Experience has taught us that the best thing to do before a hurricane is prepare so you can be confident during a storm that you’ve done everything you can to keep your family safe. Even though forecasting methods and tools are improving year after year, people are still at great risk if they are not prepared. As your Chief of Police, I want you to know that during a hurricane, you can depend on the men and women of the Lady Lake Police Department to be there to assist. Remember, preparation is important because as the storm begins to peak, emergency vehicles will not respond once maximum sustained winds reach 45 MPH.
As a local law enforcement agency, we work with our local, county, state, and federal partners to improve our response, cooperation and communication during hurricanes. Just as we at the police department plan for unexpected weather emergencies, there is plenty you can do to make yourselves, your families and your homes ready for hurricane season. Don’t wait for a storm to threaten.
According to Ready.gov, create a basic disaster supply kit that will last your family three to seven days. A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:
- Water(one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation)
- Food(at least a three-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 (to shelter in place)
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
- Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
- Manual can opener (for food)
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
Since spring of 2020, the CDC has recommended people include additional items in their kits to help prevent the spread of coronavirus or other viruses and the flu.
Consider adding the following items to your emergency supply kit based on your individual needs:
- Cloth face coverings(for everyone ages 2 and above) or mask, soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces
- Prescription medications
- Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
- 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
Talk to your family about which place in your home would be the safest during a storm and at what point you would move to a shelter. Plan what to do with your pets if you have to evacuate and designate an out-of-state relative or friend to be a point of contact for each family member after a storm. Make sure children know when and how to call 911. But always remember that if a storm gets severe enough there may be limited or no emergency responders to assist until after the storm passes.
The Lady Lake Police Department is prepared to help you and your family in any emergency, but I encourage you to create a disaster supply kit and talk to your family about an emergency plan. On behalf of the men and women at the Lady Lake Police Department, I wish you and your family the safest possible hurricane season.
