Be Aware And Be Prepared – Tropical Storm Alberto May Cause Severe Weather Conditions This Weekend

Emergency Management officials urge weather awareness as Tropical Storm Alberto forms; Sandbags are available at five locations

 The Lake County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is currently at Level 3 – Monitoring as officials track the potential for severe weather this weekend.

“Families are urged to focus on safety as Tropical Storm Alberto approaches,” said Tommy Carpenter, Lake County Emergency Management Director. “We strongly encourage residents to remain weather-aware, have a working NOAA weather radio, sign up for emergency alerts and have a preparedness plan in place including a disaster go-kit.”

Sandbags and sand are available at four Lake County Fire Stations and a Solid Waste Convenience Center until the supply runs out. Residents must bring their own shovels, and may take 20 bags of sand per household. No tools are provided at sand sites and citizens are responsible for filling their own sandbags. Pickup hours are 8 am – 8 pm at the following locations:

Follow these important safety tips:

• Storm winds can cause trees and branches to fall, so before hurricane season trim or remove damaged trees and limbs to keep you and your property safe.
• Secure loose items such as outside lawn furniture and toys to minimize flying debris.

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• Rain gutters and downspouts should be clear of clogs and debris to prevent water damage to your property. Drainage swales and storm drains should also be clear of debris to ensure proper drainage.
• Know what you would do in the event of a severe thunderstorm or tornado watch or warning. If a tornado warning is issued for your area, seek shelter in an interior room, away from windows.
• If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning and should seek shelter.
• Flash floods can occur without typical warnings such as rain clouds or heavy rain. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground.
• Never drive through flooded roadways as road beds may be washed out under flood waters, and just one foot of fast-moving flood water can move most cars off the road.

Sign up for the emergency notifications at www.alertlake.com. For more information about Emergency Management, visit www.lakecountyfl.gov/emergency and follow www.facebook.com/LakeCountyFLEmergencyManagement and www.twitter.com/lakeemergency.