Lake County Emergency Management is monitoring Hurricane Dorian, with the latest forecast showing the storm likely having some impact on Central Florida. In response, Lake County has declared a local state of emergency.
The Lake County Emergency Communications and Operations Center (ECOC) is now at Level 2 – Partial Activation.
At this time, preparation is key. Residents are encouraged to develop a family communication plan, decide in advance on a meeting location, and prepare a disaster go-kit including important personal, medical and legal papers to be stored in a safe place.
CITIZENS INFORMATION LINE
· The Citizens Information Line is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 352-253-9999.
SHELTERS
· No county emergency shelters are open at this time.
TRASH AND BULK WASTE COLLECTION
· Lake County Solid Waste is suspending bulk trash pickup due to Hurricane Dorian
Residents who have bulk trash are asked to secure it for later disposal when normal business resumes. Those wishing to dispose of bulk items before the storm may visit one of Lake County’s five convenience centers on Saturday. Convenience center locations and hauler contact information can be found online at: www.lakecountyfl.gov/departments/public_works/solid_waste/. Any changes to collection following the storm will be announced. Residents are encouraged to secure yard debris and trash during the storm.
DISASTER SUPPLY KIT
Non-perishable food (such as dried fruit or peanut butter)
First aid kit
Extra batteries
Matches in a waterproof container
Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap
Paper plates, plastic cups and utensils, paper towels
Water – at least a gallon per person, per day
Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
Flashlights
Whistle to signal for help
Can opener (manual)
Local maps
Pet supplies
Baby supplies (formula, diapers)
Prescription medications
GETTING YOUR HOME AND CAR READY
Clear your yard. Make sure there’s nothing that could blow around during the storm and damage your home. Move bikes, lawn furniture, grills, propane tanks, and building material inside or under shelter.
Cover up windows and doors outside. Use storm shutters or nail pieces of plywood to the window frames to protect your windows. This can help keep you safe from pieces of shattered glass.
Be ready to turn off your power. If you see flooding, downed power lines, or you have to leave your home, switch it off.
Fill clean water containers with drinking water in case you lose your water supply during the storm. You can also fill up your sinks and bathtubs with water for washing.
Lower the thermostat in your refrigerator and freezer to the coolest possible temperature. If your power goes out, your food will stay fresh longer. Read more about food safety after a storm.
Fill your car’s gas tank. You may also want to consider making plans with friends or family to get a ride.
Check your car’s emergency kit.
Move cars and trucks into your garage or under cover.
SANDBAGS
Sandbags have been made available at five Lake County location beginning at 7 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 29. Residents must bring their own shovels and are allowed to take 20 bags of sand per household per 24-hour period. No tools will be provided at sand deployment sites and residents are responsible for filling their own sandbags. Sandbags will only be offered during designated times before a storm threat. No sandbags will be dispensed during storm conditions. Sandbags operations will cease as announced after the storm threat is over. Pickup hours are 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. at the following locations:
Fire Station 10
23023 State Road 40, Astor
Fire Station 14
18840 County Road 42, Altoona
Fire Station 39
31431 Walton Heath Ave., Sorrento
Fire Station 110
6234 County Road 561, Clermont
Solid Waste Residential Convenience Center
1200 Jackson St., Lady Lake
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