and ready to go.

• Secure your valuables and important papers.

• Monitor the situation prior to attempting to return, and only then journey back.

• Never leave a pet behind, and check to determine a suitable shelter for you and your pet should you take advantage of local shelters.

Coastal Breeze News will update any additional news, including potential impact zones as they become available. You may access that information through our website at www.coastalbreezenews.com or on our Facebook Page.