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Home My WebLink About2004 09 27 Reports Date: 092704 The following Document was distributed by Chief Lallathin on 09/27/04 during Manager McLemore's "Report" Hurricane Jeanne update City Commission Meeting 9/27/2004 Tim Lallathin, Fire Chief The City of Winter Springs Emergency Operation Center was staffed from Saturday, September 25th until Sunday evening September 26th, We provided liaisons in the Seminole County EOC and continue to provide this support. The power grid for the City did pretty well this time with sporadic power outages reported throughout the City. This evening we will survey all areas of the City and report any outages to the power company. Citizens are reminded to call Progress Energy at 1- 800-228-8485 to report their outage. City Facilities without power include: West Wastewater Treatment facility 1000 W. SR 434 Lift Station 4 West Sheoah Circle Public Works Office 110 North Flamingo Ave. Parks & Recreation Maintenance Facility 1000 E. SR 434 There are currently no shelters opened. Three shelters were utilized during the storm including Winter Springs High School for general population, Highlands and Layer Elementary for special needs, Tuskawilla Trails, Hacienda Village and Mosswood Apartments were evacuated during the storm with the Police and Fire Department going door-to-door, however more citizens stayed in place during this event. All traffic lights are operational on commercial power and we had to provide one generator after the storm for the intersection of Vista willa Drive and SR 434. There is a boil water notice issued in the city for Arrowhead unit II subdivision, Tuscany's Restaurant, Tuskawilla Country Club, Fire Station 26 and other isolated individuals in Tuscawilla. The reason for the boil water notice was a huge tree was blown down and uprooted a 12" water main at the NE corner of Whitehall and Winter Springs Boulevard that had to be repaired. The Utility Department also reduced water pressure for about 30 minutes total time to minimize system problems. Minor flooding of roadways occurred and the most extensive is on Winter Springs Boulevard blocking a partial lane between Northern Way and Seneca Blvd. near the bridge. Public Works reported half dozen complete street blockages by downed trees that were cleared quickly during the storm. More debris was created by this storm and trees were pushed down, however the amount of debris is substantially less than the previous two Hurricanes. Grubb's was back in service providing debris removal today. Damage: Residential estimate $ 4,848,000 and Commercial estimate $ 295,000. City Facilities damaged: minor water damage at Fire Department Administration office due to loose roof flashing, gutters at Fire Station 24 were blown off, Public Works roof flashing was removed by the wind and the decorative light globes were blown off at Tuskawilla Road and SR 434. The Fire Department responded to 32 emergencies during the storm. If you need anything please ask and we would be happy to assist. In closing, I would like to commend the men and women that serve this community. They are committed to the preservation of life and property and their dedication and service is excellent. I am again proud to live and work in the City of Winter Springs and' thank the Mayor, Commissioners, Manager and my fellow employees for their support. Thank you! 'l COMMON RESPONSES TO DISASTERS OR TRAUMATIC EVENTS Sanford, Fla" August 19, 2004 - People react in a variety of different ways to disasters. Professionals agree that there is no one "healthy" pattern for reacting to a traumatic event. Some folks appear to be greatly disturbed while others throw themselves into recovery efforts or other activities showing little emotion or concern. Neither type of response is necessarily better than the other- it depends on the individual. Most people experience some signs or symptoms oftrauma-related stress after natural or personal disasters. Whether a person experiences these stress symptoms immediately after the disaster or later on, it is important to recognize them and help folks cope with their feelings. Even when a person's response to a disaster is very dramatic, it is important to remember that they are reacting quite normally to very abnormal conditions. One aspect of stress reactions that can be most upsetting to the individual is the belief that no one else is experiencing what they are. Many folks are amazed to find out that others are thinking and feeling the same way. Common Immediate Responses to Trauma or Disaster You may notice some or all of the following, normal behaviors as you meet those who have been affected by a disaster, · Shock, feeling dazed or numb · Disorientation, confusion · Disbelief · Overwhelming sense of helplessness, despair, hopelessness · Extreme fear that the disaster will occur again · Feeling on edge, easily started, alert to any sign of danger · Nervousness, feeling dizzy · Restlessness, can't sit still . A ,racing heart · Feeling scattered, difficulty making decisions, difficulty concentrating · Feeling sad or blue · Fatigue, loss of appetite, low energy · Crying spontaneously · Withdrawing from others, feeling "disconnected" or isolated · Anger/resentment toward others or no-one in particular, feeling irritable · Feeling guilty about the losses of others or receiving help from others Remember, these responses are considered normal. In a sense, they are an instinctive way for the body to protect itself from other trauma. These symptoms may last for days or weeks. However, the American Psychological Association has recommended that a person consider seeking help from a professional therapist if the symptoms last for more that a month. If You Are Having Difficulties Remember, you are not alone, Many people are experiencing or have experiences many . of the same feelings that you are having now. Your feelings are important; you are not being silly, weak or childish to have them. However, keep in mind that as bad as things seems right now, they will get better and these feelings will go away eventually. Do not rush yourself. Make sure that you remain open to talking with others about how you are feeling, It is important. Take comfort in the fact that you are also helping someone else when they may need it most. If you believe that you are having trouble handling the stress of the current situation, consider talking to someone. You decide when you are ready, but keep in mind that by working through your stress and emotions now, you may lessen your chances of having difficulties later. For more information, contact.your local County Extension Office.