Tropical Storm Idalia is expected to become a major hurricane and could impact Central Florida as soon as tomorrow evening.
Be sure to heed local and state warnings and directions. Know where storm shelters will be set up in your area. Find your county’s emergency management office information at
Lake County Emergency Management Center
425 W. Alfred St.,
Tavares, FL 32778,
352-343-9420
Updates on school closures will be provided by the Florida Department of Education here.
On average, 12 tropical storms, 6 of which become hurricanes form over the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, or Gulf of Mexico during the hurricane season which runs from June 1 to November 30 each year.
Winds from a hurricane can destroy buildings and manufactured homes. Signs, roofing material, and other items left outside can become flying missiles during hurricanes. Tornadoes can accompany landfalling tropical cyclones. These tornadoes typically occur in rain bands well away from the center of the storm. Stay inside during high winds and heavy rains.
Here is a checklist of things to do before a hurricane.
- Put Together an Emergency Kit – Check emergency equipment, such as flashlights, generators and storm shutters.
- Write or review your Family Emergency Plan: Before an emergency happens, sit down with your family or close friends and decide how you will get in contact with each other, where you will go, and what you will do in an emergency. Keep a copy of this plan in your emergency supplies kit or another safe place where you can access it in the event of a disaster.
- Review Your Insurance Policies: Review your insurance policies to ensure that you have adequate coverage for your home and personal property.
To assemble your kit – store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.
A basic emergency supply kit kept close by:
- Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Extra batteries
- Whistle (to signal for help)
- Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
- Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
- Manual can opener (for food)
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery.
- Soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces
- Prescription medications and non prescription drugs such as aspirin.
- Organize and protect your prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and vitamins to prepare for an emergency.
- Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
- Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream
- Pet food and extra water for your pet
- Cash or traveler’s checks
- Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
- Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
- Fire extinguisher
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
- Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
- Paper and pencil
- Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
- Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation
To learn more, visit emergency plan webpage.
For additional information, visit WEATHER
What To Do After the Hurricane
- Listen to local officials for updates and instructions.
- Check-in with family and friends
- Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
- Watch out for debris and downed power lines.
- Avoid walking or driving through flood waters. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and fast-moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
- Avoid flood water as it may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines and may hide dangerous debris or places where the ground is washed away.
- Do what you can to prevent further damage to your property, (e.g., putting a tarp on a damaged roof), as insurance may not cover additional damage that occurs after the storm.
The following organizations and agencies can help you prepare even more thoroughly for emergencies and disasters that could strike the community.
https://WWW.fema.gov Federal Emergency Management Agency
https://www.nws.noaa.gov. National Weather Service
https://www.disastersafety.org Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety.
https://www.redcross.org. American Red Cross
