During Tuesday night's City Commission meeting, Fire Chief Richard Butcher presented information for Tarponites regarding Hurricane Season 2013.
Many Tarponites have experienced a season or two of hurricanes in Tarpon Springs, but Chief Butcher revealed some new information that residents should take note of.
Tarpon Springs Middle School is the shelter in town that has been used in the past, but it is currently not in service. Summer renovations are being completed and have left the facility unavailable if a storm hits.
Butcher reassured folks by letting them know of several neighboring shelters that would accomodate them if an evacuation does take place this year:
- East Lake High School, 1300 Silver Eagle Dr.
- Palm Harbor University, 1800 Tampa Rd.
- Carwise Middle School, 3301 Bentley Dr.
"A public shelter is the last place you want to go during a storm," Butcher said. "You should have a Plan A and this should be Plan Z."
The closest shelter that is pet friendly is in Dunedin at Dunedin Highland Middle School located at 70 Patricia Ave.
During his 20 minute presentation at Tuesday's Board of Commissioners meeting, Butcher went through a slide show containing information that is of use to Tarpon Springs residents. From how to register your pets in the event of an evacuation to being put on a special needs list for transportation to a shelter, Butcher covered it all.
Tarponites can review the presentation online by clicking here.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.