Page 9 - The Shores of Jupiter - July '20
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The Shores, Page 9
Commissioner’s Update
Emergency Management – The 2019 Atlantic Hurricane Season was above scenario to develop complementary strategies. This includes
Keeping Our Community Safe average and 2020 is forecast to be similar, with a projected evaluating the decision process for evacuation; developing
contingency plans for congregate and non-congregate shelter
16 named storms, eight hurricanes and four hurricanes
And Resilient greater than a category 3. options; providing additional screening and sanitizing
With oceans warming, the intensity of hurricanes is efforts at all shelters; enhancing spacing and more frequent
By Commissioner increasing. Last year, Hurricane Dorian, a category 5 and cleaning of shelters; evaluating staffing levels and available
Hal Valeche the fourth named storm of the 2019 season, made landfall resources; and enhancing shelter capacity for the special
Most of us likely equate on Sept. 1 in Elbow Cay, Bahamas with maximum sustained needs population and pet shelters.
emergency management winds of 185 mph. Dorian impacted the outer islands of the The Board of County Commissioners plays an important
with our annual hurricane Northern Bahamas and devastated Grand Bahama Island role to reinforce the EOC actions and priorities. We
season, and that has and its surrounding islands. After two days, it turned north, assist with federal declarations and work with lawmakers
definitely been a major sparing Palm Beach County of its hurricane force winds, to activate FEMA programs, and advocate for federal
focus of this county division with only the outer bands brushing South Florida. assistance and reimbursement. We also disseminate public
within the Department of In the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian, 900 evacuees information to keep our residents advised and prepared to
Public Safety. This year, we arrived in Palm Beach County via the Paradise Cruise Line, take protective actions.
have gained a painful lesson needing housing and services. Those who did not have local As we do each year, we cannot stress enough the
in another natural hazard, family or friends were taken to a triage shelter at the PBC importance of planning for disasters and we encourage
the pandemic. Therapeutic Center in John Prince Park. From there, evacuees all businesses and residents to make this a priority. It may
While the event of a hurricane from advisories, warnings, transitioned to temporary shelters. We assisted 155 evacuees. surprise you to know that 60 percent of households lack
landfall and recovery may require the activation of our Many Palm Beach County residents and businesses disaster readiness. Everyone has a duty to be prepared. You
Emergency Operations Center (EOC) for a period of a few have relationships, properties and business partners in the need to know if you live in an evacuation area, and if so,
weeks, the COVID-19 emergency has spanned months, Bahamas, and there was a strong push to help our neighbors where you will evacuate to within the county. If you are not
with ongoing long-term prevention, testing and recovery in the Bahamas recover. Many citizens, businesses, churches, in an evacuation area, you are encouraged to shutter and
efforts that will take us into an unknown future with this municipalities and nonprofit organizations mobilized in shelter in place. Make a kit, and keep it stocked. Consider
new virus. response. County departments and agencies participated by what arrangements you need to make for your pets or loved
Palm Beach County’s Executive Policy Group (EPG) conducting a relief donation drive contributing 14 truckloads ones with special needs. You can find a wealth of helpful
leads the EOC Activation Organization through the County and 500 pallets of supplies to the effort. information at www.ReadyPBC.org.
Administrator, Verdenia Baker, who also serves as incident Emergency Management has continued to plan and As always, if there is any way I can assist you, please
commander. The EPG includes the county mayor, county improve its emergency response systems, improving contact me at (561) 355-2201 or by email at hvaleche@
administration senior staff, public safety director, county outreach for the special needs shelter application process, pbcgov.org. Remember, wash your hands, physically
attorney, emergency management director, sheriff, fire expanding emergency information outlets in multiple distance, and be safe and prepared.
rescue administrator, and the Florida Department of Health languages, increasing shelter staffing and expanding on our
Palm Beach County director. They also serve as liaisons recovery plans.
to the county commissioners, the courts, constitutional Nearly 5,300 county personnel are enlisted upon
officers, the school board, our state and federal legislative activation to man the emergency operations center, provide
delegation, and to the municipalities. public information, work shelters, and inspect and respond to
Emergency Management plans include responses to damages in recovery efforts, and our employees have truly
three main categories of hazards: natural – severe weather, stepped up to the plate, while handling responsibilities to
floods, agricultural pests and diseases, fires, communicable protect their own families.
diseases; technological – transportation, hazardous This year, the challenge has doubled with addressing
materials, nuclear power plant, dike failure; and, human hurricane season accompanied by a pandemic, and shelter
caused – domestic security, workplace/school violence and staffing and facilities may need to increase further due to
mass migration. COVID-19. Emergency Management has analyzed this
Pet Matters
by Pat Deshong, President of Furry Friends unsocialized, some to the point of being almost feral.
Adoption, Clinic & Ranch, July 2020 Despite the difficult surroundings, our team searched
every room, determined to make sure all of the Schnauzers
were accounted for. It was certainly easy for them to hide.
“For the Love of Animals” The owner’s family had reached out to Furry Friends for
features real stories happening help and their relief was palpable upon learning that his
at Furry Friends in Jupiter. We beloved animals would be safe in our care.
are The Humane Society of We loaded the pups up and headed to Furry Friends…
Greater Jupiter/Tequesta and the some destined for our Jupiter location and others for our
only no-kill shelter open to the ranch in Palm City. At both locations, they were loved,
public in northern Palm Beach fed and examined by our veterinarians. Most have made
County. We’ve been rescuing, tremendous progress in adjusting to their new environments
rehabilitating, and re-homing the while a few will take a little longer. But we are here for them
homeless animals in our community for more than 30 years. no matter how long it takes.
Our not for profit 501c3 organization consists of our Jupiter We thank each of you for your interest in this story and
based adoption center, veterinary clinic (open to the public), support of the furry family. We’ve received thousands of
thrift store, and Palm City Ranch. inquiries and over 100 adoption applications. Our mission
is to get each one of them in the wonderful home they so
richly deserve. All of our residents are deserving, no matter Ways to donate (tax ID #59-2111273):
The stench was overpowering. The amount of garbage, their age, breed or background. 1. Mail a check made payable to Furry Friends to 100 Capital
urine and feces throughout the house was incomprehensible. When considering adding a furry family member to Street, Jupiter, FL 33458.
All eyes of our six team members expressed shock upon your family, please visit our Palm City Ranch at 4841 SW 2. Visit www.furryfriendsadoption.org
entering the home of the Miami man hoarding fifteen Zarrella Street or our new Jupiter Adoption Center at 100 3. Call us with your credit card information at 561.747.5311
Schnauzers. Wading through the debris, we noticed a pan Capital Street in the Jupiter Commerce Park. PLEASE ext. 3
of dog food on the kitchen floor, the only feeding source CALL 561-747-5311 PRIOR TO VISITING EITHER
for the many furry residents. The dogs were scared and LOCATION DUE TO COVID-19. “Your donation creates the possibilities to make miracles
Blessings to you for your support and faith in us… all happen for our Furry Friends”
for the LOVE of animals!
Patricia Deshong, President
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