Emergency Preparedness

The Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District (LGWCD) is responsible for roads and canals within its jurisdiction. In the event of a natural or man-made catastrophe, emergency management emphasis would be placed on cleaning debris from roadways, providing ingress/egress for residents, as well as for medical and law enforcement agencies.

Major canal systems would also be prioritized for removal of trees or other debris obstructing optimum storm water outfall capabilities. Individual emergencies would also be responded to as conditions permit.

LGWCD is part of a larger emergency management plan under the direction of the Palm Beach County Emergency Management Office. This plan effectively makes District equipment available for designated areas outside District boundaries, but would not be activated until such time as the primary obligations to the District residents’ health, safety, and welfare were met.

In the event of imminent hurricane and flooding danger, District operations personnel would secure the equipment and facilities against damage. They would then be released to return to their homes to protect their personal property and family during the event.

Immediately following the storm’s passage, District personnel would return to their duty posts and begin operations as described above.

If structures in the District receive substantial damages resulting in building debris, the District will designate specific areas for residents to haul their debris. The District will then coordinate the removal of such debris with the Town and/or County authorities.

EVACUATION ROUTES

Since the District is not in the primary surge zone, there are no specified evacuation routes. It is important to note that if major flooding does occur, there could be some isolated areas that become impassable.

RECOMMENDATIONS

All residents of the District are urged to follow the recommendations listed in the Hurricane Guides available from Publix Food Stores, AT&T, and local TV stations. It is important to prepare for any such emergency well in advance.

Equally important is for all residents to follow the established procedures after any emergency and exercise patience and understanding. This will help to eliminate unnecessary confusion and delays.

Full cooperation should be extended to your neighbors and authorities in a concentrated effort to deal with any emergency occurring in the District.

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS PLAN

Click here to see the LGWCD's Hurricane Preparedness Plan.

CITIZENS HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS CHECKLIST

Click here to see the Citizens Hurricane Preparedness Checklist.

State of Florida Emergency Management

Palm Beach County Emergency Management