To help citizens become better prepared for weather disasters, local public safety agencies will join Lake County Emergency Management in displaying emergency apparatus during the 2nd Annual Severe Weather Awareness Day on Saturday, Feb. 20 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Lake County Fairgrounds and Expo Center, 2101 County Road 452 in Eustis.
Event attendees are invited to “touch a truck,” including Lake County Fire Rescue’s Forward Operations Unit, which serves as an immediate, on-location command post for rapid response, as well as a squad unit, which boasts a weather system that can determine wind speed and humidity.
In addition to offering information about family preparedness plans, tornados, shelters, and emergency pet safety, the event will also provide free NOAA weather radios to citizens, while supplies last.
News 13 meteorologist Mallory Nicholls will be the featured guest, greeting visitors between 10 a.m. and noon. Nicholls holds the Certification for Broadcast Meteorologist from the American Meteorological Society and previously interned with the National Weather Service before beginning her professional career. Severe Weather Awareness Day is held in recognition of Severe Weather Awareness Week, which is Feb. 22–26. This year, preparedness is particularly important as a strong El Niño weather pattern is expected to lead to an increased likelihood of tornado outbreaks in Florida.
To learn more about the event or to participate, contact Lake County Emergency Management at 352-343-9420 or email disasterready@lakecountyfl.gov. For additional information about preparing for an emergency, visit www.lakecountyfl.gov/emergency or follow www.twitter.com/lakeemergency andwww.facebook.com/LakeCountyFLEmergencyManagement.
