While the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service is predicting a nearly normal hurricane season for 2019, emergency officials are reminding residents to be vigilant.
Experts predict a 40% chance of a nearly normal hurricane season, with a 30% chance of an above normal season and a 30% chance of a below normal season, however, Floridians should continue to prepare for a major storm. Lake County Emergency Management is urging residents to take steps now to help keep their families safe during severe weather.
“NOAA is predicting a fairly normal hurricane season, which we hope will prove promising for Lake County residents,” said Thomas Carpenter, Lake County Emergency Management Director. “However, it only takes one storm to create a dangerous situation and preparedness is key in protecting life and property.”
In Lake County, hurricane hazards may include heavy rainfall, high winds, inland flooding, and tornadoes. Some hazards may come with little to no warning. Residents are encouraged to develop a family communication plan, decide on a meeting location during an emergency, and prepare a disaster go-kit to include important personal, medical and legal documents. Residents should also be aware of what to bring to an emergency shelter, including food and water for three days, medication, bedding, and important documents. Pets at pet-friendly shelters must be transported in their own carriers and must be up-to-date on vaccines. All residents, especially those living in manufactured homes, should have a safe shelter plan before an emergency strikes, to include access to a friend or relative’s site-built, fortified home 24 hours a day.
To be notified quickly of weather emergencies, residents should purchase a battery-powered NOAA weather radio and sign up to receive local notifications, such as those offered through Lake County’s AlertLake Emergency Alert System. Signing up is free, quick, easy and secure at www.alertlake.com, for more information about Alert Lake, view this public service announcement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9FuEPxOECo
For more information about Emergency Management, visit www.lakecountyfl.gov/emergency and follow Emergency Management at www.facebook.com/LakeCountyFLEmergencyManagement and www.twitter.com/lakeemergency.
