Deltona City Officials Discuss Hurricane Preparedness and Emergency Resource Availability

The City of Deltona held a Hurricane Preparedness Workshop on May 17, 2023, aimed at equipping residents with essential information and resources for upcoming hurricane seasons. The meeting featured discussions led by city officials, including representatives from the fire department, who outlined critical safety measures and community support initiatives.

The workshop began with an overview of the city's emergency response plans. Officials emphasized the importance of having emergency phone numbers readily available and announced the establishment of an emergency operations center at City Hall to address resident inquiries during storms. Residents were reminded to stock up on necessary medications and to ensure their pets are cared for, as abandoning pets during a hurricane is against state law.

City officials also addressed the need for securing outdoor items to prevent them from becoming projectiles during high winds. They encouraged residents to report any unsecured items in their neighborhoods, assuring that compliance officers would respond to such complaints.

The city will provide sandbags at designated locations to assist with flooding issues, and residents were advised to stay informed about storm conditions through news outlets. Safety protocols were highlighted, including staying indoors with windows closed and avoiding the temptation to check outside during severe weather.

After a storm, residents were urged to check on family members and pets, assess property damage carefully, and avoid driving to prevent accidents from downed power lines and debris. The importance of safety during cleanup was stressed, particularly regarding the use of generators and chainsaws, with officials warning against hiring unlicensed contractors for repairs.

The meeting also discussed available assistance programs for residents unable to manage storm-related damage. City officials noted that there are resources for those who qualify based on income, as well as nonprofit organizations that offer help without qualification requirements.

The workshop concluded with a call for residents to reach out to the city for information on licensed contractors and available assistance programs. The fire chief, Bill Snyder, reiterated the city's commitment to supporting residents during emergencies and highlighted the dedication of the fire department in responding to urgent needs.

Overall, the workshop served as a crucial platform for educating Deltona residents on hurricane preparedness, emphasizing community support and safety measures to mitigate the impact of future storms.