Time to prepare
On high ground, Belleair is vigilant
By CHARY SOUTHMAYD
Article published on Thursday, May 4, 2006  |
BELLEAIR – Mindful that the 2006 hurricane season is just around the corner, town officials are relieved to have finally closed out the paperwork associated with collecting money owed Belleair after the very eventful 2004 hurricane season, when three storms had an impact on the town.
“We have finally gotten FEMA refunds for the debris pickup,” said Town Manager Steve Cottrell.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency reimbursed Belleair a total of $127,431 to cover the town’s cost of cleaning up the mess after Jeanne, Charley and Frances in 2004. Most of the expenses, just over $100,000, were associated with Jeanne, according to assistant town manager Micah Maxwell.
Belleair’s lushly landscape properties with majestic trees took some substantial hits that season. Getting rid of the mounds of tree debris was no minor job for the small town. It was a time-consuming process. Lessons learned back then have prompted at least one change in how the town prepares for future storms.
“We have arranged to have outside contractors assist with debris removal,” said Cottrell.
Cottrell said the town periodically updates its disaster preparedness plan, which is just about to get started. Cottrell has obtained a copy of Tarpon Springs’ disaster plan, which he considers a good resource for Belleair’s updating process.
If need be, the town’s Dimmitt Community Center, now under construction, could serve as a storm shelter, with the capability of handling sustained winds of 103 mph and gusts of 123 mph. The community center is scheduled for completion in July. Town Hall, with storm shutters, generator and kitchen, also could accommodate those who don’t feel safe at home.
With the exception of Level A waterfront properties, most of Belleair is evacuation Level C. Maxwell notes that homes in Belleair are well-built and most people just hunker down. The bulk of town expenses are associated with storm recovery.
Standard procedures are in place for town staff to follow in any eventuality. The fire department maintains a list of residents with special needs. Should evacuations be ordered, police officers would patrol the town informing those affected.
“You never can predict where they will hit,” Cottrell said. “We’re so high, the Bluffs protects us from storm surge. We do what we can do.”
Hurricane information can be found on the town’s Web site at www.townofbelleair-fl.gov.
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Article published on Thursday, May 4, 2006
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