A detailed Shell Point hurricane plan serves as a guideline in the event of a weather-related emergency. The particular circumstances of the storm and the time available for staff to perform certain tasks may dictate changes in the sequencing of the plan, or even which tasks are completed. The plan is set in motion by the Shell Point Hurricane Management Team as soon as a tropical storm becomes named. The first step is to actively track the storm. The team may activate the detailed and organized evacuation plan approximately 36 to 48 hours prior to landfall, based on the following criteria:

• An assessment of the distance, relative to Shell Point, that tropical-force winds extend out from the storm’s center, the overall size and strength of the approaching storm, and the potential tidal surge.
• Recommendations to evacuate are considered by Shell Point management after consulting with Lee County Emergency Management and the Shell Point consulting meteorologist.

Accurate and up-to-date storm tracking is critical. The Shell Point Hurricane Management Team will rely on various sources and means of communication to inform residents and employees of all decisions and plans.

If an evacuation is ordered, all skilled nursing, assisted living, and medically-qualified independent living residents will go to the Larsen Health Center in the Waterside neighborhood. Independent living residents will shelter at the Shell Point parking garage located on The Island. 

While the staff at Shell Point is committed to maintaining its core values of caring for, serving and satisfying residents in the event of an evacuation, residents must also take part in ensuring their own safety by preparing well in advance. 

It is the residents’ responsibility to stay abreast of information provided by Shell Point. The president, or his designee, will direct specific communication of storm updates to the Residents’ Council via in-person meetings, phone calls, texts and/or e-mail updates. 

The Shell Point Hurricane Management Team will maintain up-to-date information on the Resident Information Hotline at (239) 339-2541 or toll-free 1-866-551-6013, on Shell Point Television – Channel 8/11, the resident website at www.shellpoint.net, and through Omnilert or any other expedient means of communication. Please consult these forms of communication first, as they are the quickest way to release important information to the entire resident population. 

Expect the normal routines of the Shell Point staff to be interrupted as they prepare for an impending storm. Once storm preparations begin, please direct your questions to your court representative or their designee. 

This is the time of year when residents start asking if Shell Point needs volunteers during hurricane season. The answer is simple – ask your court rep how you can lend a helping hand. 

Help before the storm includes assisting people in your court to prepare their hurricane supplies. Help during the storm involves providing assistance in the shelter, sharing reading materials and games and offering general assistance as needed. Some volunteers may also be needed to help clear the shelter after a storm. 

Volunteer opportunities specific to the needs of the healthcare residents sheltering at Larsen Health Center will be essential. Because of special training requirements, those volunteers must come directly from the Shell Point Health Care volunteer group. If you are a current member of the Shell Point Health Care Auxiliary and would like your name on the list of potential volunteers to shelter at the Larsen Health Center in the event of hurricane, please call (239) 454-2290. 

Shell Point will provide each resident with a complimentary reclining chair to use in the hurricane shelter. In the event of an evacuation, the reclining chairs provided by Shell Point will be delivered to the shelters in advance of residents’ arrival, so residents will no longer need to store and supply their own cot or folding chair. 

Shell Point provided each resident with a complimentary tote bag to use as their designated shelter kit. New residents receive this tote bag as part of their closing package at Shell Point. Tote bags are also available by contacting the Shell Point Call Center. 

Plan to bring medications and oxygen supplies with you during evacuation. Considering that infrastructure in the region could be damaged, it is recommended you obtain no less than a two-week supply of all medications. 

Portable oxygen tanks should be used during transportation to and from the shelter, and for time spent settling in at the shelter. Following setup, emergency generators will be able to accommodate oxygen concentrators. 

The generator will also be able to accommodate residents who use CPAP machines. Emergency supplies of oxygen will be available in the event of a power or equipment failure. 

During evacuation, all residents are asked to leave vehicles and golf carts in designated parking spaces. It is a good practice, however, to fill your gas tank in the days leading up to a possible evacuation. Unplug all golf cart charging systems and secure any bicycles, carts or other loose items in the garage before you leave for your designated shelter. 

Transportation will be provided to and from the shelters. Do not go to the shelter on your own; use the Shell Point transportation provided.