SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – With hurricane season heating up, Seminole County emergency crews are making sure they’re ready to respond when a storm hits, especially for those who need the most help.
Wednesday morning, emergency management teams staged a full-scale sheltering exercise at Oviedo City Church, simulating the aftermath of a Category 3 hurricane. The drill tested staff response for medically-enhanced shelters, general population shelters, and even pet-friendly shelters.
“It’s a good refresher for people who’ve done it before and a chance for new staff to learn the ropes,” said Alan Harris, director of Seminole County Emergency Management. “We’ve got new managers and fresh faces, and this is about passing on experience.”
Inside the mock shelter, staff practiced providing care for residents who rely on medical equipment like oxygen tanks or power-dependent devices. Health officials emphasized the importance of having a personal plan, especially for those with special needs.
“Our staff will do whatever they can to keep you safe and comfortable,” said Ethan Johnson with the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County. “What we see most are folks who didn’t plan ahead. If you’re dependent on electricity or oxygen, we want to make sure you’re prepared.”
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The drill also included a pet shelter simulation, where service dogs filled in for real family pets, allowing animal-services staff to rehearse intake and care procedures.
“These exercises help us identify gaps now, before the real storm hits,” said Harris.
With no large convention center or civic facilities available in Seminole County, Harris said the community depends on partnerships with faith-based organizations and nonprofits to operate shelters.
“It takes all of us, our whole community, working together to help residents,” Harris said.
Officials encourage anyone with medical needs to pre-register for special needs shelters at PrepareSeminole.org.