Us
Print
E-mail
Rate
County declares state of emergency
Declaration to last 7 days as crews prepare for Fay.
By TONY BRITT
tbritt@lakecityreporter.com
Columbia County officials have declared a state of emergency as county work crews make preparations for Tropical Storm Fay.
County officials gathered Monday in the Columbia County Emergency Operation Center for an emergency session and declared the local state of emergency.
“(The State of Emergency) basically gives our emergency operations personnel extra latitude in doing their job, and also if they need equipment or supplies, it allows them to be fully prepared in case the storm does turn more towards us and has a greater impact than we think it will at this time,” Columbia County Commission Chairman Dewey Weaver said.
The declaration will last for seven days, and officials can declare another if needed.
Columbia County public works department crews prepared for the storm by pumping water from some retention ponds so the ponds can hold more capacity and clearing drainage ditches to make sure they are able to function.
“Right now it looks like it’s going to be a rain event, and we’ll have some localized flooding,” Weaver said. “We want to make sure our public works department is prepared and standing by in case that happens. Our emergency operation people will be standing by in case we get more wind than we anticipate.”
Weaver said declaring a local state of emergency should also alert residents that it’s time for them to get their storm supplies as well.
“It’s also a warning to local people that they do need to take the standard procedures that they take for hurricane preparedness,” he said. “In getting their supplies make sure they have water, food and batteries for their appliances, like they would prepare for a major storm. You never know what you will need and it’s important that they do get prepared.”
BE PREPARED
■ Stock up on batteries, water, nonperishable food, flashlights,
battery-operated radio, blankets, pillows, can opener, extra cash, first aid kit, garbage bags, hygiene products, duct tape, toilet paper, utility knife, work gloves
■ Find out more at
www.mysafeflorida.org
County officials gathered Monday in the Columbia County Emergency Operation Center for an emergency session and declared the local state of emergency.
“(The State of Emergency) basically gives our emergency operations personnel extra latitude in doing their job, and also if they need equipment or supplies, it allows them to be fully prepared in case the storm does turn more towards us and has a greater impact than we think it will at this time,” Columbia County Commission Chairman Dewey Weaver said.
The declaration will last for seven days, and officials can declare another if needed.
Columbia County public works department crews prepared for the storm by pumping water from some retention ponds so the ponds can hold more capacity and clearing drainage ditches to make sure they are able to function.
“Right now it looks like it’s going to be a rain event, and we’ll have some localized flooding,” Weaver said. “We want to make sure our public works department is prepared and standing by in case that happens. Our emergency operation people will be standing by in case we get more wind than we anticipate.”
Weaver said declaring a local state of emergency should also alert residents that it’s time for them to get their storm supplies as well.
“It’s also a warning to local people that they do need to take the standard procedures that they take for hurricane preparedness,” he said. “In getting their supplies make sure they have water, food and batteries for their appliances, like they would prepare for a major storm. You never know what you will need and it’s important that they do get prepared.”
BE PREPARED
■ Stock up on batteries, water, nonperishable food, flashlights,
battery-operated radio, blankets, pillows, can opener, extra cash, first aid kit, garbage bags, hygiene products, duct tape, toilet paper, utility knife, work gloves
■ Find out more at
www.mysafeflorida.org
 |
||
| Area readies for Fay |
