City of Oldsmar, Florida / Disaster Prep

Experience Oldsmar with the Mayor is a monthly podcast hosted by Oldsmar Mayor Dan Saracki to engage the community on City and regional initiatives, local businesses, events, and projects.

This episode features guest Mike Boylan, Oldsmar resident and owner of Mike’s Weather Page and SpaghettiModels.com.

In this episode of Discovering Pinellas, we get the facts about hurricanes from meteorologist Denis Phillips along with a local historian and emergency management expert, and address the myth that Pinellas County has special protection from major storms.

Tips to prepare your home and business for the storm season from the City of Oldsmar, Florida.

Mike Boylan, Oldsmar resident and owner of Mike’s Weather Page on Facebook, is the featured guest of this episode. He talks about his Facebook page and website, www.SpaghettiModels.com, Evacuation & Flood Zones, 100th Anniversary of the 1921 Tampa Bay Hurricane, end of season storms & their formations, and shares his amazing storm chasing stories!

To listen to the podcast version, visit https://www.spreaker.com/episode/47148922

Are you prepared for unexpected weather from El Niño this winter and early spring? In this special edition of Prepare to Survive, Pinellas County Assistant County Administrator John Bennett discusses how residents can prepare themselves for a weather emergency and how they can connect with their local government for help. Ray Neri, past president of the Lealman Community Association, will also talk about what individuals can do to get their own family and home ready for an emergency.

Check out all six segments of Prepare to Survive – Special Edition El Niño here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2oRjtRi088Dl-HLroX7jEoovAg1mlvnf

For more information on El Niño, visit http://www.pinellascounty.org/emergency/El-Nino.htm

What is El Niño? Why do forecasters warn it could bring severe weather to Pinellas County this winter and early spring? In this special edition of Prepare to Survive, National Weather Service meteorologist Dan Noah discusses why warm temperatures in the Pacific Ocean can generate floods and tornadoes in Florida. Pinellas County Emergency Management Director Sally Bishop explains how to prepare for El Niño and how to receive emergency warnings when severe weather strikes.

Check out all six segments of Prepare to Survive – Special Edition El Niño here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2oRjtRi088Dl-HLroX7jEoovAg1mlvnf

For more information on El Niño, visit http://www.pinellascounty.org/emergency/El-Nino.htm

During a flood or other weather emergency, some residents may have to seek shelter until their home is safe again. In this special edition of Prepare to Survive, find out when Pinellas County will open shelters and what other services are available for residents in a weather emergency. This video interview includes Tim Burns, division director of planning and contract services for Pinellas County Human Services, and Inaki Rezola, Pinellas County Emergency Management coordinator.

Check out all six segments of Prepare to Survive – Special Edition El Niño here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2oRjtRi088Dl-HLroX7jEoovAg1mlvnf

For more information on El Niño, visit http://www.pinellascounty.org/emergency/El-Nino.htm

Did you know typical homeowners insurance policies don’t cover damage from the rising waters of a flood? In this special edition of Prepare to Survive, learn what kind of insurance coverage you’ll need to protect your property in the event of an unexpected flood during this El Niño season. Rahim Harji, manager of Pinellas County Watershed Management, talks about how the county is working to promote community flood safety and improve insurance premiums for property owners. Lynne McChristian of the Insurance Information Institute explains the difference between homeowners insurance and flood insurance.

Check out all six segments of Prepare to Survive – Special Edition El Niño here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2oRjtRi088Dl-HLroX7jEoovAg1mlvnf

For more information about flood hazards and insurance, visit http://www.pinellascounty.org/flooding/ or go to http://www.pinellascounty.org/emergency/El-Nino.htm for tips on how to prepare for El Niño.

During this El Niño season, flooded roads and downed power lines are just a few of the hazards Pinellas County residents may encounter. In this special edition of Prepare to Survive, Palm Harbor Fire Rescue Chief Craig Maciuba and Pinellas County Sheriff Cpl. Spencer Gross talk about how to stay safe in the home and on the road during severe weather. Pinellas County Animal Services Director Doug Brightwell also explains how to prepare your pet for flooding at home or in an emergency evacuation.

Check out all six segments of Prepare to Survive – Special Edition El Niño here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2oRjtRi088Dl-HLroX7jEoovAg1mlvnf

For more information on El Niño, visit http://www.pinellascounty.org/emergency/El-Nino.htm

What makes Pinellas County particularly vulnerable to flooding during El Niño seasons? In this special edition of Prepare to Survive, Kelli Levy, public works division manager at Pinellas County Natural Resources, explains the dangers heavy rain poses to low-lying parts of the county. Tarpon Woods resident Dennis Peek describes the flooding his neighborhood experienced during a recent heavy rain event and how homeowners can prepare themselves.

Check out all six segments of Prepare to Survive – Special Edition El Niño here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2oRjtRi088Dl-HLroX7jEoovAg1mlvnf

For more information on El Niño, visit http://www.pinellascounty.org/emergency/El-Nino.htm

Interview with Oldsmar Fire Chief Dean O'Nale and "reporter" Ima Dowtin-Thomas on disaster preparedness. Chief O'Nale will remind you to:

* Have a Plan -- www.PinellasCounty.org
* Register for Code Red -- www.myoldsmar.com
* Have a Go Bag ready -- www.FloridaDisaster.org