Orange County Preparing for Hurricane Dorian

Orange County, Fla. – Based on reports of potential heavy rain, Orange County is working to ensure the County is ready for any effects of Hurricane Dorian.

Sandbags: The County is offering pre-made sandbags to residents on Friday, Aug. 30, 2019 and Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019. To determine the closest location to you, view our interactive sandbag map. Please note that Blanchard Park was previously a self-serve sandbag location and will now be a pre-filled location starting on Aug. 30. The Blanchard site is not available site for sandbags on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019.

The Stormwater Management Division’s infrastructure is ready in case there are power outages, downed trees and significant rainfall impacts from the approaching storm. The County is inspecting all stormwater pump stations and is actively working to ensure we are storm-ready. That includes Orlo Vista, Westside Manor and other areas that are prone to flooding. County equipment and tools are in position for immediate action following any impacts from the storm.

“Orange County emergency officials stand ready to assist residents should Hurricane Dorian impact our area over the next several days.  As we turn our attention to the storm, we encourage residents to gather emergency supplies and pay close attention to television and radio announcements, as well as social media for weather updates. The storm track is uncertain for the next few days, but I highly recommend that all residents prepare now and visit the Orange County website at www.ocfl.net/storm  for updates on county services,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings.

Shelters:  At this time, shelters are not open.  We are working with our community partners to identify locations, quantities, and staffing in preparation.  Orange County will keep the community and media partners up to date when options are available. Visit our Emergency Shelter page for more details.

Special Medical Needs:  Residents and visitors who have no other alternative and/or require transportation assistance to evacuate their homes and/or have a health/medical condition that requires medical attention by a skilled medical professional should prepare to go to a special needs shelter before the storm’s arrival. People with Special Needs Shelter registration is available by dialing 3-1-1. You can also visit our People with Special Needs Registry page for more information.

Hotel/Visitor information: Our region often becomes an evacuation location for coastal residents. Orange County is working closely with Visit Orlando to monitor the overall availability level of hotel rooms in the tri-county area. Visitors with questions or concerns can connect with an expert via live chat at VisitOrlando.com or by calling 800-972-3304. Updated visitor information will be on the website, VisitOrlando.com and on Twitter @VisitOrlando.

Communication Tools: Download Orange County’s news and information apps (www.ocfl.net/apps) free on Apple and Android devices to receive emergency management communications and to stay informed before, during and after the storm.

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 by going to http://ocalert.net.

Yard Waste: Prior to the storm, residents can take their yard waste to various landfill sites (www.ocfl.net/WasteSites) and follow their guidelines as provided.

Emergency Debris Removal: After the storm has passed, Orange County has developed a plan to assist private/gated communities where debris removal is necessary. The County may not remove vegetative debris from private/gated communities because they are private property. Orange County’s plan consists of four options for debris removal. Visit our Emergency Debris Removal page for details.