Be Prepared: Why We Can’t Afford Complacency

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The aftermath of a major storm in Florida can be unforgettable: blue-tarped roofs, piles of yard debris awaiting collection, and the absence of electricity, air conditioning, or clean water. Yet, these memories often fade as life returns to normal. However, for many Floridians, this period of calm can stretch on for years.

The last significant hurricane to impact our region was Wilma in October 2005. As time passes, people tend to forget the hardships of past events. Additionally, newcomers to the area may have never experienced a severe storm, leading to a sense of complacency and procrastination when it comes to emergency planning. However, the tranquility before the storm can swiftly change.

South Florida is renowned not only for hurricanes but also for sudden, intense thunderstorms that can bring torrential downpours any time of year. For instance, in January 2014, more than 15 inches of rain deluged a localized area within hours, causing severe flooding, property damage, and tragic loss of life.

It is crucial for residents to maintain year-round preparedness. This includes regularly checking and replenishing essential supplies like emergency food stocks, water storage, flashlights, and other necessities. Residents should also develop and maintain an evacuation plan, accounting for pets and family members with mobility challenges. Additionally, ensuring insurance policies are current and important documents are readily accessible is essential.

While we hope to navigate through the 2024 hurricane season unscathed, it’s inevitable that our luck may eventually run out. The importance of sustained preparation will then become strikingly evident. Valuable resources for emergency planning information can be accessed at www.ready.gov.

How To Take Back Your Yard

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The Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) is a single purpose drainage district and does not provide mosquito control services. However, homeowners can take proactive steps to prevent their backyards from becoming breeding grounds. Remember two key actions: drain and cover.

Drain:

– Remove water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots, or any other containers where rainwater has collected.

– Discard unused items such as old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots, pans, broken appliances, and other debris that can hold water.

– Empty and clean birdbaths and pet water bowls once or twice a week.

– Cover boats and vehicles with tarps that do not accumulate water.

– Maintain swimming pools in good condition and properly chlorinate them. Empty plastic pools when not in use.

– Clear vegetation or debris from drainage ditches to ensure water can flow freely.

Cover:

– Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long sleeves to protect yourself from mosquito bites, especially in areas where mosquitoes are prevalent.

– Apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin and clothing following the manufacturer’s instructions.

– Install screens on doors and windows, as well as repair any tears or holes in existing screens on windows, doors, porches, and patios.

– Use mosquito netting to cover infants younger than 2 months old.

These actions can significantly reduce mosquito breeding opportunities and help protect against mosquito-borne illnesses. Residents can report mosquito activity and other helpful information at Palm Beach County Mosquito Control website https://discover.pbcgov.org/erm/pages/mosquito-control.aspx.

How do residential associations share responsibility in flood control?

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Since the early-1970’s, development standards for drainage systems have been regulated through design and permitting to ensure flood protection. Residential associations are designed to retain water in swales and onsite detention ponds. Flood control is achieved through an interconnected, three-tiered drainage system. The residential association drainage systems, or tertiary systems, are operated by residential associations. Secondary flood control canals are operated by the Lake Worth Drainage District, and primary flood control is provided by the South Florida Water Management District. Average rainfall will flow into onsite stormwater retention ponds or lakes through swales and drains. During heavy rain events, systems are designed to protect house floor pads. Temporary flooding of streets and parking lots is expected. Click here for more details on the three-tiered system.

Your Question Answered

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I am unable to attend the LWDD Board meetings. How can I get a copy of the meeting materials and minutes?

A copy of the Board of Supervisors meeting agendas, minutes and presentation materials are available on the District’s website at https://lwddnet.wpengine.com/board-of-supervisors/meeting-agendas-minutes. For older minutes, please contact the District at info@lwdd.net.

My Pond Needs Water

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Stormwater ponds can enhance the community’s aesthetic appeal. However, residents within the Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) boundary may be surprised to discover that the body of water often referred to as the community lake is, in fact, a stormwater management pond.

These ponds are engineered structures designed to collect surface water runoff, such as rainfall. They temporarily store water and release it at a controlled rate until reaching the intended water level within the pond.

During periods of low precipitation, it is normal for ponds to experience lower water levels, potentially revealing sandy banks and limiting their use for lawn irrigation. Since rainfall primarily replenishes these ponds, and LWDD canal water cannot be used to replenish them, these conditions will persist until additional rainfall occurs.

Visit our website for more information on community drainage at www.lwdd.net.