COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. -- One Southwest Florida Sheriff is taking a very proactive approach to hurricane preparations, urging residents to leave town now, if possible.
Tuesday, Sheriff Kevin Rambosk urged residents to "do not wait" for evacuations to be issued. "If you are planning to leave, please do it now," he says.
Collier County has not yet implemented mandatory evacuations, but with with a very large and intense Hurricane Irma poised to take aim at Florida, officials are concerned about the safety of residents.
The sheriff's office says that residents who are unsure whether they should leave, should consider the following:
- If you live in a low-lying or flood-prone area
- If you live in a manufactured home, or if your home is not rated to withstand at least Category 3-force winds
- If you are concerned with the structural integrity of your home
- If you are elderly, or have special needs, or have health concerns
- If you don’t want to shelter in a limited-space public shelter
- If you have no urgent reason to stay
Residents who are planning to leave should:
- Gas up your vehicle
- Pack important medications and papers
- Make plans for your pets
- Know where you’ll go
The Collier County Sheriff’s Office will post storm-related updates and safety information, videos and photos on its website as well as on Facebook and Twitter.
