Recap of PIE’s Info Central Meeting – April 25, 2018

Palm Island Clubhouse

On April 25th representatives from Three Charlotte County Departments made presentations to a very large and receptive audience. This Seminar was sponsored by PIE’s Info- Central Committee. Thank you to Barbara DeYulio, Lou Ellen Wilson, Dave Mulvaney, Sally B Johnson and the Palm Island Resort.

Ellen Pinder – Charlotte County Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTS).
This program offers training to Charlotte County Residents in the following areas:

  1. What to expect following a major disaster in terms of immediate service
  2. Training in lifesaving skills with emphasis on Disaster Preparedness, proper use of fire extinguishers, rescuer safety, light search and rescue and doing the greatest good for the greatest number as well as first aid  including stopping a bleed out, how to recognize stroke and heart attack victims, etc..

Training consists of a three day program 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  usually held in Punta Gorda; however, they
will provide free of charge training on the island provided we have a minimum of 15 participants.
Go to their website:  charlottecountycert@gmail.com for full information regarding this program.

She urged everyone to sign up for Alert Charlotte – which provides  accurate information regarding storms/fires, etc. that will affect our island – local TV stations give information for areas that could be several miles away.

Dee Hawkins – Charlotte County Fire & EMS – reviewed programs available to Charlotte County Residents

  1.  Red Dot Medical Information Program – A  Red Dot is placed  above the exterior  of your entry door just above your door knob to alert EMS/Fire responders that medical information is in a “red packet” on the refrigerator door.  Also information is recorded in the County 911 database, so it is available to the responders prior to arriving at the scene and also  to Emergency Room personnel.  The  red pouches are available to have in golf carts and/or vehicles.    Red Dot sign up packets are available at the island fire station or online:  Red Dot Program or call (941) 833-5600.
  2. Knox Home Box:  Keys to the home are placed in the Knox Box and EMS/Fire Rescue have the master key – saves valuable time in case nobody can answer the door and/or not at home in case of fire.   More information: on line www.KnoxHomeBox.com or call (855)438-5669.
  3. Save Our Pet Stickers:  Place near the front door to alert responding personnel that a pet is in the house.  If no one is available to care for your pets,  Animal Control will be notified and will  provide the proper assistance to the pet’s owner for the care of the animal  until the owner is capable to arrange for the pet’s care.  “Save Our Pet” stickers cost $3. 941-86-33-5600
  4. Reflective Address Markers:  Charlotte County Fire & EMS will provide reflective address markers   to be placed on your property so they are clearly visible from the street. Cost $25 Installation is free. 941-833-5600
  5. Safety Tips:  For more information on all programs  on line: Charlotte County Emergency Mgmt.  or call (941)833-5600.
  1. Flicker of Life –Helps emergency workers find their way to your door. Light is used in a normal way but when you have an emergency  you turn the light switch off and then back on,  this will cause the light to flash on and off for 20 minutes. 941-833-5600
  2. Replace all Smoke/Fire alarms in the home after ten years even if they test okay.  Local Fire personnel are available to assist you with replacement of alarms/batteries provided it does not require electrical work.  To arrange an appointment call headquarters (941)833-5600.   (do not contact local fire station personnel)
  3. Sprinkler Systems – recommend owner review the owner manual or contact  manufacturer representative for testing requirements.  All systems are different.
  4. AED – ( Automated External Defibrillator) Ensure that locations of AEDs on the island are identified.  Also recommended that several be placed on homes throughout the island and locations communicated to all residents.
  5. Emergency Procedures:  Recommended that all homes and rental properties have an emergency procedure information sheet – readily available in the home (inside cabinet door one possibility)  with the correct street address, location of fire extinguishers, etc.  Also recommended in all home for use by visitors.

Melanie Bailey – Charlotte County 911
When calling 911 – use landline if available – their system will show the location immediately.  If calling from a cell phone be sure to give the correct full STREET address – do not say Palm or Gulf Blvd make sure you identify it as Palm Drive and Gulf Blvd North, etc. Within Charlotte County there are several streets with the name Palm or Gulf, etc.  Also identify that you are on Palm Island Resort, Don Pedro, or Knight Island –
Stressed:  DO NOT DRIVE TO FIRE STATION OR BARGE – wait for EMS personnel to come to the address given. DO NOT GO DIRECTLY TO THE FIRE STATION.  Call 911, fire station personnel could be on another call, doing island inspections, etc.
Texting available – however use only when unable to talk – one example:  a home invasion and you are hiding in a closet.
Magic Jack phone systems MUST have your FL address.

NON EMERGENCY TELEPHONE #:  (941) 639-0013

Regarding 911 Calls
Rescue 14 gets called first because they have the ambulance which will transport you to a medical facility.  The 911 operators will also inform station #10 and they will be contacted on every call regarding our Island. They will administer to you  while the ambulance is enroute. Only the ambulance can transport you.
If you go to Fire Station #10, and knock on the door, they still have to call for the ambulance( Rescue 14) and precious time is wasted. CALL 911. They emphasized that we should not hesitate to make a 911 call. When in doubt….CALL. They will evaluate your situation and if you don’t need to be transported by ambulance you may decide that someone drive you. They are here to help us any way they can, but call 911 first.
Be specific as to your address: Street number, Street name, Knight Island, Don Pedro Island, Palm Island Resort. Palm Island Resort is located on Knight Island. You can also say Station #10 is on Island.

In An Emergency  your address information needs to be clearly posted in your home for friends and family.

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Contact us at:
pie@palmislandestates.org

Palm Island Estates Association, Inc. is a voluntary, non-profit civic association of property owners on Knight Island, Palm Island, Don Pedro Island and Thornton Key. It was originally incorporated in 1980 “for the preservation of the natural environment and ecology of Knight and Don Pedro Islands.”
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Today, its mission is to promote cooperation among all property owners, to offer a representative voice in civic and community affairs and to provide assistance and improvement to the islands.

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