While the 2015 hurricane season so far has been slow and is predicted to be below average with 9 named storms and with 5 being hurricanes and 1 being a major storm, do not be lulled into a sense of security. While we have already had 3 named storms, May’s Tropical Storm Ana, Tropical Storm Bill in June and Tropical Storm Claudette in July, of the hurricane the peak months of the hurricane season is still to come – August through October.

So do you know the difference between a hurricane watch or a hurricane warning and the steps you need to take to keep you and your family safe? Whether you are a long time resident of Florida or a new resident, you can learn something at the W. T. Bland Public Library's annual Hurricane Preparedness programs:

• Wednesday, August 12 at 2:00pm
• Tuesday, August 18 at 10:30am

You will hear from a panel of experts including the City of Mount Dora Engineer/Paramedic Anne Bell, Charles Revell of the City’s Electric Department, a representative of the American Red Cross of Lake & Sumter Counties, a representative from Lake County Emergency Management and Kevin McEwen of Hillcrest Insurance Agency.

In addition, you will be able to obtain informational handouts of all kind including the SECO storm booklet, list of local Red Cross hurricane shelters, and information from Lake County Humane Society on how to keep your pets safe.

Light refreshments are being sponsored by the Mount Dora Library Association. Door prize donors are Hillcrest Insurance Agency, Lake County Emergency Management and the Mount Dora Library Association.

The Hurricane Readiness program will be held at the W. T. Bland Public Library located at 1995 N. Donnelly Street in Mount Dora. All Library programs are free and open to the public. For additional information, call (352) 735-7180.