· As coastal CitrusCounty residents rushed to safeguard their homes from the looming threat of a massive storm surge, they spent anxious hours waiting inside, fearful of the impending hurricane. Meanwhile, members of theCountyEmergencyOperationsCenter (EOC) in Lecanto were equally stressed.
Local CERT programs, like the CitrusCounty Sheriff’s Office, train citizens to assist their families, neighbors, co-workers, and other community members during emergencies when professional responders may not be immediately available to provide assistance.
· This tabletop exercise aimed to educate the group on how to handle large-scale emergencies that affect our county, such as hurricanes, through mock-scenario activities.
· Holly Davis, chairwoman of the CitrusCounty Commission and designated liaison to the Emergency Policy Advisory Group, was present at the EOC as Hurricane Helene approached.
This structured approach allows CitrusCounty Fire Rescue to deliver professional, timely, and high-quality services to the community—whether through emergency response, fire prevention, medical care, or behind-the-scenes support.
The CitrusCounty Sheriff's Office EmergencyOperationsCenter, located at 3549 Saunders Way in Lecanto, Florida, plays a crucial role in managing emergency situations within the community.
Focusing on engaging all aspects of the community in disaster planning, the Citrus ESF-8 WG addresses issues related to medical surge, training, exercises, supplies, equipment, and disaster response in CitrusCounty.
