Ahead of hurricane season, Lake County Fire rescue has outfitted seven fire stations with backup generators, providing the stations up to 96 hours of full power before refueling is needed.
Under the Hurricane Irma Hazardous Mitigation Grant Program, Lake County Fire Rescue was awarded a 75% funded project to add backup generators to seven fire stations. The $350,000 grant ($262,500 federal dollars and $87,500 local match) was awarded last year, and installations began this past January at stations 11, 19, 53, 70, 82, 83, and BC90.
“With the first tropical disturbance expected to impact the Florida peninsula this weekend, completing our station generator project is perfect timing,” said Lake County Fire Rescue Chief Jim Dickerson. “For the first time in Lake County Fire Rescue history, all 26 fire stations are equipped with full power backup generators.”
In the past, fire crews had to be relocated when power was interrupted during storms, now all Lake County Fire Rescue stations are storm-ready, and crews can remain in firehouses during severe weather.
Lake County Fire Rescue is also upgrading 20 of its 26 facilities with new impact-resistant windows, high-wind resistant garage doors, and hardened pedestrian doors, funded 75% through federal funds.
The career firefighters of Lake County Fire Rescue protect county residents and visitors in an area covering approximately 1,200 square miles, with nearly 70,000 residences and up to 2,000 commercial properties. For up-to-date news on Lake County Fire Rescue, visit, www.facebook.com/LakeCountyFireRescue orwww.twitter.com/lakefirePIO.
