Herbert Hoover Dike

Important Strategies for Clewiston Residents Regarding the Herbert Hoover Dike

In the unlikely event of a breach in the Herbert Hoover Dike, our top priorities are the safety of all residents living around Lake Okeechobee, the protection of properties, and the swift mobilization of resources to respond to and recover from potential flooding.

We urge all citizens who may be impacted by a dike breach to prepare in advance. Stay informed and be ready to act if necessary. Your safety is our primary concern.

How can I best prepare for a dike breach or other emergency in my area?

  1. Plan Ahead – The best offense is a good defense. Obtain and store supplies and review plans with your family now to avoid panic in the event of a disaster.

  2. Establish an Emergency Contact – In case of an emergency situation, you should establish one contact person that you can call and provide your status. In an emergency, access to phone lines or cell service may be limited. Call your contact and update them regarding your status.

  3. Create an Escape Plan – Develop a plan to get your family out of danger, remembering that your plan may need to change depending on the threat you face (for example, flooding versus wildfires). Practice your plan frequently with your whole family, especially if small children are involved.

  4. Protect Important Documents – For insurance purposes, photograph things of value and either take the printed pictures or an electronic version of them with you. Put people in the pictures to help prove ownership. In the case of mandatory or voluntary evacuation, make sure you have important papers either stored in a safe deposit box, or pack them up to take with you. This includes insurance papers, deed information, marriage licenses and pet vaccination records – anything that you might need to prove who you are, what you own, and where you live.

  5. Prepare for Flooding – If you expect flooding, move sensitive items like computers, electronics, heirlooms, and furniture to higher ground. Keep a supply of tarps to protect your belongings in case of water infiltration.

  6. Stay Tuned to the Radio, TV, or mobile device – Make sure you have a battery-operated radio and/or TV to stay informed. Also, check that you have enough flashlights. Battery-operated lanterns provide a lot of illumination. Make sure you have enough batteries!

  7. Be Ready to Evacuate – Local officials will inform you of the need for mandatory evacuation. If local officials tell you to go, GO! If you have been ordered to evacuate and you stay, you will be on your own in case of an emergency. Fire-Rescue vehicles may not be able to get to you in high water conditions. You and your family may be trapped and unable to reach safety, food, and water.

  8. Plan Your Route – If a mandatory evacuation is ordered, you and everyone else will be on the road. Plan ahead and anticipate supplies you might need for the drive. Know where you're going in advance of an evacuation and map out several routes in case some roads are blocked by flood waters or other hazards.

How will I be notified in case there is a problem with the dike? 

  • Integrated Public Alert and Warning System – FEMA's Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) program provides an internet-based capability for federal, state, territorial, tribal, and local authorities to use in order to issue critical public alerts and warnings.

    • Emergency Alert System – The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is a national public warning system that broadcasts messages over local television, wireless cable systems, and radio stations.  The National Weather Service (NWS) utilizes this system to send out important weather-related information, such as flash flood warnings and advisories that are related to a dike breach.

  • NOAA Weather Alert Radios – The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Alert Radios are used to provide alerts to the public of impending severe weather conditions, flash flood warnings, and advisories, which may require extra caution or the need to take cover. The Weather Alert Radios broadcast only messages from NOAA and the NWS.

  • Clewiston Website

  • City Social Platforms - Stay connected with the City on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and NextDoor to receive up-to-date information and notifications.

  • Police and Fire-Rescue – If an evacuation is required, Police and Fire/Rescue vehicles will pass through neighborhoods with their lights and sirens on, as well as alternately announcing over the public address systems that residents are being evacuated and a location they are to go to for pickup. If this should happen, the City of Clewiston strongly urges all residents and businesses to obey these instructions immediately.

Print