TROPICAL STORM ISAAC UPDATE #7
*Latest Forecast
*Important County Announcement regarding POSSIBILITY of Hurricane Evacuations
*Sanibel City Council Adopts Resolution Declaring Local State of Emergency
TROPICAL STORM ISAAC UPDATE #7
CURRENT FORECAST
A tropical storm watch still in effect for Sanibel. A tropical storm watch means that sustained winds in excess of 39 mph are likely to be in our area within 48 hours.
The City of Sanibel continues to track Tropical Storm Isaac. The weather forecast for Sanibel tonight is cloudy with NE wind of 20mph and gusts to 25mph. Sunday afternoon showers and thunderstorms with a possibility of tornadoes and water spouts.
CITY HALL IMPORTANT NEWS & CLOSINGS
Sanibel City Council held a Special Emergency Meeting at 7 p.m., Saturday, August 25, 2012 and declared a State of Local Emergency by Resolution 12-082.
Based on the current forecast for Tropical Storm Isaac, the following municipal closings are in effect:
- Sanibel Recreation Center and the Center-4-Life will be CLOSED on SUNDAY, AUGUST 26th, 2012
- ALL City Hall Offices, including the Sanibel Recreation Center and Center-4-Life, WILL BE CLOSED on Monday, August 27th, with the exception of Public Safety and First Responders.
The City of Sanibel has taken the following actions in preparation for Tropical Storm Isaac:
PUBLIC WORKS
- The East End Weir was opened from Noon to 5 p.m. today to pull water levels down in advance of anticipated rainfall from Tropical Storm Isaac.
- Fueled all City vehicles and topped off Fuel Storage Tanks
- All City facilities have been secured and hurricane shutters are in place.
- Shift will be in place and sleep overnight at Public Works beginning Sunday night into Monday afternoon.
- All City infrastructure construction projects have been secured.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
- Extended hours of operation until 8 p.m. most nights this week and until Noon today to issue Hurricane Passes.
- Holding shift over tomorrow and bringing a shift in early.
- First responders will be sleeping on-site overnight Sunday into Monday.
RECREATION DEPARTMENT
- CLOSED on Sunday and Monday, August 26th & 27th (Sanibel Recreation Center and Center-4-Life)
- Pool levels will be dropped and all loose deck items will be removed and secured on Sunday, August 26th
- Shade Structures at Community Park have been removed
- Ball field nets have been lowered
BUILDING DEPARTMENT
- Construction sites have been buttoned down with all debris removed and port-o-lets anchored down.
- Structural Safety Inspectors ready to respond, if needed.
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
- Distribution of FEMA required forms for tracking hours, materials, labor, etc.
MANAGEMENT OF INFORMATION SERVICES (MIS)
- Set-up off island communications at temporary City Hall/Emergency Operations Center in the event an evacuation order is issued.
- Prepared the Sanibel MERV (Mobile Emergency Response Vehicle) for deployment, if necessary.
ADMINISTRATION
- Extended office hours on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Extended office hours beginning at 8 a.m. Sunday, August 26th.
- Core administrative staff will report to City Hall and sleep on-site at City Hall on Sunday night through Monday.
OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS
LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS – The Lee County School District has announced that all Schools will be CLOSED on Monday, August 27th, 2012. For more information, please click here to monitor the Lee County School District’s website.
J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge – Will be closed beginning today, August 25th through Tuesday, August 28th. The Refuge will reopen on Wednesday, August 29th.
ILLEGAL SOLICITORS – The Sanibel Police Department has advised they have responded to several complaints regarding illegal door to door solicitors on Sanibel today. The Sanibel Police Department is requesting citizens to contact them immediately at (239) 472-3111, if someone you do not know approaches your door without proper identification and for the purpose of soliciting goods or services.
SAND BAGS are now available at the Sanibel Fire District, Station #1, located at 2351 Palm Ridge Road. Please be prepared to fill and haul your own sandbags.
The City of Sanibel advises all residents to complete preparation as a precaution for your family's safety and protection of property. Now is the time to confirm that your family disaster plan is ready, hurricane shutters are installed and you have a plan for evacuation if the need arises. Check your hurricane supplies and make sure you have adequate prescriptions. Also make sure you have a plan for your pets.
Please continue to monitor Tropical Storm Isaac. The City of Sanibel Website www.mysanibel.com will keep you updated as we receive further information on Tropical Storm Isaac as it becomes available. You can also check for updates on the City’s Hurricane Hotline at 800-933-6093.
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