Pinellas County residents are already getting ready for the upcoming hurricane season.

Open registration for barrier island re-entry permits kicked off this week in Clearwater.

Police officers were at a Clearwater Publix to get residents signed up for the county’s new re-entry program. Permits are being issued to those who live and work on the barrier islands in Pinellas County so they'll be allowed to get to their property once evacuation orders are lifted.

Other communities that require re-entry permits in the event of a mandatory evacuation are Belleair Beach, Belleair Shore, Indian Rocks Beach, Indian Shores, Madeira Beach, North Redington Beach, Redington Beach, Redington Shores, St. Pete Beach, Tierra Verde and Treasure Island.

"I just happened to see this and inquired about it," said Clearwater Beach resident Doreen Dimmitt, who was grocery shopping. She decided to sign up.

Residents like Dimmitt are exactly why Clearwater police are letting people know about the program, which began earlier this year.

This week, the department has gone outside its station to get people registered. Staffers have already issued more than 700 tags.

The hope is the program will curb looting.

"We wouldn't want to have anything pilfered while we, you know, were having this catastrophe," Dimmitt said.

Officials say it will also help them keep track of residents.

"It's also going to allow us to see who actually is on the beach,” said Lt. William Valveri, “Because, if at the end of the day they're required to leave the beach when they get scanned in again, we can see who's still on the beach, and we can go check to make sure nothing's happened to them. Or, just remind them that they're required to leave."

If the worst happens, people such as Dimmitt will be able to get home.

"There were occasions in the past when there were hurricanes and we were not able to get on to our property, so this is a really great benefit," said Dimmitt.

Authorities hope to get as many people signed up as possible before hurricane season starts June 1.

Other communities on the list are issuing permits at their city hall locations. Residents and business owners can also get them through their local municipalities.

More information is available at https://www.myclearwater.com/info_special/barrier_island.asp.