CCSO hosts Emergency training for Citrus County officials to prepare for Hurricane Season, June 1
Photo courtesy of CCSO.
Citrus County, Florida - On May 2, 2023, the Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) partnered with several organizations within the county to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through November 30. The agency's Emergency Management (EM) Division conducted its annual training at the CCSO Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Lecanto, to ensure that major agencies within the county are prepared for and know what to do in the event of an emergency activation.
During an actual activation, the EOC is operational 24/7 to ensure that citizens are updated with the latest information on how to stay safe in the event of an emergency such as hurricanes and other severe weather. Activations take place in the EOC War Room, which has ample room for more than sixty professionals to gather and disseminate important information to each other and the public.
"I am proud that our EM Division is able to host this crucial training every year, and provide a significant amount of educational material and knowledge during this informative exercise," said Sheriff Mike Prendergast. "Unfortunately, Citrus County is no stranger to hurricanes and other severe weather, so it is pivotal that our county partners are prepared for this inevitable situation. I am excited to see that so many county organizations joined us during this event, and I know that this group will be able to handle anything that comes their way."
Organizations that participated in the exercise included:
• Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida
• Citrus County Board of County Commissioners
• Citrus County Clerk of Courts
• Citrus County Department of Health
• Citrus County Department of Transportation
• Citrus County Fire Rescue
• Citrus County Libraries
• Citrus County Schools
• Duke Energy
• Florida Department of Health
• Florida Department of Law Enforcement
• HCA Citrus County Sheriff's Office
• Hernando County Emergency Management
• Nature Coast Volunteer Center
• SECO Energy
• The Salvation Army
"Today's exercise was about readiness," said Emergency Management Director Chris Evan. "It was an opportunity for our emergency partners to strengthen capabilities in the event we are impacted by a hurricane. Even though the focus was a hurricane, we cannot forget that we live in an All Hazard State. It is incumbent on all residents to prepare now for natural or man-made disasters, as they can happen at any moment. I am so thankful for the dedicated professionals who participated, and I can say we are blessed, as a county, to have them."
This tabletop exercise, through mock-scenario activities, educated the group on how to handle large-scale emergencies that can affect the county. The exercise included practicing timely communications to support awareness of situations and operations that could affect the community, how to anticipate needs and resources prior to official requests, and teaching participants how to effectively communicate and work with other Emergency Support Function (ESF) people.
PREPARE IN ADVANCE
With the start of hurricane season less than a month away, residents should assess potential risks to their homes or businesses and mitigate potential damage:
• Trim Trees and Shrubs
Trees close to your home can snap or uproot. High wind can turn branches into projectiles during the storm.
• Remove Debris from Yards
Bring in outdoor furniture. Lawn chairs, trampolines, pool supplies, etc can be turned into flying debris.
• Prepare to Cover Windows
This is necessary in order to guard against flying debris. Plywood or professionally installed shutters are best. Secure materials for this NOW while there is a surplus. Do not wait until a storm is forming in the Gulf. Taping windows DOES NOTHING to protect your home from wind!
• Reinforce Garage Doors
This will prevent wind from entering and causing dangerous, expensive damage.
• Proper Home Maintenance
Ensure that roofing materials, fencing, etc. are properly maintained and in good condition. This will allow them to be more resistant to wind damage.
• Clear Clogged Rain Gutters and Downspouts
This will help with the flow of water during heavy rainfall.
• Learn About Local Hazards
Find out what types of water and wind hazards your area is prone to on the CCSO's website at www.sheriffcitrus.org or the Florida Division of Emergency Management's website at FloridaDisaster.org/PlanPrepare.
About the CCSO's Emergency Management Division:
The Emergency Management Division builds a comprehensive preparedness program that focuses on five missions: prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery. This division is the lead coordinator of emergency and disaster response activities. The goal of these response activities is to preserve life, mitigate hazards, preserve property, and restore social functions. Emergency Management is key to preparing and protecting the community. In the event of an emergency, be sure to monitor the Citrus County Sheriff's Office's Facebook page at Facebook.com/SheriffCitrus,
Twitter feed at Twitter.com/SheriffCitrus, or download our CCSO app for live updates and safety recommendations: Android devices at Play.Google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ocv.citruscountyflsheriff&hl=en_US&gl=US and
Apple devices at apps.apple.com/us/app/citrus-county-sheriffs-office/id1481134574.