Fuel important to carry out missions in hurricane

STAFF REPORT

Before, during and after a hurricane, government agencies have to be able to respond to a slew of events including the transportation of residents to special needs shelters, distributing sand bags for flood prone areas and clearing of roads afterward.

All of these actions require vehicles and more importantly fuel that can be in high-demand after a hurricane.With Hurricane Katrina, fuel shortages were realized after refineries in the gulf coast were destroyed. But Lake County is prepared for such shortages thanks to stockpiling.

Sheriff Chris Daniels said the Sheriff's Office maintains a supply of fuel that can last up to four days. On top of that, Daniels said arrangements have been made with various fuel distributors to provide fuel first to his office before the general public. "We've got a supply line setup that could carry us a couple weeks before we get critical," Daniels said.

He added he can commandeer fuel from local vendors, but such action has never been taken before. Daniels said it is a possibility though, since he is charged with patrolling the county and creating safety and security. "As it relates to safety and security, fuel should not be an issue short or long term," Daniels said.

Lake County Director of Emergency Management Jerry Smith said fuel is a major issue not just in Lake County but the entire state. Smith said it is possible the county would have to cut back on certain services in the event of fuel shortage so that certain functions, such as public works, could continue.

Perhaps the most needed function after a storm is the Department of Public Works that assist in the clearing of roads, fixing signals at intersections and ensuring the safety of bridges. Jim Stivender, director of public works, said the department has a stockpile of 10,000 gallons of unleaded fuel and 20,000 gallons of diesel fuel. Stivender said the stockpile will make it very unlikely that they would run out of fuel.