Shelter in Place

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (Oct. 9, 2024) - Local winds from Hurricane Milton have reached sustained tropical storm speeds. All residents should now shelter in place and stay off the roads until we are no longer experiencing hazardous conditions. You should be prepared to do the following:

• Select a small, interior room, with no or few windows. Remember mobile homes and manufactured homes are not built to withstand the high winds associated with tropical storms and hurricanes.
• Close and lock all windows and exterior doors. Windows should be reinforced with hurricane shutters or at least 5/8" plywood.
• Turn off all fans, heating, and air conditioning systems. Close the fireplace damper.
• Get your family disaster supplies kit including a first aid kit.
• Bring your pets inside and be sure to bring additional food and water supplies for them. Do not allow pets to go outside until the danger has passed.
• Fill your bathtub with water to clean and flush toilets.
• It is ideal to have a hard-wired telephone in the room you select. Call your emergency contact and have the phone available if you need to report a life-threatening condition. Cellular telephone equipment may be overwhelmed or damaged during an emergency.
• Keep listening to your radio or television until you are told all is safe or you are told to evacuate.

You must take responsibility for yourself and your family in an emergency. Law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services in Charlotte County have suspended emergency response to calls for service due to the hazardous weather conditions.

Media and the public can follow Charlotte County Emergency Management important emergency information at www.charlottecountyfl.gov/em, www.facebook.com/oemcharlottecounty, and www.twitter.com/ccoem.

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