HAZARDOUS WASTE / HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS DAY...INFO LADEN!
May 30, 2021
Thursday, May 27, 2021, was the day Cedar Keyans converged to make the island a safer place for the summer season. The City of Cedar Key encouraged all to rid toxic materials tucked away in garages and to learn all they could about the latest hurricane information.
The city’s annual Hazardous Waste / Hurricane Preparedness Day was jointly orchestrated by Cedar Key Emergency Operations Director Robert Robinson and Vice-Mayor Sue Colson. They advertised, gathered speakers and demonstrators, brought in toxic waste experts, and even managed lunch for all. Their intent was to keep residents and the waters surrounding them safe and clean in the face of disasters, be they flood, hurricane, or tornado.
Among the exhibitors and speakers were Levy County employees who daily assist all Cedar Keyans, the Cedar Key Volunteer Fire Rescue team, the city itself, the Cedar Key Water and Sewer District, the University of Florida, and more.
CEDAR KEY ESSENTIALS
FROM CEDAR KEY VOLUNTEER FIRE RESCUE
FROM CEDAR KEY VOLUNTEER FIRE RESCUE
VIAL OF L.I.F.E. PROGRAM
The Vial of L.I.F.E. (Lifesaving Information For Emergencies) Program is designed to rapidly inform first responders of the critical information they need when responding to 911 calls. The “vial” is a plastic container. The L.I.F.E. is the vial’s contents: residemt’s essential medical information, including doctor information, hospital choice, etc., and two decals that alert first responders of the resident’s enrollment in the program. Complete information and forms are available at http://www.cedarkeyfire.org/vialoflifeprogram.html
The Vial of L.I.F.E. (Lifesaving Information For Emergencies) Program is designed to rapidly inform first responders of the critical information they need when responding to 911 calls. The “vial” is a plastic container. The L.I.F.E. is the vial’s contents: residemt’s essential medical information, including doctor information, hospital choice, etc., and two decals that alert first responders of the resident’s enrollment in the program. Complete information and forms are available at http://www.cedarkeyfire.org/vialoflifeprogram.html
Cedar Key residents’ enrollment in the Vial of L.I.F.E. is essential for first responders, the Cedar Key Fire Rescue team, to care for them as efficiently and accurately as possible.
“IF WE CAN’T FIND YOU…”
First responders may have a difficult time finding your home when a resident needs them. And, says Chief Robinson, “…if we can’t find you, we can’t help you.”
First responders may have a difficult time finding your home when a resident needs them. And, says Chief Robinson, “…if we can’t find you, we can’t help you.”
To solve that problem and speed their arrival to a home, the Cedar Key Volunteer Fire and Rescue Team offers a post and marker containing your house address, in reflective paint which can be clearly seen day or night. In addition, the volunteer team will place, erect, the post where it will best be seen in front of your home.
For this essential service, all residents need to do is email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for a form to complete and return. The address marker is modest, simple, and consummately visible. An essential, for sure.
PARTICIPATING EXHIBITORS
LEVY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Chief among the county exhibitors was Assistant Director Levy County Emergency Management David Peaton and his fellow Leatha Keene. It is Peaton’s name that everyone encounters when they read anything to do with bad weather, pandemic numbers, vaccines, and the like.
Chief among the county exhibitors was Assistant Director Levy County Emergency Management David Peaton and his fellow Leatha Keene. It is Peaton’s name that everyone encounters when they read anything to do with bad weather, pandemic numbers, vaccines, and the like.
Armed with his computer, his aim was to be certain all visitors were connected with LevyAlert, the system that notifies residents of encroaching disasters. Click here if you have not signed up for alerts:
https://member.everbridge.net/892807736724719/login
https://member.everbridge.net/892807736724719/login
CEDAR KEY WATER SEWER DISTRICT
The Cedar Key Water and Sewer District General Manager Chad Wisdom and Administrative Secretary Ann Richburg informed, advised, and reminded all that in case of mandatory evacuation, power outage, and widespread flooding, no water or sewer services will exist and might well be inoperable for a week or more. They offered their “Hurricane Preparation Plan” that lists the daunting number of complex required actions water district personnel must perform to keep the system safe.
The Cedar Key Water and Sewer District General Manager Chad Wisdom and Administrative Secretary Ann Richburg informed, advised, and reminded all that in case of mandatory evacuation, power outage, and widespread flooding, no water or sewer services will exist and might well be inoperable for a week or more. They offered their “Hurricane Preparation Plan” that lists the daunting number of complex required actions water district personnel must perform to keep the system safe.
LEVY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
The Levy County Health Department’s Preparedness Planner Fred Eichler offered his “ReadyKit” bilingual manual urging visitors to make a survival kit, have a plan, and to be prepared. He also offered his stretch band exerciser, complete with instructions.
The Levy County Health Department’s Preparedness Planner Fred Eichler offered his “ReadyKit” bilingual manual urging visitors to make a survival kit, have a plan, and to be prepared. He also offered his stretch band exerciser, complete with instructions.
UF
The University of Florida’s Emily Colson informed visitors of the UF / Florida Sea Grant efforts to create living shorelines in Cedar Key along G Street and Airport Road. She spoke about their ability to provide resiliency, habitat nurturing, elevation growth, and biodiversity. She further provided knowledge about defining living shorelines, permitting living shorelines, exemption guidelines, required documents to request permitting, and agencies to provide further information.
The University of Florida’s Emily Colson informed visitors of the UF / Florida Sea Grant efforts to create living shorelines in Cedar Key along G Street and Airport Road. She spoke about their ability to provide resiliency, habitat nurturing, elevation growth, and biodiversity. She further provided knowledge about defining living shorelines, permitting living shorelines, exemption guidelines, required documents to request permitting, and agencies to provide further information.
The University of Florida, College of Design, Construction and Planning’s Dr. Sujin Kim explained the “Envision Cedar Key: Flood Adaptation Planning Tool.” The project was built upon and expanded the 2016 pilot project when city and UF researchers “…developed and implemented an integrated methodology of sea-level-rise modeling and impact assessment.”
Kim further explained that “The project has been done through two phases funded by the Florida Division of Historical Resources (2018-2019 and 2020-2021). Tasks included: Cultural resource survey and 3D laser scanning; Flood visualization and vulnerability assessment; and Geographic information system (GIS) online database.”
LEVY SPECIAL NEEDS ASSISTANCE
Levy County’s Connie Conley urged visitors with special needs to contact the county’s website if they know they will need help in times of disaster. Click here for additional information: https://cedarkeynews.com/index.php/community/6462-levy-emergency-special-needs
Levy County’s Connie Conley urged visitors with special needs to contact the county’s website if they know they will need help in times of disaster. Click here for additional information: https://cedarkeynews.com/index.php/community/6462-levy-emergency-special-needs
Conley also explained the Levy Transportation System to visitors. The system provides non-emergency door-to-door public transportation.
CENTRAL FLORIDA ELECTRICAL COOP
CECF’s Safety Coordinator Johnathan Polk, attended by Safety Committee Member Candi Kish, demonstrated the dangers of downed power lines and the hazards to those who attempt to rescue individuals near those lines. Polk’s interactive display showed how quickly and lethally current travels.
CECF’s Safety Coordinator Johnathan Polk, attended by Safety Committee Member Candi Kish, demonstrated the dangers of downed power lines and the hazards to those who attempt to rescue individuals near those lines. Polk’s interactive display showed how quickly and lethally current travels.
LEVY COUNTY FIRE RESCUE
Levy County Fire Rescue EMT Shawn Holcomb explained the urgency of evacuating the island when advised to do so. As careful as county planning is, personnel is limited. Residents’ first jobs are to care for themselves; that means evacuation when so advised.
Levy County Fire Rescue EMT Shawn Holcomb explained the urgency of evacuating the island when advised to do so. As careful as county planning is, personnel is limited. Residents’ first jobs are to care for themselves; that means evacuation when so advised.
LCFR serves Levy, a county with 40,000-plus residents and a 1,118 square mile area. It also responds to mutual aid requests from Marion, Dixie, Gilchrist, Citrus, and Alachua counties.
LEVY MOSQUITO CONTROL
Levy Mosquito Control’s Chuck Van Order spoke to all bout the efficacy of spraying as a means of mosquito control. Complete with quantification evidence, Van Order easily articulated the average number of pests killed because of spraying. “It works!” said he.
FEMA
The Federal Emergency Management Act handouts were replete with meaningful information. “Emergency Suppl Lists” detailed all necessary items for any disaster. The eye-catching handout entitled “Your homeowners’ insurance doesn’t cover floods” was thorough and daunting. “Important Telephone Numbers for the National Flood Insurance Program” contained Florida’s Region IV contacts. Parts of the “Flood Insurance Claims Handbook” were also provided.
The Federal Emergency Management Act handouts were replete with meaningful information. “Emergency Suppl Lists” detailed all necessary items for any disaster. The eye-catching handout entitled “Your homeowners’ insurance doesn’t cover floods” was thorough and daunting. “Important Telephone Numbers for the National Flood Insurance Program” contained Florida’s Region IV contacts. Parts of the “Flood Insurance Claims Handbook” were also provided.
LUNCH
Lunch was graciously served and eagerly eaten by visitors and exhibitors. Hot dogs, brats, all sorts of chips, and chocolate cakes, all individually wrapped, were enjoyed by all.
Lunch was graciously served and eagerly eaten by visitors and exhibitors. Hot dogs, brats, all sorts of chips, and chocolate cakes, all individually wrapped, were enjoyed by all.
HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTED
Cedar Key Public Works James Custer accepted hazardous waste from drive by riders who showed a Cedar Key Emergency Reentry Pass. Custer noted a preponderance of electronic equipment this year. Batteries, tires, aerosol cans, paints, paint thinners, oil, degreasers, brake and transmission fluids, and more found their way to the appropriate places with the help of U.S. Ecology and Pubic Works.
Cedar Key Public Works James Custer accepted hazardous waste from drive by riders who showed a Cedar Key Emergency Reentry Pass. Custer noted a preponderance of electronic equipment this year. Batteries, tires, aerosol cans, paints, paint thinners, oil, degreasers, brake and transmission fluids, and more found their way to the appropriate places with the help of U.S. Ecology and Pubic Works.
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