Sheriff`s Corner

Hi everyone and welcome to this week's Sheriff's Corner. As most of you know, it is hurricane season again. I know that, for most, this isn't the best part of the year. The good part of hurricane season is the rain. The bad part is the danger associated with these storms.

I've recently learned that the prediction for this year is for approximately 12 to 15 storms, 6 to 8 hurricanes. Of the 6 to 8 hurricanes, they're predicting that 2 to 4 will be major. Now that doesn't mean we'll get hit by every one. But it does mean that we at the Sheriff's Office are preparing along with our Emergency Management people.

We have learned through the years that preparations are key. To help with this process, there are several new preparedness tools available. "Florida Prepares: An All Hazards, DVD," "Starting Point", a business continuity website and the "Florida Business Disaster Survival Kit", which was developed by the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council. These new products are designed to give residents and business-owners important information that is essential for survival and recovery from storms.

Also the Department of Emergency Management revamped it's website: http://www.floridadiaster.org. Residents can now obtain geographical information regarding flood zones, evacuation routes and resource availability by simply entering their ZIP code.

Also, Levy County's CERT team continues to grow and train. These men and woman will be a welcome addition should a hurricane come to Levy County. Remember, the 2004 Atlantic hurricane season began on June 1st. If you have any questions you can call us here at the Sheriff's Office or our friends at our Department of Emergency Management. Take care.