By Gail Tierney
CCSO Public Information Officer

Since early April, Colorado State University’s renowned forecast team is predicting that the 2010 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, will see above-average activity.

Team members are calling for the possibility of 15 named storms, including eight hurricanes. Four of them could be intense. The probability for at least one major hurricane landfall on the U.S. East Coast (includes the Florida peninsula) is 45 percent, and 44 percent for the Gulf Coast.

That’s why the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office emergency management team works closely with community members year-round to stress the importance of being prepared for the threat of severe weather.

Maintaining not only a well-stocked disaster kit, but a well-rehearsed family (and/or business) disaster plan is only one key to survival. When faced with a major disaster, residents should know it could be as long as 72 hours before any kind of public assistance is available.

On Saturday, May 8, the agency’s Emergency Management Section will host its free, comprehensive all-hazard and informational expo at the National Guard Armory, 8551 W. Venable St. in Crystal River (across from Home Depot). Residents won’t want to miss this opportunity to learn more about the latest tips, products and services available when it comes to protecting their family, home and business from severe weather and other hazards.

From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., visitors will have the chance to see displays, watch demonstrations, pick up handouts and re-entry tags, talk with vendors and listen to presentations, including one by Bay News 9 meteorologist Brian McClure. Drawings for free weather radios also are anticipated, along with refreshments for sale.

Because a major disaster typically impacts all of the county’s resources, this year’s expo will include valuable information from the offices of the Citrus County clerk of courts, tax collector, supervisor of elections and Fire Rescue. At least 30 vendors are expected to display products and services designed to assist residents as they prepare for the upcoming hurricane season.

The Sheriff’s Office also maintains all-inclusive emergency management pages on its official Web site. Just go to www.sheriffcitrus.org, and click on “Emergency Management.” You’ll find useful information about shelter locations, distribution sites and pet-friendly shelters; where to pick up re-entry tags; plus what actions to take before, during and after severe weather strikes.

Residents with special needs, such as restricted mobility or certain medical conditions, may register online at the site to receive critical assistance should an emergency threaten.

Additionally, people can sign up for CodeRED, emergency management’s Internet-based, high-speed telephone calling system. It’s a good idea for everyone in the community to register their home, business and cell phone numbers to receive emergency notifications about evacuation orders, boil-water notices, etc.

The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office also was the first sheriff’s office in Florida to offer CodeRED Weather Warning to its citizens. This completely automated early warning system delivers severe weather notifications to telephones within seconds of being issued by the National Weather Service. Weather warnings include those for tornadoes, flash floods and severe thunderstorms, but not hurricanes, since communities typically have several days to prepare.

When moments count, the CodeRED Weather Warning system has the potential to save lives. Everyone is urged to take advantage of its timesaving benefits. Residents will need to subscribe to this free-of-charge service by clicking on the CodeRED link posted on the Sheriff’s Office Web site and following the instructions.

People who don’t have computer access may sign up for any of these free notification services simply by calling (352) 746-6555.

Gail Tierney is public information officer for the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office. She has been with the agency for 20 years. Comments or suggestions may be directed to Gail at (352) 341-7460, or gtierney@sheriffcitrus.org.