As hurricane season gets underway, a network of churches, volunteers, nonprofit organizations and county officials is already preparing for whatever the coming months may bring.

Members and partners of LASER — Lake Support and Emergency Recovery — gathered Tuesday at the Lake County Emergency Operations Center in Tavares for the organization’s annual preparedness meeting, where they reviewed disaster response efforts, discussed upcoming needs and heard from emergency management officials about what residents can expect during the 2026 hurricane season.

The meeting served as both a reminder of the county’s vulnerability to storms and a testament to the partnerships that help Lake County recover when disaster strikes.

Founded following Florida’s devastating 2004 hurricane season, LASER works alongside Lake County Emergency Management, local churches and community organizations to help residents recover from disasters ranging from hurricanes and tornadoes to floods and house fires. The organization often steps in where government assistance cannot, helping homeowners with debris removal, tree cleanup, repairs and other recovery needs.

“We don’t want to wait until a hurricane is on the way, and then say, ‘Okay, we need to do something,'” LASER Chairman Michael Tart told attendees. “We want to be prepared.”

That preparation has become increasingly important in recent years.

During a presentation on hurricane readiness, Lauren McNamara, an Emergency Management Associate with Lake County reviewed last year’s hurricane season and outlined forecasts for 2026. She noted that Lake County’s emergency management mission centers on protecting lives, property and the environment while helping residents prepare before storms arrive.

“The best thing that we can do at home ourselves is make sure that we have our emergency kit ready to go,” Lauren says. “Make a plan for any of the pets … and stay informed.”

Lauren encouraged residents to sign up for Lake County’s emergency notification system, AlertLake, which provides emergency alerts and updates directly to phones, email accounts and other devices during severe weather and other emergencies and reminded attendees that emergency shelters are available for vulnerable populations and residents who may need a safe place to stay during severe weather.

The group also received a behind-the-scenes tour of the county’s Emergency Operations Center, where representatives from numerous agencies coordinate response efforts during emergencies.

Lake County Commission Chairman Leslie Campione joined the meeting virtually to thank the volunteers and faith-based leaders who regularly step up during times of crisis.

“As we move into hurricane season, we know that having contact with our pastors and leaders in our churches is critical to being able to connect with the community and make sure that needs are being met, and that information is being disseminated that helps keep everyone safe,” Leslie says.

She praised the volunteers for filling gaps.

“What you all do is just a tremendous service to the community,” Leslie says. “We can’t thank you enough.”

Among those in attendance were representatives from churches that partner with LASER throughout the year.

“Since 2018, we’ve been doing cold weather or severe weather shelter,” Says Alex Pui of Lifepointe Church in Mount Dora. “So it’s, you know, a roof or, you know, out of the elements. Meals.”

James Gardner, executive pastor at First Baptist Church Umatilla, said his church works closely with LASER through its food pantry, thrift store and disaster relief efforts.

“When people have disasters or burnt houses, your houses burnt down and things like that, we allow them to come to our thrift store and get anything they need free of charge,” Gardner says.

LASER leaders also highlighted the organization’s growing role in helping residents affected by non-declared disasters such as house fires and localized flooding. Those needs inspired the nonprofit’s first-ever LASER Golf Charity Classic, scheduled for Oct. 16 at Mission Inn Resort, with proceeds supporting assistance efforts for residents facing emergencies that may not qualify for government aid.

Amy Jensen, LASER’s executive assistant said many residents are finding themselves in difficult situations without adequate insurance coverage or resources to recover on their own.

“We’re getting calls now for how there’s, like, really no help for people who have house fires,” she said.

For LASER leaders, however, the answer remains the same as it has been since the organization was founded: neighbors helping neighbors.

“When a disaster happens in Lake County, Lake County residents are the ones that help one another,” Amy says.

IMPORTANT CONTACTS

Emergency Notifications
AlertLake.com

Lake County Emergency Management
lakecountyfl.gov/emergency-management

Citizen Information Line
352-253-9999
(Activated during major emergency operations)

HURRICANE SEASON 2026: WHAT TO KNOW

Season dates

• Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through Nov. 30.

2026 forecast
According to forecasts cited by Lake County Emergency Management, experts are predicting:

• 13 named storms
• 6 hurricanes
• 2 major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher)

The National Hurricane Center’s outlook calls for between:

• 8 to 14 named storms
• 4 to 7 hurricanes
• 1 to 3 major hurricanes

How does that compare to 2025?
Last year’s forecast predicted:

• 13-19 named storms
• 6-10 hurricanes
• 3-5 major hurricanes

The actual 2025 season produced:

• 13 named storms
• 8 hurricanes
• 4 major hurricanes

A look back
Lake County officials noted that Hurricane Donna, which struck Florida in September 1960, remains one of the most significant storms to impact the area.

Officials also pointed to recent storms including:

• Idalia (2023)
• Debby (2024)
• Helene (2024)
• Milton (2024)

Of those, Hurricane Milton caused some of the most significant impacts in Lake County.

BEFORE THE STORM: 

Build an emergency kit
Include:

• Water
• Nonperishable food
• Flashlights
• Batteries
• Medications
• First-aid supplies
• Important documents

Make a family plan
Know:

• Where you’ll go if you need to evacuate
• How you’ll communicate with family members
• What you’ll do with pets

Sign up for alerts
Register for Lake County emergency notifications and monitor official county communication channels.

Prepare for power outages
Charge devices ahead of storms and have backup power sources available if possible.

Check your insurance
Review your homeowner’s or renter’s policy before hurricane season begins and understand what is and isn’t covered.

AFTER THE STORM:

• Stay away from downed power lines.
• Avoid standing floodwater, which may contain sewage or other contaminants.
• Limit travel so emergency crews can do their work.
• Check on neighbors, especially elderly residents and those living alone.
• Report hazards to local authorities.