Hurricane Irma - Florida Housing Coalition...Mar 02, 2018 · Hurricane Irma Summary of Executive &...

HENDRY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Hurricane Irma Summary of Executive & Staff Meetings


Hendry County Board of County Commissioners | PO Box 2340, LaBelle, FL. 33975

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Administrative Handling Instructions

1. The title of this document is Hurricane Irma- Summary of Executive and Staff Meetings.

2. Hendry County Board of County Commissioners point of contact is:

Adrian Damms

Interim Emergency Management Director

PO Box 2340

LaBelle, FL., 33975

(863) 675-5220

[email protected]

Jennifer Davis

Deputy County Administrator

PO Box 2340

LaBelle, FL., 33975

[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]



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Table of Contents

Administrative Handling Instructions .......................................................................................................... 2

Executive Summary ...................................................................................................................................... 4

Section 1: Event Overview ........................................................................................................................... 6

Hendry County Response Organizations ................................................................................................... 7

Events Timeline ......................................................................................................................................... 9

Major Events Timeline…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…10

Section 2: Analysis

Planning ....................................................................................................................................................................... 13

Communications ...................................................................................................................................... 16

Response and Long Term Recovery Planning ......................................................................................... 19

Section 3: Data & Statistics ....................................................................................................................... 21



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Executive Summary

On September 10, 2017 Hurricane Irma hit the Leeward Islands as a Category 5 storm and made

landfall on Marco Island. The impact to the Southern portion of the State had been lessened due

to the weakening of the back side of the storm. All of Southern Florida and the Keys experienced

hurricane force winds. Major hurricane force winds hit portions of the lower keys and Western

Collier County. The highest measured sustained winds during the event were measured at 90

mph at the LaBelle Municipal Airport. Wind gusts measured up to 100 mph and LaBelle and

Clewiston received approximately 9-11 inches of rain. Felda and Montura received

approximately 16-20 inches; no information on rain fall in other parts of the County is available

at this time.

The purpose of this summary is to analyze the event response efforts, identify strengths to be

maintained and built upon, identify potential areas for further improvement, and support the

development of corrective actions.

This report will provide a synopsis of the event and will examine the response, highlighting

strengths and areas for improvement. The major strengths identified during the response are as

follows:

The addition of an IMT team from Ohio was a benefit to staff. Their experience and

positive direction assisted staff with the handling of the event.

Roadways were cleared quickly and traffic patterns were re-established in a short time

frame.

Points of Distribution (POD’s) were set up in multiple locations across the County for

residents.

Hendry County had some initial supplies on hand for distribution.

Shelters were well operated and opened quickly for residents.

Hendry County and Emergency Management released over 70 press releases before,

during, and after the event.

Throughout the response, several opportunities for improvement were identified. The primary

areas for improvement are as follows:

Communication breakdown overall was the most identified source of problems for staff

during the event.

The loss of Centurylink lines for E-911 as well as radio communication hindered in-

coming and out-going communication for emergency response.

Logistics of delivering items to the distribution locations was not optimal.

Communication failures led to the confusion of delivery schedules and items.

Volunteer involvement needs to be more organized.



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Debris removal was severely delayed.

Please Note: This summary is intended to be used as a tool for the Cities of LaBelle and

Clewiston and Hendry County’s departments/agencies/organizations. This document provides

analysis for lessons learned, best practices and recommendations for future planning, training,

and exercise development. As the Cities and County work toward addressing these improvement

actions, it is important that any relevant plans, policies and procedures are updated accordingly.



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Event Overview

Event Name

Hurricane Irma

Date and Time

September 10, 2017

Response Duration

September 5, 2017 to Present

Location

Hendry County, Florida

Mission Areas

City of LaBelle

City of Clewiston

Communities of: Felda, Montura, Pioneer, Harlem

Capabilities

Planning

Communications

Intelligence and Information Sharing and Dissemination

Response and Long Term Recovery Planning



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RESPONSE ORGANIZATIONS

Hendry County BOCC Departments

Hendry County Emergency Management (HCEM)

Hendry County Public Safety

Hendry County Volunteer Fire Department (HCVFD)

Hendry County Emergency Medical Services (HCEMS)

Hendry County Planning & Community Development

Hendry County Permitting Department

Hendry County Building Department

Hendry County Maintenance Department

Hendry County Special Districts

Hendry County Administrative Department

Administration

Grants

Human Resources

Purchasing

PIO

Hendry County Public Works Department

Road & Bridge

GISV

Engineering

Other Agencies and Organizations

Hendry County Sheriff’s Department

All Hendry County Fire Departments

City of LaBelle

City of LaBelle Fire Department

City of Clewiston

City of Clewiston Fire Department

Butler County Emergency Management Agency (IMT Team)

United Way

Salvation Army

National Guard

Central County Water Control District

Florida Power & Light

Florida Department of Law Enforcement



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Florida Highway Patrol

South Florida Water Management

Army Corps of Engineers

Hendry County School Board

Hendry County Health Department

Red Cross

FEMA

ALCON – Search & Rescue

Various Other Agencies and Volunteer Organizations



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Event Timeline

Hurricane Irma watches began Monday, September 4, 2017 by Hendry County EM staff. On

Tuesday, September 5th, the executive staff met to begin the planning and preparation for the

event.

9/8/2017

State of Florida issues

mandatory evacuation for

eastern Hendry County

9/8/2017

EOC Activated

9/8/2017

Shelters in LaBelle

open

9/10/2017

Hurricane Irma makes

landfall

9/11/2017

2-1-1 and 9-1-1

lines down

9/12/2012

P.O.D. opens for outlying areas

9/13/17

Hendry County

included in

Presidential Major

Disaster Declaration

9/18/2017

Hendry County offices open

9/19/2017

FEMA arrives in Hendry

County

10/10/2017

The last shelter closes

11/19/2017

Woody debris pick up

complete

11/9/2017

Construction Debris

pickup begins

9/5/17

Local State of

Emergency Declared

9/22/17

Debris pick up

begins



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Major Events Timeline

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2017

5:00PM Local State of Emergency declared by Chairman of the Board.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2017

3:00 PM Sandbags available for residents.

3:00 PM Hendry County Emergency Management activates the United Way 211 Storm Information Hotline.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2017

8:00AM Emergency Management staff begins preparations for Emergency Operations Center activation.

9:00PM The State of Florida issues evacuation for the eastern portion of Hendry County. The evacuation is voluntary until 8:00 AM 9/8/17 (following day), then it became mandatory.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2017

8:00 AM Emergency Operations Center activated.

Full support staff activated.

8:00 AM The State of Florida issues a mandatory evacuation for the eastern portion of Hendry County.

8:00 AM All Clewiston shelters are closed due to the mandatory evacuation of the Eastern side of Hendry County and pre-staged supplies are moved to Western side.

10:00 AM Transportation becomes available for residents in Eastern Hendry County in evacuation zone.

3:00 PM Shelters open in LaBelle.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2017

9:00 AM Ft. Denaud bridge closes for all boat traffic.

10:00 AM Transportation continues for those in evacuation zones.

10:00 AM Upthegrove Elementary opened as additional shelter location. 1:00 PM Clewiston High School opened as a last resort shelter for individuals unable to

evacuate.

1:00 PM Upthegrove allows pets into shelter.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2017

9:00 AM Hendry County government, City of Clewiston, and Hendry County School District announces offices closures for 9/11/2017 and 9/12/2017.

9:10 AM EMS Shuts down based upon wind speeds.

9:37 AM All first responders cease responding to calls due to unsafe wind conditions.



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7:40 PM Hendry County Schools announce closure through Friday, September 15, 2017.

8:00 PM Mandatory curfew in effect for Hendry County.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2017

8:05 AM 2-1-1 Information lines experiencing difficulty. Residents asked to contact Emergency Management hotline.

11:00 AM 9-1-1 system goes down. Residents are urged to use social media for emergency assistance.

11:00 AM Shelters begin closing

1:30 PM City of LaBelle announces office closures through 9/12/2017

4:00 PM Consolidated shelter opens at LaBelle Civic Center

8:00 PM Hendry County announces closure of government office until 9/18/2017

11:00 PM Evacuation of residents in North LaBelle begins due to excess flooding and rising water from Glades County.


12:00 PM Local State of Emergency extended through September 19, 2017

5:30 PM Distribution of supplies to outlying areas begins.

6:37 PM City of LaBelle extends office closures


12:00 PM Curbside pickup for household waste only resumes.

5:00 PM Hendry County included in Presidential Major Disaster Declaration.


11:19 AM Information flyer released with distribution/donation locations and important phone numbers.

4:48 PM County-wide curfew lifted.

6:37 PM Hendry County Schools announces free lunches will be provided in Clewiston and LaBelle from Saturday 9/16/17 to Tuesday 9/19/17.


9:00 AM Goodwill Industries in LaBelle to assist with emergency food stamps.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2017

9:00 AM Goodwill Industries in Clewiston to assist with emergency food stamps.

11:37 AM Additional ice deliveries available in LaBelle and Felda. 12:00 PM U.S. Sugar, Southern Gardens and South Central Florida Express are partnered

with Farm Credit and Florida Crystals to provide 1500 hot meals to people impacted by Hurricane Irma with a hamburger cookout in LaBelle and Montura.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2017

5:00 PM Normal curbside pickup schedule resumes for Hendry County


8:00 AM Hendry County government offices open with skeleton crew

2:34 PM Governor Scott suspends regulatory statutes that hinder Hurricane recovery efforts.



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5:00 PM FEMA deploys teams into Hendry County.


8:00 AM Consolidated donation center opens in LaBelle.


9:00 AM The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is available to assist eligible homeowners who sustained roof damage from Hurricane Irma in signing up for Operation Blue Roof.


8:00 AM Debris pickup begins.


Additional mosquito spraying is scheduled throughout the County.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2017

8:00 AM FEMA opens Disaster Recovery Center in LaBelle.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2017

LaBelle Civic Center closes as shelter.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2017

8:00 AM American Red Cross offers financial assistance for hurricane related damages.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2017

10:27 AM Hendry County Engineering department seeks permission forms from residents on privately owned roads to pick up storm related debris.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2017

2:00 PM Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart visits the City of LaBelle to discuss recovery efforts.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2017

Final pick up scheduled for debris on public roads

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2017

4:00 PM The deadline for Hurricane Irma survivors in all 48 designated Florida counties to register for FEMA individual disaster assistance has been extended to Nov. 24, 2017.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2017

8:00 AM Contractors begin pick up of construction debris.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2017

8:00 AM Disaster Recovery Center Opens for Five Days in Clewiston.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2017

Contractors complete woody debris pick up.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2017

Transitional Sheltering Assistance extended.



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Analysis

Planning

Prior to the event, EOC Staff monitored the storm and kept staff and Commissioners updated as

to its progression. Hendry County Public Works began making preparations for storm related

damages such as downed signs, flooded ditches, and placing generators at lift stations.

Equipment was staged at various locations throughout the County for road clearing after the

storm.

Sand bags were dropped at strategic locations around the County for residents to use.

Hendry County Maintenance department began preparing facilities for potential storm damage.

Shelters were inspected and generators were tested or added based on the need. The Hendry

County PIO began releasing notices to the local media and public regarding potential dangers of

the storm and urging residents in low lying areas to seek alternative shelter.

County Administrator Chapman was a guest on Clewiston radio station WAFC where he spoke

about Hurricane Preparedness. The interview was broadcast on the station’s FaceBook page and

questions from residents where answered via Facebook.

Director Newhouse provided several news stations with interviews giving residents further

instruction on storm preparation.

County funds were being made available for immediate use through the Purchasing and Finance

departments.

A local State of Emergency was effective September 5, 2017 at 5:00 PM.

During the event, staff was able to rely on experience and knowledge of the County to

effectively plan recovery efforts. An Incident Management Team, (IMT), from Ohio was located

inside the Emergency Operations Center and guided staff in management of the event.

Frustrations on the local level arose due to the absence of a Florida Department of Emergency

Management regional director.

Staff worked 12 hour plus shifts and were often responsible for multiple areas. Post-event

discussions have identified the need for cross-training of EOC positions, additional EOC

personnel assigned to the event as well as the addition of a safety officer to ensure employees are

receiving breaks and adequate time between shifts.



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The EOC building’s water system was not equipped to support the amount of individuals being

housed in the EOC. Its current design is rated for 50 persons, not the 140 plus individuals who

were staying there.

Generators across the County failed. Consideration needs to be given to upgrading, replacing, or

purchasing generators as well as an ongoing maintenance plan.

Staff responded to residents’ concerns regarding evacuations and shelters. The Pioneer

community preferred to shelter in place and used the Community Center as a shelter. Staff

communicated with the center as much as possible. Residents with pets refused to evacuate so

an additional shelter was opened to accommodate. Pet shelters needs to be addressed for future

events.

Areas identified as strengths during the event:

The addition of the IMT staff to the EOC.

The EOC was equipped with IT staff.

Staff was prepared for the event.

Shelters were open 48 hours prior to the event.

Areas identified as problems during the event:

A. Training and Staffing

1) Staff felt not enough time had been devoted to table-top exercises designed to

teach and refresh knowledge of WEBEOC throughout the year.

2) The Everbridge system could have been utilized more frequently with proper

training.

3) Staffing levels were not optimal. Sections in the EOC could have been expanded

if staffing levels allowed, such as the logistics section and the addition of a safety

officer.

B. Supplies and Equipment

1) The EOC stock levels were not adequate for an event of this size.

2) Supplies ordered from State EOC were delayed or denied.

3) Not enough equipment was available to move/handle the loads of supplies

incoming and out-going.

4) Fuel supplies were low or unavailable throughout the County.

5) Generators for lift stations failed or they were not available at various locations

throughout the County.

C. Facilities

1) The generator at the Courthouse needs to be upgraded to appropriate size.

2) Not enough storm safe buildings were available to house public safety personnel.



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3) The reverse osmosis system at the EOC was not able to handle the load of the 140

people housed within the building.

4) The EOC was not fully equipped to handle the volume of people housed within it.

D. Evacuation(s)

1) The evacuation notice for Clewiston was short notice and didn’t provide a lot of

time to notify the public.

2) Residents refused to leave areas in evacuation zones and shelter of last resort was

opened.

E. Shelters

1) Special Needs patients were showing up to the shelter without being registered.

2) The transport of Persons with Special Needs (PSN) needs to be more organized.

3) Pet Shelters were not initially available.

Areas of improvement based upon identified problems:

1) Evacuation plans need to be developed or updated for each City and unincorporated

Hendry County.

2) Persons with Special Needs should be registered prior to the beginning of Hurricane

season. Although Emergency Management staff and the Health Department renew the

list each year, an increased awareness campaign should be launched and promoted for

qualified individuals.

3) An updated transportation plan for persons with special needs should be addressed.

4) Increased Community Emergency Response Teams, (CERT), should be trained and

dispatched into the community. Church groups are great groups to start with.

5) The County should consider the purchase of additional generators for use as well as on-

going maintenance for them.

6) The water system at the EOC needs to be upgraded for larger capacity. Alternative

sheltering for county employees should be considered.

7) Vendor account numbers should be included in the EOC information books. Staff was

unable to access specific information when contacting vendors such as FPL.

8) A written policy regarding pet shelters should be developed.

9) The County should consider the purchase of forklifts that can be utilized throughout the

year and mobilized to distribution areas as needed.



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Communication

Information Systems

WebEOC was tested and verified to work prior to the event.

During and post-storm, multiple communication failures led to several operational and logistics

problems. The Centurylink systems as well as repeaters were non-operable.

Centurylink phone and internet services became unavailable. As a result, the County’s 9-1-1

system was left inoperable by residents. The internet did not go down in the EOC, so staff

utilized any means available to communicate with the public. Emergency calls were received via

the Sheriff’s Department’s Facebook page and surrounding counties reported emergency calls

being received at their locations. Hendry County dispatchers were commended by the Sheriff’s

Department for prompt responses.

Clewiston was unable to contact the EOC for 3 days unless they used independent cell phones.

The downed communication lines also led to a void of information with the City of Clewiston

and their response to the event. Due to the distance of the EOC and the staffing response within

the City, it was not possible for the City of Clewiston to send an individual to the EOC for

updates.

Once the EOC issued emergency cell phones, outside agencies were able to make contact to the

EOC.

During this time, HAM radios continued to work. During the event, operators were able to

communicate through HAM radio from the EOC to the shelters. Montura reported that the use of

handheld radios was possible for them during the event.

United Way reported their 2-1-1 line received over 40,000 calls during the storm and the weeks

following. The downed internet lines prevented them from receiving updates from the PIO,

making information dissemination difficult or outdated.

The EOC attempted to activate more CERT teams post-event. Responses were never received;

believed to be the result of communication lines being down.

Communication to and from the courthouse was not possible during this time due to repeater

failure.

The probation department also experienced communication issues.

The need for more bilingual staff was reported across multiple agencies.



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Intelligence & Information Sharing and Distribution

Prior to the event, information was being received from the State EOC as well as the National

Weather Service in Miami. Several conference calls were conducted to brief staff and outside

agencies of current models, preparations, and possible outcomes of the storm. The PIO as well

as the Emergency Management Director distributed regular press releases via Facebook, email,

and phone messaging system alerting the public to the potential risks.

Wide spread panic and false information began appearing in social media leading up to the event.

The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey had many residents fearful of possible outcomes. The PIO

reached out to individuals who maintain local community networks via Facebook, phone trees,

news media, and email contact lists to establish a direct line of information dissemination.

During the event, the PIO continued to distribute information until Centurylink lines went down.

Communication with Glades Electric was not possible. Calls were made regarding status of

grids with no response.

Cell phone communication also became an issue and it was discovered that AT&T phones were

fully functional. The EOC stocks AT&T and Sprint phones for emergency situations and AT&T

phones were issued to EOC staff.

Information pre, during, and post event was communicated into the EOC by first responder staff

in the field. Once the storm posed no immediate danger, first responders began travelling door-

to-door for welfare checks.

Several areas where identified as priority areas for information and supply distribution due to the

population, proximity to urban areas, or damage to community. The National Guard was

available for supply support.

Flyers were made containing important phone numbers, location of supplies, and emergency

food stamp information. The flyers were composed in English and Spanish and distributed in

unincorporated Hendry County.

Hendry County Sheriff’s Department also made contact within neighborhoods and distributed

information; asking residents to spread the information to their neighbors.

The Felda, Pioneer, and Montura Fire Chiefs used loud speakers of their vehicles to broadcast

information into neighborhoods.

Hendry County Commissioners travelled throughout their districts answering questions and

providing information.



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Despite the testing performed by the IT department leading up to the event, issues with

WEBEOC caused delays. WebEOC logon information was not optimal resulting in slowing

down the transfer of information.

Areas identified as strengths during the event:

1) The IT department performed extensive testing of the systems used in the EOC prior to

the event.

2) IT Staff was present and available throughout the entire event to troubleshoot and come

up with solutions for communication failures.

3) Emergency Management had emergency cell phones on site which proved valuable.

4) Over 75 press releases were made from pre-event to post-event containing up-to-date

information.

5) For the period of September 1-October 31, 2017, Hendry County Government’s

Facebook page received 395 new followers and Hendry County Emergency

Management’s page received 995. The increase equated to more information being

distributed to the public that may not have been included in the County’s email

distribution list.

6) Staff in the field was able to relay information into the EOC for planning purposes.

7) Bi-lingual residents assisted with information dissemination.

Areas identified as problems during the event:

1) The lack of working phone lines and in some places radio communication severely

delayed responses.

2) Electronic information being distributed to the public was not received due to lack of

power.

3) Language barriers made information distribution difficult.

Areas of improvement based upon identified problems:

1) Release more storm related information prior to Hurricane season via social media and

news outlets. Workshops for the public should also be considered.

2) Emergency Management issues “All Hazards Guide” each year. A Spanish version

should be considered.

3) The Everbridge phone system should be utilized more.

4) Established locations around the County should be identified as areas for information to

be posted in the event that internet and phone systems are not working.

5) Key contact phone numbers on the boxes of MREs in English and Spanish should be

considered so the population can get the information they need.

6) Additional EOC training needs to be provided more frequently for non Hendry County

government agencies manning the EOC.



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7) The use of local radio, FM and AM stations should also be considered for live broadcast

or pre-recorded statements.

Long Term Recovery / On going

Planning for recovery efforts began as soon as the EOC was activated. Supply requests were

made by the EOC to the State EOC and distribution sites were identified.

Shelters opened almost 48 hours prior to the storm for residents and evacuees of eastern Hendry

County. Hendry County school employees staffed the shelters in addition to limited resources

from American Red Cross and later by the National Guard. It was difficult to estimate the

number of people who would be present at each shelter. LaBelle sheltered 3,000 residents, the

majority from Clewiston. Frustration was experienced at all shelters from lack of mixed or no

communication and working generators. Staff, CERT team, and Red Cross volunteers were all

excellent help. The food service team was also commended on their response. Funding needs to

be provided for cleanup and disinfection of the facilities prior to school functions resuming.

Due to Hurricane Harvey, volunteers from the American Red Cross were in short supply along

with random items needed for the shelters, such as flashlights and blankets. Red Cross manned

two shelters, generally only one is staffed.

The LaBelle Civic Center opened as a shelter so schools could resume normal functions. The

Civic Center was not equipped as a standard shelter and had to be outfitted with supplies.

Portable showers were supplied as well as bedding and other needed supplies. Residents unable

to return home due to damage were left with little options for alternative housing due to the lack

of hotels, motels, or rental units.

In-coming supplies were designated for distribution at the EOC. Each distribution point received

water, tarps, and MRE’s. Communication break downs led to frustration and confusion at

distribution sites.

Some people were afraid to leave their properties either because of language barriers or afraid

someone would rob their property. Supplies were delivered in small batches to these areas which

were appreciated.

The County needs to seek alternate receiving location(s) for incoming donations as well as

additional man power to run the facility. Local churches should be considered for this support.

Road and Bridge crews worked without power to restore the roadways, signs, and traffic lights.

Hendry County Sheriff’s Department manned intersections where power had been lost until



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traffic safety signage could be installed. It was one of the most labor intensive recoveries

experienced in the past decade.

Damage assessment began once roadways were cleared and staff could safely make assessments.

Approximately 2,000 structures suffered damages. Damage assessment teams made note that

property cleanup had begun prior to them entering the field. Assessment should have started

earlier than it did. A methodic plan had been developed to clear streets and begin assessments,

but communication problems to the teams lead to a break down in the plan. Assessment teams

need to be further developed with additional resources and training.

Montura received over 18” of rain and lost a few of their pumps to mechanical failure. The

County Engineering department assisted with the addition of pumps to help ease standing water.

A Canadian search and Rescue team arrived to assist them.

Pioneer Plantation and LeDeca experienced issues similar to Montura. The National Guard

assisted in their communities with needs.

Mobile home communities had some issues with lift stations and non-working generators. For

health reasons, both City and County became involved with managing these systems. A nursing

home also lost generator power and was unable to provide ice, cooling systems, and food to

residents. The County and Health Department was able to assist them as well.

Debris removal took longer than expected to begin. Contractual services were not being honored

by the debris removal provider. Debris removal began on September 22nd. Total horticultural

debris removed was 262,797 cubic yards and 396 tons of construction and demolition debris.

Due to the lengthy response time, the County would like to consider providing debris removal

from local contractors directly in the future.

The Hendry County Courthouse incurred storm damage as well as other key governmental

structures.

Residents were asked to submit photos of damage to assist in the designation of Hendry County

as a major disaster area. Hendry County was included on the Presidential Major Disaster

Declaration 3 days after landfall and FEMA arrived 9 days after.

Multiple FEMA teams were dispatched by foot into communities to offer assistance. Locations

set up on both sides of the County offered residents with opportunities to meet with FEMA

personnel.

FEMA will be in Hendry County for approximately 4-6 months serving Hendry, Lee, Collier and

Monroe counties to assist in making the counties structurally and economically stronger. It was

stated by FEMA representatives that Hendry is approximately 2-3 weeks ahead of recovery when

compared to other counties.



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Long-term recovery efforts are ongoing and an updated report will be issued after more feedback

from scheduled upcoming meetings’ input.

IHP Program $$ Approved % Total

Housing

Assistance $2,929,796.34 69%

Other Needs $1,328,845.67 31%

Total $4,258,642.01 100%

Registrations

Valid Registrations 8,164

Site Inspections

Inspections Issued

5,093

Inspections

Returned

5,090

% Complete 99.94%

Rental Assistance

Applicants 1,084

$ Approved 1,231,925

Transitional Sheltering Assistance

Hotel Location Households Total Survivors

Out of County 3 8

In Hendry 5 10

Total 8 18 FEMA Supplied Housing

Eligible 6

Moved In Moved Out

Commercial 5

Private 0

Direct Lease 1

Total 6

City

Eligible Awaiting FEMA Housing

Solution

Clewiston 1

Felda 0

Labelle 0

Days EOC was Activated 35

Number of persons housed at the EOC 140

Number of Volunteer Man Hours 1,500

Number of Shelters 6

Number of Days Shelters Were Open 33

Number of Residents Sheltered 2,500

Number of Meals Issued 345,600

Bottled Drinking Water Issued 283,500

LBS of Ice Issued 40,000

Tarps Issued 30,000

Sand Bags Issued 30,000

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