Doreen Overstreet: (407) 468-5851
(407) 468-5851 or Doreen.Overstreet@ocfl.net
Carrie Proudfit: (407) 461-8796
(407) 468-5851 or Carrie.Proudfit@ocfl.net

Orange County Office of Emergency Management Activities to Level Two, Urges Preparedness

ORLANDO, Fla. – Oct. 5, 2016 – Orange County’s Office of Emergency Management is advising residents to stay vigilant and informed as Hurricane Matthew approaches the state of Florida. The latest projected storm path indicates Orange County and eastern neighboring counties may be impacted as early as Thursday evening. At this time, Orange County has activated to a Level Two, which includes bringing in additional personnel to support preparedness efforts. Activation levels may adjust as the storm approaches.

Citizens are being asked to finalize preparedness efforts as well to include: ensure that any loose items in yard or home are secured; make sure emergency supply kits are stocked with water and nonperishable foods enough to last 3 – 5 days. Please top off vehicles with fuel. Consider visiting the ATM, prior to any potential power outage. Check on neighbors, particularly seniors and those who may have special needs. Finally, please bring pets inside and ensure the safety of livestock.

Please see the below announcements and requests from Orange County:

  • Residents are encouraged to visit www.ocfl.net/storm for the latest Hurricane Matthew information as it pertains to Orange County.
  • Orange County Emergency Management officials are working in partnership with the Orange County School Board to identify shelters, in the event of evacuations. NO EVACUATIONS have been ordered in Orange County.
  • Orange County Public Works, Stormwater Management Division is proactively checking drainage infrastructure to include stormwater drains, canals and ponds as well as other sites in anticipation of potential heavy rainfall in Orange County. In addition equipment to remove debris and tree limbs is being inventoried and tested.
  • Sandbag Distribution – Orange County Public Works will begin to distribute sandbags at all eight locations listed below starting Wednesday, Oct. 5, beginning 7 a.m. through 7 p.m. Residents are eligible for up to 10 sandbags per vehicle. For information and locations, visit www.ocfl.net/ocsandbaginfo.
    • Apopka – 3258 Clarcona Road
    • Bithlo – 18753 Old Cheney Highway
    • Goldenrod – 2530 N. Forsyth Road
    • John Young – 4200 S. John Young Pkwy.
    • Taft – 11442 Intermodal Way
    • Three Points- 4631 Young Pine Road
    • West Orange – 644 Beulah Road
    • Zellwood – 3400 Golden Gem Road

When making a storm preparedness list, consider the Five Ps: People, Prescriptions, Papers, Personal Needs and Priceless Items.

PEOPLE:
People, pets and other animals or livestock.

PRESCRIPTIONS:
Prescriptions with dosages; medicines; medical equipment; batteries or power cords; eyeglasses; and hearing aids.

PAPERS:
Papers and important documents (hard copies and electronic copies saved on thumb drives).

PERSONAL NEEDS:
Personal needs—such as clothes, food, water, first aid kit, cash, phones, and chargers.

PRICELESS ITEMS:
Priceless items, including pictures, irreplaceable mementos and other valuables. For more information, visit www.ready.gov and www.ocfl.net/hurricaneguide.

Get Notifications and Stay Informed

Download Orange County, Florida’s OCFL Alert, OCFL News, OCFL 311, OC ALERT mobile applications for free on Apple and Android devices to receive emergency management communications and to stay informed before, during and after a storm.

  • OCFL Alert is an emergency notification and information smartphone app that provides critical information during times of emergency. Life-saving information includes open shelter locations, water and ice distribution centers, evacuation routes, public service announcements and much more.
  • OCFL News provides you with breaking news about Orange County Government in action. Stay informed of important information and emergency news releases through push notifications.
  • OCFL 311 is a smartphone app that allows users to photograph, pinpoint and report any problem you may encounter before, during or after the storm. All of this can be done directly from your smartphone to Orange County’s 311 Service Center.
  • OC ALERT is 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, http://ocalert.net.
  • American Red Cross Emergency App – Monitor conditions in your area or throughout the storm track, prepare your family and home, find help and let others know you are safe even if the power is out.

About Orange County Government: Orange County Government strives to serve its residents and guests with integrity, honesty, fairness and professionalism. Located in Central Florida, Orange County includes 13 municipalities and is home to world-famous theme parks, one of the nation’s largest convention centers and a thriving life science research park. Seven elected members make up the Board of County Commissioners, including the Mayor, who is elected countywide. For more information, please visit www.OCFL.net or go to Orange County Government’s social media channels.

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