SWFL emergency official: Plan for severe weather

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PUNTA GORDA, Fla. – Following the death of a couple killed in their Manatee County mobile home, a Charlotte County official cautions about the importance of emergency plans.

Charlotte County Emergency Management Director Wayne Sallade is mourning the loss of two people after a tornado ripped through their Manatee County community.

Winds from Sunday’s storm were so strong that they tore through the couple’s mobile home. Steve Wilson died at the scene and Katie Wilson, died shortly after of a heart attack.

“To lose someone in that manner, when there are technologies that could have saved their lives, it hurts,” Sallade said.

The tornado caused damage that Sallade likened to that of Hurricane Charley. He said the 2004 hurricane became a larger tragedy for mobile home residents who got stuck in the storm.

“They did not heed the evacuation order, which was given the day before, Thursday august 12,” Sallade said. “We ordered the evacuation of all manufactured mobile homes.”

Mobile homes are not safe structures when severe weather is approaching, Sallade said. He had a few other suggestions for mobile home communities.

“Many times you can go to a nearby fire station – that’s always an option. We tell people if you are nearby a 24-hours grocery or pharmacy, go there!” Sallade said.

To avoid injuries or deaths, Sallade hopes people will begin to plan for severe weather events. One way to prepare for weather is by downloading a weather app, like the WINK Weather app.

Most smart phones also send out local alerts when the National Weather Service issues a warning.

“I have both on my phone and trust me: Sunday morning our phones were going nuts,” Sallade said.

“I have both on my phone and trust me, sunday morning, our phones were going nuts.”

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