PAGE 3 - May 5, 2010
The Newscaster/Nature Coast News
Get Ready to be Safe
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER
By Gail A. Tierney, Citrus Sheriff Dept.Public Information Officer
Since early April, Colorado
Inglewood Estates MH S/D Has Committed a Monitoring
State University’s renowned
forecast team is predicting that
Violation of Florida Drinking Water Rules
the 2010 Atlantic hurricane sea-
What happened?
son, which runs from June 1 to
Our Community public water system recently violated a drinking
Nov. 30, will see above-average
water rule. Although this is not an amergency, as our customers, you
activity. Team members are
have a right to know what happened, what you should do, and what
calling for the possibility of 15
named storms, including eight
we are doing to correst this situation.
hurricanes. Four of them could
We did not sample for the required contaminants and were, therefore
be intense. The probability for
at least one major hurricane
in violation of monitoring and reporting requirements. The table be-
landfall on the U.S. East Coast
low incidates the contaminates which we failed to sample and when
(includes the Florida peninsula)
we should have sampled for these contaminents. Because we did not
is 45 percent, and 44 percent for the Gulf Coast.
take the required samples, we did not know whether the contami-
That’s why the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office emergency management team works
nants were present in your drinking water, and we are unable to tell
closely with community members year-round to stress the importance of being prepared for
the threat of severe weather.
you whether your health was at risk during that time
Maintaining not only a well-stocked disaster kit, but a well-rehearsed family (and/
What should I do?
or business) disaster plan is only one key to survival. When faced with a major disaster,
Required Sampling
Number of
When Samples Were
When All Samples Should
Contaminant
citizens should know it could be as long as 72 hours before any kind of public assistance is
Frequency
Samples Taken
or Will Be Taken
Have Been Taken
available.
Foaming
1 Sample
None
2009
2010
On Saturday, May 8, the agency’s Emergency Management Section will hold its free,
Agents
Every 3 Years
comprehensive all-hazard and informational expo at the National Guard Armory, 8551 W.
Some people who drink water containing the above listed contaminants could become seriously ill.
Venable Street in Crystal River (across from Home Depot). Citizens won’t want to miss
Any customers who are concerned about their exposure to these contaminants can choose alternative
this opportunity to learn more about the latest tips, products and services available when it
sources of water for ingestion
comes to protecting their family, home and business from severe weather and other hazards.
What does this mean?
From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., visitors will have the chance to see displays, watch demonstra-
This is not an immediate risk. If it had been, you would have been notified immediately.
tions, pick up handouts and re-entry tags, talk with vendors and listen to presentations,
What is being done?
including one by Brian McClure, a meteorologist with Bay News 9. Drawings for free
We will re-test in 2010.
weather radios also are anticipated, along with refreshments for sale.
For more information, Please contact Par Utilities at (352) 486-2828,
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,
or contact the EnvironmentalProtection, Potable Wa-
Department of
tax collector, supervisor of elections and Fire Rescue. At least 30 vendors are expected to
ter Section at (904) 807-2200. SE 136th Ct.
19170
display products and services designed to assist citizens as they prepare for the upcoming
Dunnellon, FL 34431
hurricane season,
ThPhnotice is being sent to you by our water system: 489-4588
is ones: (352) 613-3911, 621-4588, 447-4588 or
The Sheriff’s Office also maintains all-inclusive emergency management pages on its
Inglewood Estates MH S/D (800) 385-6736
Fax:
official Web site. Just go to www.sheriffcitrus.org, and click on “Emergency Management.”
Potable Water ail: thenewscaster1@gmail.com (Tom)
Em System ID: 6382108
You’ll find useful information about shelter locations, distribution sites and pet-friendly
Email: debbienewscaster@gmail.com (Debbie) 5-5-2010
Published
Date distributed: April 30, 2010
shelters; where to pick up re-entry tags; plus what actions to take before, during and after
severe weather strikes.
Citizens 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
445 NE 1st Terrace, Crystal River , FL
to register their home, business and cell phone numbers to receive emergency notifications
Crystal Terrace Shopping Center
about evacuation orders, boil-water notices, etc.
North of Big Lots & East of Post Office
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 sys-
tem 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. Citizens 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
ew! email news to: news@thenewscaster.com
(352) 341-7460, or gtierney@sheriffcitrus.org.
N
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