With the news that a hurricane season is on its way, it brings up the importance of being prepared. The Blue Heron Pines Office would like you to know that:
Blue Heron Pines Clubhouse is not a designated Hurricane Shelter.
To find a shelter you may call the Local Red Cross. The closest Red Cross is located in Port Charlotte and can be reached at (941) 629-4345. Please continue to call this number as the storm gets closer to find shelters that will be opened in our area as safe havens.
It’s always a good idea to have a radio with fresh batteries to listen to updates. For radio updates on the storm you can listen to the NOAA Weather radio, this can be found on:
| Site Name | Transmitter Name | Call Sign | Frequency | Power | WFO |
| Tampa Bay | Ruskin | KHB32 | 162.550 | 1000 | Ruskin, FL |
| Naples | Naples | WWG92 | 162.525 | 1000 | Miami, FL |
| Fort Myers | Fort Myers | WXK83 | 162.475 | 1000 | Ruskin,FL |
**You can also access the NOAA radio on an app you can download on your Apple or Android phone or tablet.
MAKE SURE YOU ARE PREPARED!
Things to do &/or consider with an approaching storm:
- Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio for critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS).
- Bring in anything that can be picked up by the wind (bicycles, lawn furniture).
- Close your windows, doors and hurricane shutters. If you do not have hurricane shutters, close and board up all windows and doors with plywood.
- Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting. Keep them closed as much as possible so that food will last longer if the power goes out.
- Turn off propane tank.
- Unplug small appliances.
- Fill your car’s gas tank.
- Create a hurricane evacuation plan with members of your household. Planning and practicing your evacuation plan minimizes confusion and fear during the event.
- Find out about your community’s hurricane response plan. Plan routes to local shelters, register family members with special medical needs and make plans for your pets to be cared for.
- Obey evacuation orders. Avoid flooded roads and washed out bridges.
Recommended Supplies :
- Water—at least a 3-day supply; one gallon per person per day
- Food—at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food
- Flashlight
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
- Extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc.)
- Multi-purpose tool
- Sanitation and personal hygiene items
- Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
- Cell phone with chargers
- Family and emergency contact information
- Extra cash
- Emergency blanket
- Map(s) of the area
- Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
- Tools/supplies for securing your home
- Extra set of car keys and house keys
- Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes
- Rain gear
With all this in mind, please also keep safe! And if you need to contact us at the office, please don’t hesitate to email Suzanne Rayborn at srayborn@suncommunities.com or call emergency number below.
Sun Communities After-Hours emergency #: (877) 786-6048
Punta Gorda Fire Department #: (941) 575-2887
Punta Gorda Fire Rescue #: (941) 743-1367
Charlotte County Sheriff Office #: (941) 639-2101
Charlotte County Red Cross #: (941) 629-4345
Dial 9-1-1 for any life threatening emergencies!