Mike Resetarits, Tricia Bauer, Shaun and Bill Rogers and John Harkey from the LWR Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) joined us to discuss hurricane preparedness.

LWR CERT was established in 2006 under a FEMA program as a volunteer organization of residents that receive special training to conduct safety inspections, provide first aid when first responders may be unable to reach everyone and communicate with the Manatee County Disaster Response System. It is compromised of neighbors helping neighbors.

Highlights from the meeting:

As general rule we should always remember: “Hide from the Wind; Run from the Water.”

To avoid storm surge you only need to travel 10 miles inland. Regarding storm surge, it would take a 33 foot storm surge to flood LWR Town Hall.

In 2024 the CAC is predicting 24 normal storms, 12 hurricanes with winds of +75mph, and 6 major hurricanes at 111+ mph winds.

You should know when your house was built, as houses built in 2002 can withstand 110 mph winds; houses built between 2002-2012 can withstand 130 mph winds; and houses built after 2012 can withstand winds in excess of 150 mph.

Flood insurance is tricky as just because you have water in your home it has to be a genuine flood claimed by experts.

Mike stated that most residents in LWR do not have to evacuate during a hurricane unless the government advises you to evacuate. You can download the “All-Hazards Disaster Planning Guide” at tampabayprepared.org. This will assist you in developing your disaster plan, Go Bag, and pet placement. Only three shelters in Manatee County accept pets.

It was suggested that we travel east instead of traveling I75 or I4 to avoid delays.

To join LWR Cert, you will complete the 20 hours of training and refresher training as needed and participate in CERT meetings and neighborhood teams.

To learn more, see LWRCERT.org