What Additional Preparations Are Needed?

Create a Family Emergency Communication Plan:

Make a plan today. Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect your area. Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find. Get all the instructions and details at: ready.gov/plan

Protect Your Home:

• Trim trees before the start of hurricane season.
• Make sure drains and gutters are clear.
• Call Orange County 311 (407-836-3111) if street storm drains appear clogged.
• Bring in outside furniture and loose items.
• If there is construction near your home, ensure job sites are secured and call 311 to report any concerns.
• Gather important documents like insurance policies and agent contact information.
• Consider buying a generator. Review generator safety and always run generators outdoors.

Review Orange County Resources:

For more information on emergency information from Orange County Government and how to prepare for a hurricane, visit ocfl.net/storm and orangecountyfl.net/emergencysafety/hurricanesafetyguide.aspx

Don’t Forget to Look Out for Your Neighbors:

Check with neighbors, senior adults, or those who may need additional help securing hurricane plans to see how you can be of assistance to others. Your HOA may need volunteers to help secure common grounds, pool furniture or other items, too. If you have the means, it’s a great idea to remember your neighbors and immediate community by offering help.

What if We Have to Leave Our Home?

In some cases, you may have a day or two to prepare while a storm approaches, but other situations might call for an immediate evacuation —for example, if your home becomes unexpectedly damaged during the storm. Planning is vital to making sure that you can evacuate quickly and safely no matter what the circumstances. Instructions on planning and what to do during and after an evacuation are available at: ready.gov/evacuation

Stay Informed

Which Weather Sources are Best?

When it comes to weather coverage, follow local Central Florida news stations for the most accurate coverage on storms that may impact our area. National news outlets may not have the best coverage or experience in dealing with Florida weather and storm patterns. Find a station with a “no hype” policy to avoid unnecessary stress and anxiety.

We recommend WESH, specifically meteorologist Eric Burris. Eric does live streaming sessions where he gives extended and detailed weather analysis every day, and often multiple times per day, when storms are approaching. He vows to set expectations accurately and appropriately for any approaching storms.

As mentioned above in the emergency kit list, a battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert are important to have on hand in case of a power outage. NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR) is a nationwide network of radio stations that broadcast continuous weather information from the nearest National Weather Service office based on your physical location. The frequency for the Orlando area is 162.475.

Which Apps are Important?

OCFL Alert is an app that provides life-saving information about open shelter locations, water and ice distribution centers, evacuation routes and public service announcements.

OC ALERT is not an app, but an alert system that allows Orange County Government to contact you via email or cell phone text message during an emergency affecting Orange County. Register free-of-charge for OCAlert.