As the hurricane season escalates, the Village of Key Biscayne is emphasizing its commitment to the safety and resilience of the community.
Last week, officials detailed evacuation procedures aimed at facilitating a safe exit for residents when faced with an evacuation order.
This week, the focus shifts to the re-entry process, explaining how residents can return home after a storm.
The re-entry to Key Biscayne isn’t merely a matter of reopening; it’s a meticulously planned, phased operation crafted to ensure life safety, infrastructure integrity, and the restoration of public order prior to residents and businesses being allowed back.
The Village has developed a Re-Entry Plan that outlines the transition from emergency response to recovery, detailing what residents can expect during each phase of this process.
Importantly, the phased re-entry approach is vital.
Following a hurricane or significant emergency, conditions can be perilous on the island.
Obstructions such as blocked roads, downed power lines, or damaged buildings may pose threats.
The Village Emergency Management Team must first identify and mitigate these risks before enabling the community to return safely.
This phased approach allows essential personnel to initiate recovery operations while ensuring public safety.
The Re-Entry Plan is guided by the Village’s leadership, including the Mayor, Village Manager, Police Chief, Fire Chief, Public Works Director, and Emergency Manager.
This leadership team determines the start of each phase based on real-time assessments along with coordination with county, state, and federal agencies.
### Phase 1: Life Safety and Landfall Teams
The first wave permitted back onto the island comprises emergency responders and infrastructure teams, categorized as Landfall Teams.
These teams undertake crucial tasks such as search and rescue, clearing roads, assessing damages, and beginning the restoration of essential services.
This initial phase encompasses:
– Key Biscayne Police and Fire Rescue
– Public Works road clearance crews
– Utility repair teams (FPL, AT&T, Comcast, and WASD)
– Village damage assessment teams
All team members must present valid identification and may be accompanied by security personnel.
Their efforts lay the groundwork for the safe re-entry of others.
### Phase 2: Infrastructure and Critical Businesses
Upon completion of initial safety assessments, support agencies and critical businesses are permitted to return to the island.
This group includes:
– Utility companies and their subcontractors
– Emergency Response Teams from registered hotels and condominiums
– Pre-designated contractors assisting Village recovery efforts
– Staff from essential businesses such as gas stations, grocery stores, pharmacies, and hardware stores
All individuals entering must present valid identification and proof of employment or contract.
Businesses must receive approval from the Village Emergency Management Team and may need to ensure they have operational generators and resources to sustain themselves during this critical phase.
### Phase 3: Residents and Business Owners
As conditions improve, residents and business owners will be granted entry.
This process will be controlled and will require documentation to confirm residency or ownership.
Acceptable forms of identification for residents include:
– Driver’s license
– Voter registration
– Utility bill
– Mortgage deed or property tax documents
– Car registration
For business owners, the following are acceptable:
– Business license
– Utility bill
– Certificate of use
– Lease documents
For employees of businesses, identification may include:
– Employee ID card
– Recent payroll stub
This phase is essential for the revival of community life; however, it must be executed safely and in collaboration with Village Leadership.
Businesses are encouraged to have their continuity of operations plans in place to handle the needs of returning personnel.
### Phase 4: General Public
The last phase allows access to the general public.
The decision to open this phase will be determined by Village Leadership and publicized clearly via the Village’s Public Information Office.
Until this phase is activated, access to the island remains restricted to authorized individuals only.
### Communication Is Key
During the entire re-entry process, the Village will utilize its emergency notification system to keep the community informed.
This system is designed to send alerts via texts, voice calls, and emails to registered devices.
Furthermore, the Office of Communications will distribute updates through:
– Village Information Notification System (VINS) and Village Connect
– The Village website and social media outlets
– Local media channels
– Electronic signage and other public messaging tools
Residents are encouraged to enroll in the emergency notification systems and consistently monitor official channels for current and accurate information.
Visit KeyBiscayne.Fl.Gov/Alerts to learn more about signing up.
### Department Roles and Responsibilities
Every department within the Village plays a critical role in the re-entry process, directed by the Village Manager.
– **Fire Rescue**: Leads the Emergency Management Team, coordinates re-entry and recovery processes, manages communications, conducts search and rescue operations, and ensures life safety, incident stabilization, and property conservation.
– **Office of Communications**: Responsible for disseminating public messages and instructions to the community.
– **Police Department**: Oversees traffic control, manages re-entry checkpoints, and ensures safety and security throughout the village.
– **Public Works**: Handles road clearing, debris removal, coordinates repairs of roadways and utilities, and sets up staging and debris sites.
– **Building Department**: Conducts damage assessments and, once conditions stabilize, establishes a permitting and plans review process for rebuilding.
### What Residents Can Do Upon Re-Entry
As the Village gears up for re-entry, residents can take practical actions to ensure a safe and smooth transition back to their homes.
1. **Register for Emergency Alerts**: Sign up for the Village’s notification system to stay informed about updates.
2. **Keep Documentation Handy**: Store pertinent identification and property documents in an easily accessible area.
3. **Stay Informed**: Follow official channels to receive reliable information and avoid spreading rumors or relying on unofficial sources.
4. **Be Patient and Cooperative**: Recognize that re-entry is a complex endeavor, and collaboration with law enforcement and Village personnel is crucial.
5. **Support Recovery Efforts**: After returning, adhere to instructions regarding debris removal, safety protocols, and community recovery initiatives.
6. **Stay Safe**: Bring essential supplies to support you during your return, and remain cautious of potential safety hazards like standing water, downed power lines, and debris.
### Final Thoughts
The Village of Key Biscayne’s Re-Entry Plan aims to safeguard lives, restore services, and facilitate the rebuilding of the community post-disaster.
This plan embodies the Village’s commitment to safety, community cooperation, and resilience.
By collaborating—residents, businesses, and Village staff—we can ensure a safe and organized return to our island home.
The Village appreciates your cooperation and urges everyone to stay informed, prepared, and connected.
Together, if the need arises, we will come back stronger than before.
image source from：islandernews
