New hang tags are here , just in time for the 2012 hurricane season

hang tags new for 2012

To renew a tag that you already have, bring the old tag and your driver's license or other identification to the fire station and you will be issued a replacement. The current green residential and pink commercial tags are no longer valid and will not get you back onto the island if there is a storm.

Hangtag renewal is determined on a yearly basis. Do not throw out your old tags.

Hurricane hang tags are available from the Boca Grande Fire Department, 360 East Railroad Ave., between the hours of 10 a.m. to noon and 2 to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The fire department administrative offices will be closed the day before a pending hurricane.  

While a valid driver's license or state-issued form of identification is enough to get a resident back on the island after a storm, a hang tag will greatly simplify the process.

To qualify for a residential hang tag, you must either own property on the island or have a signed lease with your name, or the leasee must request the tags. To prove your residency, you should provide a utility bill, property tax bill, or another document indicating an island address. Another option is a valid driver's license or state-issued identification with an island address.

To get a commercial hang tag, your business must have an island address, you must provide a business license showing the address and the owner or manager must show a valid driver's license or state-issued identification.

Employers should request hang tags for their employees. When you do so, you will have to provide a list of employees that may receive a tag. Employees should only be issued the tag in the case of a storm, and once the emergency is over it should be returned to the employer.

Caretakers and housekeepers should obtain their tag through their employer. Only one tag is needed for each zone.

If you are not on the island and need a tag, send an email to nancybocafire@comcast.net or call to request an application. Send your completed application with a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the Boca Grande Fire Department, POB 532, Boca Grande, FL. 33921. Include a copy of your driver's license or other identification, proof of residency or ownership, such as a copy of a tax bill, deed, rental agreement, utility bill, etc.

If a tag is lost, a replacement will be provided, but only to homeowners, tenants or business owners. The security of any tag issued is the responsibility of the resident or business owner the tag is issued to.
Your zone will be printed on your hurricane hangtag to allow for phased re-entry, if needed. The hurricane zones are: Zone 1, the bridge to 18th Street; Zone 2, Boca Grande Isles; Zone 3, 18th Street to 1st Street; Zone 4, 1st Street to the south end.

Staying on the island during a storm is not recommended. If you choose to remain on the island after an evacuation advisory has been issued, it is requested that you contact the Boca Grande Fire Department at 964-2908.

If you elect to remain on the Island after an evacuation advisory has been issued, which is not recommended, it is requested that you contact the Boca Grande Fire Department at 964-2908 and leave the following information:

• Name and address where you are staying;

• Number of members in your party;

• Contact number for next of kin not living in the area;

This will aid the Fire Department to expedite search and rescue proceedings as well as body recovery efforts. Those electing not to contact the Boca Grande Fire Department shall be assisted on a first come, first served basis when it is safe to do so.

The Boca Grande Fire Department is not a shelter or safe haven. Make arrangements for evacuations.