What to do when the dark clouds come our way?
The most important thing to do is make a plan before a storm is in the forecast. Know what to pack in your emergency kits, where to ride out the storm if your homes aren’t safe and what to do after it’s passed.
Groveland Police, Fire and Public Works teams train year-round to prepare for emergencies, and are ready to respond if severe weather impacts the community.
For tips, evacuation information, shelter locations, emergency contacts and links to additional resources, visit Emergency Management web page.
In Groveland, emergency management is a team effort led by Deputy Fire Chief Erich Thiemann. As Groveland’s official Emergency Management Coordinator, Erich oversees efforts to prepare for and withstand storms and other natural disasters and operates the city’s Emergency Operations Center. Each year, he works closely with federal, state and county agencies to ensure planning and activation are coordinated and aligned.
Sign up for AlertLake, Lake County’s free emergency notification system, to receive important updates about severe weather, evacuations, road closures and other public safety emergencies by text, phone or email. Register at AlertLake.com.
10 Essentials For Your Emergency Kit
Don’t wait until a storm is approaching … build your kit now. Be sure to check expiration dates and keep everything in an easy-to-carry container if you need to evacuate quickly.
Water – At least one gallon per person, per day, for three days
Nonperishable Food – Enough for every member of your household, including pets
Medications – A week’s supply of prescriptions, plus basic first-aid supplies
Flashlights & Extra Batteries – Avoid using candles whenever possible
Cell Phone Chargers – Include portable battery packs or power banks
Important Documents – Copies of insurance policies, identification, medical information and emergency contacts stored in a waterproof container
Weather Radio – A battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio for updates if power and cell service are unavailable
Cash – Small bills, since ATMs and credit card systems may not be working
Personal & Pet Supplies – Hygiene items, diapers if needed, pet food, leashes, medications and comfort items
Basic Tools – A multi-tool, duct tape, work gloves and a wrench or pliers to turn off utilities if necessary
Local Shelters Might Be Your Best Option
For some of us, one of the most dangerous decisions we make is to ride out a storm at home. Older homes often weren’t built to withstand hurricane-force winds, and homes with existing damage or leaking roofs are unsafe during a storm. If you find yourself in this situation, protect your family and your pets by moving to a county shelter operated by Lake County Emergency Management.
General Population Shelters
- East Ridge High School: 13322 Excalibur Road, Clermont
- East Ridge Middle School: 13201 Excalibur Road, Clermont
Special Needs & Pet Friendly Shelter
- Lost Lake Elementary School: 1901 Johns Lake Road, Clermont
Pet Friendly
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- Mascotte Elementary School: 460 Midway Avenue, Mascotte
Before You Go:
Confirm your shelter is open before leaving home through:
- Lake County Emergency Management Facebook Page
- Text: sign up for AlertLake
- Phone: call Lake County Citizens Information Line: (352) 253-9999
Bring medications, identification, bedding, clothing, chargers, important documents and personal hygiene items
If bringing pets, bring a carrier or crate, food, water and proof of current rabies vaccination
Need Storm Debris Pick-Up?
Please Be Patient.
If your yard is littered with tree limbs and branches, or you have to clean out after flooding, the city will help you haul it away. But it’ll require some work and a little patience on your part.
Here’s a guide to managing post-storm debris:
1. Report hazards immediately.
If you see downed power lines or trees blocking a roadway, call 911 and stay indoors until crews give the all-clear.
2. Separate your debris.
Separating debris helps crews collect it more quickly, so create separate piles for:
- Tree limbs, leaves, shrubs
- Construction materials (fencing, drywall, carpet, etc.)
- Appliances and electronics
- Household garbage
3. Place debris at the curb.
Move debris to the edge of your property near the roadway. Keep it out of the street, off sidewalks and away from fire hydrants, mailboxes, utility poles and storm drains.
4. Be patient.
Storm debris collection takes time. Our crews begin by clearing roads so emergency vehicles can travel safely, then move into neighborhoods for debris collection. Depending on the size of the storm, cleanup may take several weeks.
5. Stay informed.
Groveland will share collection schedules, contractor updates and other recovery information on Facebook Page and website.
The post The City Of Groveland Urges Preparedness This Hurricane Season appeared first on South Lake Tablet.
Source: South Lake Tablet
Published: 2026-07-23 13:38:00