DON’T WAIT UNTIL IT’S TOO LATE –

GET YOUR MATLACHA-PINE ISLAND HURRICANE HANGTAG NOW!

The Matlacha/Pine Island Fire District and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office is currently issuing 2011 HURRICANE HANGTAGS to Matlacha-Pine Island residents, property owners, and business owners for their essential personnel.  Following are some guidelines to the hurricane hangtag program:

·         Applications are available here for both residential hurricane hangtags and commercial/business hurricane hangtags and are also available from the Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Control District Station 1, 5700 Pine Island, Bokeelia, FL 33922, between the hours of 9:00 AM until 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM Monday through Friday. Please return completed application to the above address. If you are requesting more than 2 Hangtags, we will need a copy of the drivers license and completed applications for each additional Hangtag.

·         In order to make re-entry easier after an event, rear view mirror color coded hangtags are being issued according to a designated Commercial and Residential district zone. These hangtags have valuable information for both hurricane preparedness and island re-entry on the reverse side.  It is suggested that people keep these in their vehicle glove box for easy access, when not in use.

·         Driver’s License with a Matlacha-Pine Island address may still be used; however a hurricane hangtag will expedite your return.  Persons with a driver’s license with a Matlacha-Pine Island mailing address are strongly urged to also obtain a hurricane hangtag.

•    Due to the number of tags issued (not yet 50% of the Island residence) and the lack of any storm threats, there is not a renewal program at this time, if we do start a renewal process it will be announced, as for now if you have a tag it is still good and you do not have to do anything.

Property owners and those with commercial interests should obtain hurricane hangtags prior to a hurricane warning being issued.  Commercial interests must have a valid occupational license prior to application for hurricane hangtags.  Additionally, the new hurricane hangtag program includes a system of four zones.  These zones will allow for phased re-entry, if warranted.

We will not be able to issue hangtags once a hurricane warning has been issued, we will not have the personnel or resources available to do so.

If you are leaving for the summer months or cannot come the Fire Department, Download, print and fill out the residential hurricane hangtag application here and send a self addressed, stamped #10 (legal size) envelope to the above Fire Department address. You will have to include a photo copy of your drivers license if your Pine Island Physical address is not on your drivers license also include proof of residency or ownership, i.e. copy of tax bill, deed, rental agreement, utility bill, etc.   You shall then receive your hurricane hangtag(s) in the mail as soon as we can process your request. 

For questions regarding hurricane hangtags, emergency preparedness and evacuation,

please contact the Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Control District at (239) 283-0030.

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HANGTAG RE-ENTRY INSTRUCTIONS

Each tag is color coded according to:

Each residential ZONE is color coded:

A computerized database has been established to track the hangtags

as to whom they were issued and if they are reported lost or stolen.

When phased re-entry is opened:

·         Vehicle goes to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office checkpoint with the hangtag

          hanging on the rear view mirror.

·         Officials at the LCSO checkpoint do not need to stop the

          car if:

o   The hang tag is visible AND

o   Hangtag is the correct color with the zone (as determined by

                    the Matlacha/Pine Island Fire District) to be allowed re-entry

                    by LCSO at the current time.

Hangtags shall act as a security system for the LCSO patrols after re-entry.

Vehicles should display hangtags belonging to addresses in the specific area designated by the zone color.

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Hurricane Hangtags

  This plan has been utilized successfully in other communities; however, there has always been one part of the plan which has been a concern.  That part is how we handle the re-entry process after an evacuation.  Part of this concern is the necessity of checking identification of all who return to the Island, and because this is a very slow process, those waiting in line become very impatient.

In order to facilitate the re-entry to the Island after a major storm event, we have administered a program using hurricane hangtags.  Each hangtag is color coded according to a designated Official, Commercial and Residential district zone.  This system shall be addressed later in this letter.

It may be necessary to evacuate the Island to protect public safety.  After an evacuation, it is our goal to return residents to their homes, and business owners to their property as soon as possible.  Hurricane hangtags maximize security measures while providing authorized persons access to their property.

The following identification systems shall be recognized:

Hangtags:  Hangtags shall be utilized by officials, residents, business and property owners to gain access to the Island. In order to make re-entry easier after a major event, we have incorporated a vehicle rear-view mirror color coded Hangtag. These hangtags also have valuable information for both hurricane preparedness and Island re-entry printed on the reverse side.  Limited access at the time of return could be delayed due to any ongoing response and/or recovery efforts on Matlacha-Pine Island. A computerized database has been established to track the hangtags, and to whom they were issued.  It is recommended that people keep these in their vehicle glove box for easy access, when not in use.

Driver’s License:  A valid driver’s license with a proper Matlacha-Pine Island address and/or a hurricane hangtag will allow access back onto the Island following an evacuation.  However, a driver’s license alone may cause a delay.  For the most expedient return for Matlacha-Pine Island residents and property owners and those with commercial interests are advised to obtain the hurricane hangtag.

If you are leaving for the summer months or cannot come the Fire Department, Download, print and fill out the residential hurricane hangtag application here and send a self addressed, stamped #10 (legal size) envelope to the above Fire Department address. You will have to include a photo copy of your drivers license if your Pine Island Physical address is not on your drivers license also include proof of residency or ownership, i.e. copy of tax bill, deed, rental agreement, utility bill, etc.   You shall then receive your hurricane hangtag(s) in the mail as soon as we can process your request.

Tag Renewal:  Due to the number of tags issued (not yet 50% of the Island residence) and the lack of any storm threats, there is not a renewal program at this time, if we do start a renewal process it will be announced, as for now if you have a tag it is still good and you do not have to do anything.

Staying on the Island – if you elect to remain on the Island after an Evacuation Advisory has been issued, which is not recommended, it is requested that you contact the Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Control District at (239) 283-0030 and leave the following information:

1.     Name and address where you are staying

2.    Number of members in your party

3.    Contact number for next of kin not living in the area

This will aid the Fire Department and LCSO to expedite search and rescue proceedings as well as body recovery efforts.  Those electing not to contact the Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Control District shall be assisted on a first come - first serve basis. 

The Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Control District is not a shelter or a safe haven.  Please make arrangements for evacuations.

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The following are some of the most frequently asked questions:

What do the zones mean?

The Hurricane Hangtag Program includes a system of color coded zones. These zones will track where people should be and to allow for phased reentry, if warranted.  If you are in a zone other than what you are designated or do not have a hangtag visible, you may be subject to being stopped by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

What do I need to obtain a Hurricane Hangtag?

What is needed is a proof of residency or ownership:  A valid driver’s license with your name and your Matlacha or Pine Island address, a copy of a tax bill, deed, rental agreement, or utility bill, etc.  A document of this type will suffice. We will still require a copy of your drivers license even if you don't use it as proof of residency.

Do I need an application form for each person in my household?

Each vehicle that will be re-entering the Matlacha-Pine island area will be required to have a hangtag; therefore, an application for each hangtag as well as a copy of each drivers license will be required. Remember, you are accountable for each hangtag that you request and are issued.

Why the Hangtags?

The hangtags are to make re-entry easier after an event.  It is in all of our best interest to keep the number of vehicles on the Island to a minimum after a storm event.

I have both residential and commercial properties, what should I do?

You can fill out applications for residents and businesses separately, and receive both residential and commercial hangtags.

 
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Hurricane Hangtag Zones

Hurricane Hangtags

Residential Qualifications

·         Own property on the island

·         Provide a copy of the lease for island property, listing the name of the person requesting the tag as a tenant /or have the landlord request the tags

·         Provide proof such as utility bill, property tax bill, etc. indicating island address

·         Show valid driver’s license

Commercial Qualifications

·         Must own/manage a business with a physical address on the island.

·         Provide business license with island address.

·         Owner/manager must show valid driver’s license.

Island Workers/Employees

·         Hangtags will be issued to businesses and/or employers for their key employees. An application for each employee along with copy of their drivers license shall be submitted to Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Control District and hangtags will be issued to the employer.

·         The business owner/property owner is accountable for the hangtag and the person to whom it is issued.

·         Tags should be issued only in the event of a storm, and returned to the employer after the storm.

Caretakers/Housekeepers/Home-watch/Lawn Services

·         Obtain hangtag from employer/property owner

·         One (1) hangtag from each zone will suffice

Lost Hangtags

·         ONLY homeowners, tenants, or business owners can request replacements for lost hangtags.

Tag Renewal

·         Necessity for hangtag renewal will be determined on a yearly basis.  Watch the local newspapers, or check with the fire department for information. At this time  we are just issuing new tags, renewals are not necessary.

·         DO NOT throw your hangtags away.

·         Check with the Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Control District if you have any questions about the tags, usage or renewal.

·         Hangtag renewal must be done by the homeowner or business owner.

The following information is essential in the event of a storm watch or warning and is

printed on the back of the hangtag:

EVACUATION

·         People with special needs:  Know where to go.  Special Care Centers are opened on an as needed basis.  Have a Special Needs Plan in place and verify which care centers are open before evacuation.  Residents who may need assistance should register with the Lee County Special Needs Program at (239)477-3600.

·         Listen:  Tune in to local TV or radio stations or on the Alert Radio.  Don’t trust rumors, and stay tuned for the latest information.

·         Check your disaster supply kit:  Obtain any needed items.  Stores run out quick.  Have enough food and water for at least 3 days.

·         Protect your pets:  Have a plan for your pets during an evacuation.  The best recommended plan is to take your pets with you when you evacuate.  Just remember PUBLIC SHELTERS DO NOT PERMIT PETS.  Make reservations early and know what hotels will accept pets.  Make pet supplies part of your disaster supply kit.

·         Refill prescriptions:  Maintain at least a two week supply during hurricane season.

·         Clear your yard:  Potential flying debris includes lawn furniture, potted plants, bicycles and trash cans.  Also find safe storage for grills and propane tanks.

·         Empty your refrigerator:  Be sure to empty your refrigerator and freezer of all perishable items before evacuation.

·         Protect your property:  This includes your windows and glass doors.  Brace double entry and garage doors at top and bottom.

·         Fill your vehicle fuel tank:  Check oil, water and tires.  Fuel pumps don’t operate without electricity.

·         Secure your boat early:  Drawbridges will be closed to boat traffic after an evacuation order is issued.

·         Get cash:  Banks and ATM’s will not be in operation without electricity and few stores will be able to accept credit cards or personal checks.

RE-ENTRY

·         Be patient:  Access to affected areas will be controlled.

·         Stay tuned:  Listen to your local TV and radio stations.  

·         Have current valid I.D.’s or Hurricane Hangtags:  Driver’s license with a Matlacha-Pine Island address.  Security operations will include checkpoints.

·         Avoid Driving:  Roads will have debris which can puncture tires.  Don’t add to the congestion of relief workers, supply trucks, law enforcement, etc.

·         Observe curfew hours:  Don’t sightsee, especially at night.

STORE HANGTAGS IN GLOVE BOX WHEN NOT IN USE

(Hangtags Remain the Property of the Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Control District)

©Copyright 2012 Matlacha Pine Island Fire Control District