Voluntary Evacuation for Marco Island

Submitted

The City of Marco Island has issued a VOLUNTARY evacuation recommendation.  By leaving early, Marco Island citizens can avoid what is expected to be a large scale evacuation of Southwest Florida. The City recommends that that residents and visitors utilize the additional time to evacuate in advance of significant traffic delays as well as major damage to property. Collier County has issued a similar recommendation. Enact your plan now!

The City is actively preparing for Hurricane Irma.  We are working with our local, county and state partners to ensure safety in the upcoming storm.

Additional Information:

• Monitor trusted weather sources (National Weather Service, Collier Emergency management, TV, and Radio).
• Monitor City of Marco Island Website (www.cityofmarcoisland.com) and Twitter accounts (Police Fire, City).  A new section of the City’s website will be deployed today.
• Sign up for Code Red (Link is on Marco island City website).
• No re-entry stickers are required for residents or visitors. Carry an ID, tax bill, vehicle registration or other documents that links you to the island.
• Businesses should create letters listing employees & employees should carry an ID.
• Bridges will not be closed unless they incur structural damage.
• Pet Shelters – please go the Collier County Domestic Animal website for additional information.
• The City of Marco Island is not providing sandbags to citizens.
• There will be no evacuation shelters on Marco Island.

Special Needs: Collier County Emergency Management in collaboration with the State of Florida maintains a “Special Needs Registry.” In the event of a hurricane, Collier County along with the Collier County Health Department will strive to provide special medical sheltering and/or transportation to a special needs shelter. If you prefer to submit your registration on-line, please visit http://snr.floridadisaster.org and select “Collier County” in the drop down menu along with your preferred language to begin.

City water and sewer services should be available throughout but the facilities are exposed to weather and could be damaged.  Some lines could be closed if damaged or to prevent damage.

If you have the ability to evacuate early, we recommend doing so as soon as practical as roadways will become congested and hotels will fill quickly.  No off island shelters have been established at this time.

When evacuating please remember to take important documents, prescription medicine, and other important supplies.