9-1-1 and emergency operations continue despite lightning strike
Lee County’s Emergency Operations Center was struck by lightning at 7:42 a.m. today, March 28. Lee County Emergency Management Chief of Operations J.A. Stakenburg reports the strike damaged both the permanently installed EOC backup generator and the transfer switch. The generator was repaired by about 1:30 p.m., and repairs are underway on the transfer switch. If repairs are not completed today, an electrician will stay overnight to manually transfer power if needed.
A Lee County-owned portable generator designed to run Germain Arena as a shelter is being reconfigured for dual use at the EOC. The EOC and 9-1-1 functions for medical and fire calls at the EOC are operating normally, but managers are working on a plan in case 9-1-1 activities at the EOC must be relocated.