How to help natural disaster victims

Although no one ever wants to be caught in the middle of a natural disaster like a wildfire or hurricane, it is always so touching to hear about the people who step up to help others during those tragic times of need. However, it can be difficult for people who want to provide assistance to those in need, to know what exactly is needed. Here are some of the things that are needed when people are evacuated or lose their homes to a natural disaster.

How to help natural disaster victims

Food and Water

Food and drinking water are the top priorities during the aftermath of a natural disaster. It’s so nice when volunteers come to make sure that there is a hot meal and bottled water for people who may have lost their homes. Disaster relief showers or laundry machines can also be brought to evacuation sites to allow people to freshen up a bit.

Shelter

Having a safe place to stay with a roof over their heads is important for people who have been evacuated during a natural disaster.

Money

People are so eager to help that victims of natural disaster may be overwhelmed with donations. These excess donations of canned food and clothing, while very helpful, can pose somewhat of a burden in terms of where to store everything. When you think about a family that has just lost their home in a wildfire, they have no place to store a lot of canned foods or clothing. They may not even have a car, so they would just be trying to carry these items around with them. It is important to check for an updated list of what exactly is needed before dropping off donations, or just donate money.

It’s difficult to imagine having your life turned upside down by a natural disaster, but it is heartwarming to see the outpouring of support from nearby communities as these families and individuals try to put their lives back together again.

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TRAFFIC TIP TUESDAY 05-11-19

By Sgt. Bill Hillman

TRAFFIC TIP TUESDAY 05-11-19

316.217 – When headlights are required to be on – NOTE: Do not use hazard lights while driving (at any time)

(1) (a) At any time from sunset to sunrise including the twilight hours. Twilight hours shall mean the time between sunset and full night or between full night and sunrise.

(1) (b) During any rain, smoke, or fog.

Violation of his section is a moving infraction with a fine of $164.00 and 3 points.

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How To Keep Your Business Protected

When you’re busy trying to keep your business running, the last thing you want to worry about is how to keep it safe from various types of crime. Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take to prevent your corporate assets from falling into the wrong hands. Follow these guidelines to keep your company protected from loss and crime.

How To Keep Your Business Protected

Use Security Services

A reliable security system is a highly effective way to ensure that your business remains secure. From vandalism to arson, professional security services Louisiana can deter many different forms of crime and keep your company safe. Having a security system installed can also help reduce the risk of losing cash and equipment, as well as other assets that are important to your business. With a secure system in place, you can sleep well at night knowing that everything is being monitored appropriately.

Have an Officer on Duty

While a security system can do a lot to strengthen the safety of your company, having a uniformed officer on duty provides an extra level of protection. If you’re serious about your company’s safety, looking beyond alarm systems and metal detectors is crucial. Whether you’re concerned about extra visibility for traffic enforcement or having your valuable products stolen, a trained professional on your company’s premises can show intruders that you take the well-being of your business seriously.

Avoid Phishing

When you’re working to protect your physical assets, don’t neglect your company’s private data, either. Many cybercriminals use phishing, which is the act of tricking someone into revealing personal information, in order to steal a person’s data. Make sure you aren’t a victim of phishing scams by steering clear of any emails or texts that contain mysterious links or suspicious information. Spread the word to your employees as well in order to create a more secure environment in your business.

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Arrest Made – Spring Hill Man Sought for Dragging Dog Down Roadway

On today’s date, Gregory Tousignant accepted a plea deal of 270 days in the Hernando County Detention Center for the listed crime of Animal Neglect.

The last information received from the veterinarian caring for Ollie was that Ollie was well on his way to a full recovery and was thoroughly enjoying all of his visitors and gifts.

Update #1 – 05-09-19

On 05-08-19 just after 9 p.m., deputies conducting proactive patrols in the area of Commercial Way and the Outback Steakhouse observed a vehicle believed to be the one described in the BOLO (Be On the Look Out) for the animal cruelty incident (arrest warrant).

Deputy Vincent Spallino conducted a Traffic Stop on the green Ford F-150 at Frontage Road just off Commercial Way in front of the Microtel. The driver of the F-150 was identified as Gregory Tousignant.

Spallino requested Tousignant’s driver’s license. Tousignant told Spallino he had only an ID card, as his license was not valid.

Deputy Spallino placed Tousignant under arrest for the active warrant and for DWLSR (Driving While License Suspended/Revoked with Knowledge). His bond was set at $1,500.

At this time, there is no additional information available.

Original Information – 05-08-19

On 05-03-19 at 9:28 a.m., 911 dispatchers started to receive calls reporting a dog was being dragged behind a truck that was traveling down Northcliffe Boulevard in Spring Hill.

Witnesses indicated the dog was tied to the truck’s back bumper by a piece of rope that was attached to the dog’s collar.

The dog, a 1-year-old pit bull terrier mix, was able to free itself from the collar.

A witness at the scene tended to the injured dog and proceeded to take the dog for additional treatment. The dog is expected to make a full recovery.

While a suspect wasn’t immediately identified, through investigation, deputies were finally able to identify the dog’s owner as Gregory Tousignant W/M DOB/07-02-1960.

Witnesses said it appears Tousignant was unaware the dog had jumped out of the bed of his truck. It is illegal to carry any pet in the bed of truck that is not properly secured and prevented from jumping out of the moving vehicle.

On 05-08-19, County Judge Kristie Ruppe issued a warrant for Tousignant’s arrest on a misdemeanor charge of Cruelty to Animals, which carries a $1,000 bond.

As Tousignant is a transient, anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 352-754-6830.

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Traffic Crash Mariner Boulevard and Cortez Boulevard

Two lanes of westbound traffic on Cortez Boulevard at the intersection are blocked due to a crash.

Traffic Crash Mariner Boulevard and Cortez Boulevard

In addition, those who are northbound on Mariner who want to turn left onto Cortez Boulevard are also unable to make that turn at this time.

Please use an alternate route, if possible.

 

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Mass Casualty Training Exercise Announcement

Hernando County’s First Responders, in cooperation with the Hernando County School District and the Hernando County Department of Health will be participating in a mass casualty training exercise, on Monday, June 3, 2019, at Springstead High School located at 3300 Mariner Boulevard in Spring Hill.

First Responders from all disciplines (law enforcement, fire rescue, emergency management, hospital staff, medical helicopters, etc.) will take part in the training exercise which will begin at 9 a.m. and be complete by 1 p.m. Residents and/or motorists may see activity in the area as early as 7 a.m., when set-up begins.

During the training exercise, one northbound lane of Mariner Boulevard will be CLOSED. Detour signs will be posted, providing drivers with alternate routes.

Members of the media are invited to attend. A media staging area has been designated in a south parking lot, just south of the cafeteria, in a fenced area. Signage will be posted at the designated media staging area. Members of the media will not be permitted into the exercise area.

The Office of Sheriff:
The Office of the Sheriff is established by the Florida Constitution. As a constitutional officer, the Sheriff has the exclusive authority to administer his or her agency and is responsible for preserving the peace throughout the entire county, carrying out the laws of the state, the orders of Florida courts, and the ordinances of the Board of County Commissioners. The Sheriff is the chief law enforcement and correctional officer of the county.
Sheriff Al Nienhuis was initially appointed as the Sheriff of Hernando County by the Governor in January of 2011. He was then elected by the people of Hernando County in 2012, and remains accountable to them.

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Neglected Animals Seized from Ridge Manor Property, Owner Cited

In April, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office Animal Enforcement Unit responded to 34125 Hyatt Road in Ridge Manor to conduct a welfare check on numerous animals on the property that appeared to be in distress.

Upon arrival, Animal Enforcement officers noted several animals in need of attention.

Those animals included a horse, whose hip and rib bones were showing, an extremely overweight pot belly pig, three goats, and five adult dogs, whose pen was covered in feces and mold.

Officers met with Kay Davis W/F DOB/04-09-1951, the owner of the animals, but does not live on the property.

Officers told Davis she needed to clean the dogs’ pen immediately and provide them with fresh bedding and clean water. Davis advised a man was coming later that day to clean the dogs’ pen.

Officers also advised Davis she would need to have a veterinarian examine both the horse and one of the goats that appeared malnourished.

In addition, Davis was instructed to have a farrier examine the horse, which she agreed.

Davis advised she gets paid on May 3 and would have a farrier out at that time.

On April 24, officers made contact with Davis who advised a farrier would be out to see the horse on May 6.

Animal Enforcement officers returned to the property on May 31, after numerous attempts to contact Davis since April 24 were unsuccessful.

When officers arrived on scene they were able to observe the horse, whose condition appeared to worsen since the last visit.

Officers also noted none of the animals had access to food, and the water was covered in algae.

Upon documenting the conditions, officers called Davis who was told to respond to the property immediately.

All of the animals on the property were found in a state of neglect and were seized and taken to Animal Services in Brooksville.

Davis and Glen Gulvin W/M DOB/09-12-1954, who helps care of the animals, were each issued misdemeanor citations for Animal Cruelty.

The Animal Enforcement Unit is moving forward with a petition to permanently remove all of the animals from Davis’ custody.

The Office of Sheriff:
The Office of the Sheriff is established by the Florida Constitution. As a constitutional officer, the Sheriff has the exclusive authority to administer his or her agency and is responsible for preserving the peace throughout the entire county, carrying out the laws of the state, the orders of Florida courts, and the ordinances of the Board of County Commissioners. The Sheriff is the chief law enforcement and correctional officer of the county.
Sheriff Al Nienhuis was initially appointed as the Sheriff of Hernando County by the Governor in January of 2011. He was then elected by the people of Hernando County in 2012, and remains accountable to them.

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Elderly Woman Airlifted After Dog Attack

On 05-27-19 just after 7:30 a.m., a call was received in the Emergency Communications Center regarding an elderly female who had just been attacked by three dogs.

Operators immediately dispatched Hernando County Fire Rescue (HCFR), a patrol deputy, and an animal enforcement officer to the scene.

The caller had placed the victim in a black pickup truck and was waiting alongside Spring Lake Highway for first responders to arrive. As they waited, the caller performed basic first aid on the victim’s wounds. The victim was suffering from severe dog bites to both of her legs.

The caller told operators that the three dogs that attacked the victim, described at pit-bulls, were still running loose in the area.

Due to the severity of the injuries, the victim was treated on scene by HCFR and then airlifted to a trauma center for advanced care.

Investigation revealed the elderly female was out walking on Spring Lake Highway, something she normally does, when the dogs attacked her. The person who called saw that something was wrong and stopped to provide assistance.

When deputies and animal enforcement officers arrived and attempted to collect the dogs, one or more of the dogs attempted to attack the deputies/animal enforcement officers. Bean bag rounds were utilized to subdue the dogs. The dogs were then collected and taken to Hernando County Animal Services.

The owner of the dogs has been identified as Ralph Hughes of Church Road in Brooksville. Hughes was cited as follows:
• Public Nuisance Animal – Second Offense (3 counts)
• Unrestrained Animal (3 counts).

Mr. Hughes has surrendered all three dogs for euthanasia, as he believes they are too aggressive. He does not want them back. It should be noted, all three dogs are licensed and current on all shots.

The victim is listed in stable condition.

There is no additional information available at this time.

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